Swarm, an invite-only professional networking platform that connects consultants in AI, design and software engineering with startup founders, has raised $1.1 million in its pre-seed funding round. Participating in the round were institutional investors Plug and Play APAC and Hustle Fund, along with angel investors such as Paulo Campos of Kaya Founders; Vivek Padmanabhan and Jim Franke, pioneers of the outsourcing industry, as well as early and founding team members at Google, Facebook, and DoorDash.
The tech startup strives to revolutionize the way individuals work by promoting collaboration and trust within its community. Its community-driven strategy sets Swarm apart from other professional headhunting platforms: users within the Swarm network become eligible for client introductions when they are endorsed and referred by fellow users, who stake their reputation in exchange for rewards.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with the support of Hustle Fund, Plug and Play, and everyone who joined this round,” said Dexter Ligot-Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Swarm. “Their strategic guidance and expertise in building startups and in corporate innovation are invaluable as we continue to build a platform that scales the flexible workforce by scaling trust.”
“Swarm is solving the pressing problem of traditional workforces scaling up and down due to market forces post-pandemic,” said Jie Lun Ong, Senior Director, Ventures at Plug and Play APAC.
“Swarm is taking a novel approach to scaling warm referrals by building a community of trust. Their platform facilitates work by empowering individuals to vouch for tech professionals they trust, and reap rewards in return,” said Shiyan Koh, General Partner at Hustle Fund.
About Swarm
Swarm is a tech startup that matches freelance tech builders with entrepreneurs. Their invite-only professional network allows expert fractional tech consultants in the areas of AI, Design, and Software Engineering to ideate, strategize and form freelance teams around startup founder projects. For more information about Swarm, visit swarm.work.
About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 30 locations globally giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 30,000 startups and 400 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. Companies in our community have raised over $9 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Rappi, Dropbox, Lending Club and PayPal.
Swarm is one of our portfolio startups in Plug and Play APAC. As an in-house venture capital, our goal is to fund the teams that are building the defensible businesses of the future. By leveraging our capital, our network of VCs, and our corporate partners, we give our portfolio companies an added advantage. Join our platform today!
