Category Archives: GlobeNewswire

VERB’s ‘Go Fund Yourself’ TV Show to Air First-Ever Marathon on Cheddar TV

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VERB’s ‘Go Fund Yourself’ TV Show to Air First-Ever Marathon on Cheddar TV




VERB’s ‘Go Fund Yourself’ TV Show to Air First-Ever Marathon on Cheddar TV

All Previously Aired Episodes to Stream in Special 3-Hour Broadcast on March 23, 2025

LAS VEGAS and LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), the Company behind MARKET.live, the livestream social shopping platform, telehealth platforms VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com, and GO FUND YOURSELF.show, the TV show disrupting crowdfunding, today announced that Cheddar TV will air the first-ever marathon of VERB’s exciting new show, Go Fund Yourself, on Sunday, March 23, from 1 – 4 PM EST. 

This exclusive event will feature all previously aired episodes of Go Fund Yourself from the first half of Season 1, giving fans and new audiences alike the opportunity to experience the excitement of the Show in a back-to-back, binge-watch marathon format.

Go Fund Yourself Show brings an innovative approach to crowdfunding by combining inspiring presentations by entrepreneurs challenged by the Show’s panel of “Titans,” with cutting-edge technology that allows viewers to click, tap, or scan onscreen icons to invest in these promising new companies and/or purchase their products in near real-time while watching the Show.

Cheddar, a leading news and entertainment network catering to millennial audiences is available in more than 40 million homes across cable, satellite, and OTT platforms. Watched live by more than 3 million monthly viewers, Cheddar also garners hundreds of millions of organic video views each month across social media channels. Additionally, Cheddar broadcasts live from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange every weekday morning.

The 16-episode Show debuted on January 30, 2025, and airs in a coveted weekly prime-time slot Thursdays at 7 PM ET, with each episode airing two additional times per week.

As Go Fund Yourself continues to build momentum, participating businesses, creators, and viewers are encouraged to join the conversation and spread the word that there is this new, democratized approach to accessing capital and investing in pre-IPO companies. Those companies and entrepreneurs seeking broad exposure for their company’s brand, their products, or their crowd-funding round, can apply here. A broadcast-quality professional marketing video and other promotional and marketing assets are provided to those selected to be featured on the Show.

“The response to Go Fund Yourself has been extraordinary, and we’re thrilled to bring this first-ever marathon to Cheddar TV,” said Rory J. Cutaia, the Show’s creator and CEO at VERB. “This event is a testament to the show’s growing impact, and we look forward to introducing it to an even wider audience while celebrating the inspiring entrepreneurs it features.”

In addition to Rory J. Cutaia, the Show’s Titans include David Meltzer, Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and former CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, Jayson Waller, successful serial entrepreneur, founder & CEO of multiple successful businesses, including a billion dollar revenue business, and host of the popular Jayson Waller Unleashed Podcast, and celebrity guest Titans.

The Go Fund Yourself Marathon will air exclusively on Cheddar TV on Sunday, March 23, from 1-4 PM EST. Viewers are invited to tune in, support innovative entrepreneurs, and experience the excitement of real-time interactive TV programming.

ABOUT VERB

Verb Technology Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERB), is the innovative force behind interactive video-based social commerce. The Company operates three business units, each of which leverages its social commerce technology and video marketing expertise. The Company’s MARKET.live platform is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping destination at the forefront of the convergence of e-commerce and entertainment, where brands, retailers, creators, and influencers engage their customers, clients, fans, and followers across multiple social media channels simultaneously. GO FUND YOURSELF!, is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure across social media channels for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons. VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices — without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in Los Alamitos, California.

For more information, please visit: www.verb.tech.

Follow VERB AND MARKET.live here: 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC and the risk factors included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact:
investors@verb.tech

VERB’s ‘Go Fund Yourself’ TV Show to Air First-Ever Marathon on Cheddar TV

Posted on by

VERB’s ‘Go Fund Yourself’ TV Show to Air First-Ever Marathon on Cheddar TV




VERB’s ‘Go Fund Yourself’ TV Show to Air First-Ever Marathon on Cheddar TV

All Previously Aired Episodes to Stream in Special 3-Hour Broadcast on March 23, 2025

LAS VEGAS and LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), the Company behind MARKET.live, the livestream social shopping platform, telehealth platforms VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com, and GO FUND YOURSELF.show, the TV show disrupting crowdfunding, today announced that Cheddar TV will air the first-ever marathon of VERB’s exciting new show, Go Fund Yourself, on Sunday, March 23, from 1 – 4 PM EST. 

This exclusive event will feature all previously aired episodes of Go Fund Yourself from the first half of Season 1, giving fans and new audiences alike the opportunity to experience the excitement of the Show in a back-to-back, binge-watch marathon format.

Go Fund Yourself Show brings an innovative approach to crowdfunding by combining inspiring presentations by entrepreneurs challenged by the Show’s panel of “Titans,” with cutting-edge technology that allows viewers to click, tap, or scan onscreen icons to invest in these promising new companies and/or purchase their products in near real-time while watching the Show.

Cheddar, a leading news and entertainment network catering to millennial audiences is available in more than 40 million homes across cable, satellite, and OTT platforms. Watched live by more than 3 million monthly viewers, Cheddar also garners hundreds of millions of organic video views each month across social media channels. Additionally, Cheddar broadcasts live from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange every weekday morning.

The 16-episode Show debuted on January 30, 2025, and airs in a coveted weekly prime-time slot Thursdays at 7 PM ET, with each episode airing two additional times per week.

As Go Fund Yourself continues to build momentum, participating businesses, creators, and viewers are encouraged to join the conversation and spread the word that there is this new, democratized approach to accessing capital and investing in pre-IPO companies. Those companies and entrepreneurs seeking broad exposure for their company’s brand, their products, or their crowd-funding round, can apply here. A broadcast-quality professional marketing video and other promotional and marketing assets are provided to those selected to be featured on the Show.

“The response to Go Fund Yourself has been extraordinary, and we’re thrilled to bring this first-ever marathon to Cheddar TV,” said Rory J. Cutaia, the Show’s creator and CEO at VERB. “This event is a testament to the show’s growing impact, and we look forward to introducing it to an even wider audience while celebrating the inspiring entrepreneurs it features.”

In addition to Rory J. Cutaia, the Show’s Titans include David Meltzer, Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and former CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, Jayson Waller, successful serial entrepreneur, founder & CEO of multiple successful businesses, including a billion dollar revenue business, and host of the popular Jayson Waller Unleashed Podcast, and celebrity guest Titans.

The Go Fund Yourself Marathon will air exclusively on Cheddar TV on Sunday, March 23, from 1-4 PM EST. Viewers are invited to tune in, support innovative entrepreneurs, and experience the excitement of real-time interactive TV programming.

ABOUT VERB

Verb Technology Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERB), is the innovative force behind interactive video-based social commerce. The Company operates three business units, each of which leverages its social commerce technology and video marketing expertise. The Company’s MARKET.live platform is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping destination at the forefront of the convergence of e-commerce and entertainment, where brands, retailers, creators, and influencers engage their customers, clients, fans, and followers across multiple social media channels simultaneously. GO FUND YOURSELF!, is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure across social media channels for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons. VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices — without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in Los Alamitos, California.

For more information, please visit: www.verb.tech.

Follow VERB AND MARKET.live here: 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC and the risk factors included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact:
investors@verb.tech

ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to transform debt collection, starting with MENA

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ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to transform debt collection, starting with MENA




ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to transform debt collection, starting with MENA

AI-powered platform doubles speed to resolution and increases borrower engagement by 60% as the region’s $500B consumer lending market grows amid tightening consumer protection regulations.

Dubai, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Debt collection in MENA is stuck in the past – a fragmented landscape of manual processes, aggressive tactics, and poor outcomes that costs lenders billions while punishing borrowers. As the region’s $500 billion consumer lending market surges and consumer protection regulations tighten, traditional collection methods cannot deliver the reliable capital flows needed to maintain harmony in financial ecosystems. Today, ClearGrid announces its launch from stealth with $10M in funding to build the first modern debt collection infrastructure for the digital age, turning what was once a liability into a competitive advantage that reinforces the financial foundation of the entire MENA region.

The funding comes across two rounds, with the pre-seed round co-led by Raed Ventures and Beco Capital, and the seed round co-led by Nuwa Capital and Raed Ventures. Additional institutional investors include Aramco’s Waed Ventures, KBW Ventures, Sharaka, 9yards Capital, Protagonist, BYLD, Eirad Holdings, Endeavor Catalyst, and Wamda Capital. The round also attracted marquee angel investors*.

ClearGrid team is on a mission to transform collections in MENA.

The company was founded by Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, Mohammad Al Zaben, and Mohammad Al Khalili, who recognized that at its core, debt collection is fundamentally an information and coordination problem. After encountering these challenges firsthand in their careers, they set out to replace aggressive tactics with data-driven, compassionate solutions that work better for both sides of the equation – creating the equilibrium necessary for healthy economic growth.

Co-Founder & CEO, Mohammad Al Zaben, said: “Collections should be an extension of good lending—not an afterthought. At ClearGrid, we’re reimagining debt resolution from the ground up, giving lenders the intelligence and tools they need to recover capital effectively while creating better outcomes for borrowers.”

ClearGrid founders: Mohammad Khalili and Mohammad Al Zaben. 

ClearGrid offers an AI-powered collections platform that automates every step of the recovery process – from borrower engagement to negotiations – helping lenders scale while providing a better borrower experience. By combining AI, self-service tools, and omni-channel outreach, ClearGrid reduces resolution times and increases recovery rates.

Since its launch in 2024, ClearGrid has managed hundreds of millions in debt portfolios and secured partnerships with the largest fintech players in the Middle East and leading MENA banks. The company has signed over 10 major enterprise clients and built a robust pipeline for 2025, which includes expanding revenue in the UAE and entering the KSA market. Perhaps most impressive, ClearGrid has achieved profitability for its UAE operation within just a year of launch, though the company remains focused on scaling rather than profitability at this stage.

ClearGrid platform: provides an overview of the complete debt recovery process.

ClearGrid’s impact has been transformative. A major UAE bank doubled borrower engagement, leading to a 30% improvement in recovery rates. Leveraging ClearGrid’s AI-powered automation, a leading BNPL provider saw its early-stage debt resolution fully automated—with 95% of cases handled without human intervention—resulting in a doubling of performance and an outstanding 4.8/5 CSAT score. Beyond the numbers, borrowers who previously ignored traditional collection calls have started engaging when they feel their voice is heard and offered better options, like, principal waivers and flexible repayment plans. This improved borrower-lender dynamic builds economic confidence, reduces financial stress, and supports the stable credit markets that power economic development.

Co-Founder & Chairman of ClearGrid KSA, Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, said: “Financial systems must evolve with the digital world. Debt resolution should be a bridge to stability, not a roadblock. At ClearGrid, we’re redefining collections with a data-driven, technology-first approach that strengthens trust, ensuring credit fuels growth not distress. This is just the first step in building the infrastructure for the future of debt resolution.” 

As digital lending accelerates across the MENA region, the need for efficient, technology-driven collections solutions grows. Lenders are seeking ways to improve borrower experiences and gain insights from data – a demand that ClearGrid is uniquely positioned to meet. While legacy collection agencies remain stuck in old models with manual outreach and poor borrower experiences, ClearGrid’s AI-driven approach is faster, smarter, and delivers a fundamentally better experience.

Founding Partner at Raed Ventures, Omar Majdouie, said: “ClearGrid is tackling a critical pain point in the MENA debt collection industry with a truly innovative approach. Their AI-powered platform not only drives significant operational efficiencies for lenders but also fosters a more positive and sustainable relationship with borrowers. This balance is essential for the healthy growth of the region’s digital lending landscape, and we’re excited to support their mission to modernize collections and drive financial inclusion across the region.”

Founding Partner at Nuwa Capital, Khaled Talhouni, said: “We invest in founders who see inefficiencies as opportunities for reinvention. Khalid, Mohammad, and Mohammed are doing exactly that with ClearGrid—turning debt resolution from a fragmented, outdated process into a unique commercial opportunity. By leveraging AI and automation, they are not just improving collections but fundamentally reshaping how lenders engage with borrowers, setting a new standard for the industry.”

Looking ahead, ClearGrid’s vision extends far beyond its current offerings to tackle wider challenges in the lending life cycle. The company plans to build cutting-edge collections systems leveraging AI and machine learning, develop a comprehensive enterprise platform for early risk detection and credit orchestration, and unlock new revenue streams through alternative risk assessments, AI-powered debt counseling, and debt consolidation. This ambitious roadmap positions ClearGrid not just as a collections solution, but as the foundation for a more transparent, efficient financial system across MENA and beyond.

*List of angels: Anu Hariharan (Avra), Jason Gardner (Marqeta), Bjorn Wagner (Parity Technologies), Amjad Masad (Replit), Vinay Menda (Blank Street), Justin Kan (Twitch), Mohammed Ballout (Kitopi), Sultan Olayan, Ahmed Alenazi (Barq), Ahmed Hamdan (Unifonic), and additional founders from the US and MENA. 

Ends 

Notes to the editor
Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

About ClearGrid
ClearGrid is a technology company dedicated to building modern collections infrastructure that empowers lenders and improves borrower outcomes. Leveraging AI and data-driven insights, ClearGrid offers end-to-end solutions that streamline debt resolution, reduce costs, and drive recovery rates for financial institutions. Founded in late 2023, the company operates from the UAE and is rapidly expanding across the MENA region. For more information please visit https://www.cleargrid.ai/

Ends 

Notes to the editor
Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

About ClearGrid
ClearGrid is a technology company dedicated to building modern collections infrastructure that empowers lenders and improves borrower outcomes. Leveraging AI and data-driven insights, ClearGrid offers end-to-end solutions that streamline debt resolution, reduce costs, and drive recovery rates for financial institutions. Founded in late 2023, the company operates from the UAE and is rapidly expanding across the MENA region.

About Raed Ventures
Raed Ventures is a Saudi-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups across MENA. The firm partners with ambitious entrepreneurs to support their growth and create long-term value through strategic investments and market expertise.

About Beco Capital
Beco Capital is a leading venture capital firm in the MENA region, investing in technology companies that are transforming industries. With a focus on empowering entrepreneurs, Beco Capital has been a key backer of some of the region’s most successful startups.

About Nuwa Capital
Nuwa Capital is a forward-thinking venture capital firm that partners with founders redefining markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. The firm provides capital, strategic guidance, and a global network to help startups scale rapidly.

CONTACT: For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to transform debt collection, starting with MENA

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ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to transform debt collection, starting with MENA




ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to transform debt collection, starting with MENA

AI-powered platform doubles speed to resolution and increases borrower engagement by 60% as the region’s $500B consumer lending market grows amid tightening consumer protection regulations.

Dubai, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Debt collection in MENA is stuck in the past – a fragmented landscape of manual processes, aggressive tactics, and poor outcomes that costs lenders billions while punishing borrowers. As the region’s $500 billion consumer lending market surges and consumer protection regulations tighten, traditional collection methods cannot deliver the reliable capital flows needed to maintain harmony in financial ecosystems. Today, ClearGrid announces its launch from stealth with $10M in funding to build the first modern debt collection infrastructure for the digital age, turning what was once a liability into a competitive advantage that reinforces the financial foundation of the entire MENA region.

The funding comes across two rounds, with the pre-seed round co-led by Raed Ventures and Beco Capital, and the seed round co-led by Nuwa Capital and Raed Ventures. Additional institutional investors include Aramco’s Waed Ventures, KBW Ventures, Sharaka, 9yards Capital, Protagonist, BYLD, Eirad Holdings, Endeavor Catalyst, and Wamda Capital. The round also attracted marquee angel investors*.

ClearGrid team is on a mission to transform collections in MENA.

The company was founded by Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, Mohammad Al Zaben, and Mohammad Al Khalili, who recognized that at its core, debt collection is fundamentally an information and coordination problem. After encountering these challenges firsthand in their careers, they set out to replace aggressive tactics with data-driven, compassionate solutions that work better for both sides of the equation – creating the equilibrium necessary for healthy economic growth.

Co-Founder & CEO, Mohammad Al Zaben, said: “Collections should be an extension of good lending—not an afterthought. At ClearGrid, we’re reimagining debt resolution from the ground up, giving lenders the intelligence and tools they need to recover capital effectively while creating better outcomes for borrowers.”

ClearGrid founders: Mohammad Khalili and Mohammad Al Zaben. 

ClearGrid offers an AI-powered collections platform that automates every step of the recovery process – from borrower engagement to negotiations – helping lenders scale while providing a better borrower experience. By combining AI, self-service tools, and omni-channel outreach, ClearGrid reduces resolution times and increases recovery rates.

Since its launch in 2024, ClearGrid has managed hundreds of millions in debt portfolios and secured partnerships with the largest fintech players in the Middle East and leading MENA banks. The company has signed over 10 major enterprise clients and built a robust pipeline for 2025, which includes expanding revenue in the UAE and entering the KSA market. Perhaps most impressive, ClearGrid has achieved profitability for its UAE operation within just a year of launch, though the company remains focused on scaling rather than profitability at this stage.

ClearGrid platform: provides an overview of the complete debt recovery process.

ClearGrid’s impact has been transformative. A major UAE bank doubled borrower engagement, leading to a 30% improvement in recovery rates. Leveraging ClearGrid’s AI-powered automation, a leading BNPL provider saw its early-stage debt resolution fully automated—with 95% of cases handled without human intervention—resulting in a doubling of performance and an outstanding 4.8/5 CSAT score. Beyond the numbers, borrowers who previously ignored traditional collection calls have started engaging when they feel their voice is heard and offered better options, like, principal waivers and flexible repayment plans. This improved borrower-lender dynamic builds economic confidence, reduces financial stress, and supports the stable credit markets that power economic development.

Co-Founder & Chairman of ClearGrid KSA, Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, said: “Financial systems must evolve with the digital world. Debt resolution should be a bridge to stability, not a roadblock. At ClearGrid, we’re redefining collections with a data-driven, technology-first approach that strengthens trust, ensuring credit fuels growth not distress. This is just the first step in building the infrastructure for the future of debt resolution.” 

As digital lending accelerates across the MENA region, the need for efficient, technology-driven collections solutions grows. Lenders are seeking ways to improve borrower experiences and gain insights from data – a demand that ClearGrid is uniquely positioned to meet. While legacy collection agencies remain stuck in old models with manual outreach and poor borrower experiences, ClearGrid’s AI-driven approach is faster, smarter, and delivers a fundamentally better experience.

Founding Partner at Raed Ventures, Omar Majdouie, said: “ClearGrid is tackling a critical pain point in the MENA debt collection industry with a truly innovative approach. Their AI-powered platform not only drives significant operational efficiencies for lenders but also fosters a more positive and sustainable relationship with borrowers. This balance is essential for the healthy growth of the region’s digital lending landscape, and we’re excited to support their mission to modernize collections and drive financial inclusion across the region.”

Founding Partner at Nuwa Capital, Khaled Talhouni, said: “We invest in founders who see inefficiencies as opportunities for reinvention. Khalid, Mohammad, and Mohammed are doing exactly that with ClearGrid—turning debt resolution from a fragmented, outdated process into a unique commercial opportunity. By leveraging AI and automation, they are not just improving collections but fundamentally reshaping how lenders engage with borrowers, setting a new standard for the industry.”

Looking ahead, ClearGrid’s vision extends far beyond its current offerings to tackle wider challenges in the lending life cycle. The company plans to build cutting-edge collections systems leveraging AI and machine learning, develop a comprehensive enterprise platform for early risk detection and credit orchestration, and unlock new revenue streams through alternative risk assessments, AI-powered debt counseling, and debt consolidation. This ambitious roadmap positions ClearGrid not just as a collections solution, but as the foundation for a more transparent, efficient financial system across MENA and beyond.

*List of angels: Anu Hariharan (Avra), Jason Gardner (Marqeta), Bjorn Wagner (Parity Technologies), Amjad Masad (Replit), Vinay Menda (Blank Street), Justin Kan (Twitch), Mohammed Ballout (Kitopi), Sultan Olayan, Ahmed Alenazi (Barq), Ahmed Hamdan (Unifonic), and additional founders from the US and MENA. 

Ends 

Notes to the editor
Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

About ClearGrid
ClearGrid is a technology company dedicated to building modern collections infrastructure that empowers lenders and improves borrower outcomes. Leveraging AI and data-driven insights, ClearGrid offers end-to-end solutions that streamline debt resolution, reduce costs, and drive recovery rates for financial institutions. Founded in late 2023, the company operates from the UAE and is rapidly expanding across the MENA region. For more information please visit https://www.cleargrid.ai/

Ends 

Notes to the editor
Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

About ClearGrid
ClearGrid is a technology company dedicated to building modern collections infrastructure that empowers lenders and improves borrower outcomes. Leveraging AI and data-driven insights, ClearGrid offers end-to-end solutions that streamline debt resolution, reduce costs, and drive recovery rates for financial institutions. Founded in late 2023, the company operates from the UAE and is rapidly expanding across the MENA region.

About Raed Ventures
Raed Ventures is a Saudi-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups across MENA. The firm partners with ambitious entrepreneurs to support their growth and create long-term value through strategic investments and market expertise.

About Beco Capital
Beco Capital is a leading venture capital firm in the MENA region, investing in technology companies that are transforming industries. With a focus on empowering entrepreneurs, Beco Capital has been a key backer of some of the region’s most successful startups.

About Nuwa Capital
Nuwa Capital is a forward-thinking venture capital firm that partners with founders redefining markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. The firm provides capital, strategic guidance, and a global network to help startups scale rapidly.

CONTACT: For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

Scimplify bags $40M to transform specialty chemicals manufacturing amid global supply chain upheaval

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Scimplify bags $40M to transform specialty chemicals manufacturing amid global supply chain upheaval




Scimplify bags $40M to transform specialty chemicals manufacturing amid global supply chain upheaval

Fluctuating tariffs and geopolitical tensions are forcing industries to find innovative manufacturing solutions. The Scimplify platform is a full-stack solution, combining scientific expertise with a network of specialized plants to alleviate the traditional supply chain issues, providing a responsive ecosystem to adapt to market needs.

Houston, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The global chemical supply chain is being rewritten. Fluctuating tariffs, trade wars, and growing geopolitical tensions are forcing critical industries to scramble for new manufacturing solutions. In specialty chemicals – the essential ingredients powering everything from pharmaceuticals to agriculture – this disruption is even more acute due to a fragmented and inflexible supply base. Today, Scimplify announces a $40 million Series B funding round to scale its revolutionary platform that’s fundamentally transforming how specialty chemicals are developed, manufactured, and distributed worldwide.

The $40m series B funding round was co-led by Accel and Bertelsmann India Investments with participation from UMI and existing investors including Omnivore and 3one4 Capital. This latest round brings Scimplify’s total funding to $54 million, following $13.5 million raised across seed and Series A rounds. The investment will supercharge the company’s already impressive international growth, with exports currently reaching 16 countries and plans to aggressively expand both geographically and into new industry segments.

Scimpify founders: (L to R) Salil Srivastava, Sachin Santhosh and Dheeraj Dhingra.

Founded in mid-2023, the company’s co-founders include Salil Srivastava, Sachin Santhosh, and Dheeraj Dhingra. These veterans spent the previous decade bringing Indian factories to a global customer base, Scimplify brings specialty chemical manufacturing under one roof. Their breakthrough approach: a full-stack solution that combines in-house scientific expertise with a massive network of over 200 specialized manufacturing plants across low-cost regions. This creates a true ‘plug and play’ alternative to traditional manufacturing – customers simply bring their chemical needs, and Scimplify handles everything from R&D to specialized production, leveraging the perfect manufacturing partner for each specific chemistry without the capital investment or operational complexity of traditional approaches.

“Global supply chains are shifting like never before,” says Sachin Santhosh, Co-Founder at Scimplify. “For decades, specialty chemical manufacturers have invested millions in facilities that can only produce a handful of compounds, often running at partial capacity while lacking R&D capabilities. This creates a paradox: excess capacity alongside supply shortages. We’ve flipped this model, connecting our scientific teams with hundreds of manufacturing plants to create a responsive ecosystem that can adapt as market needs shift.”

The timing for this couldn’t be more critical. As countries move to secure their supply chains and reduce dependencies on single regions, the specialty chemicals sector faces a once-in-a-generation transformation. The impact of Scimplify’s approach is being felt immediately. US customers previously locked into Chinese supply chains for critical specialty chemicals are now accessing superior alternatives from India without the headaches of establishing ground teams or navigating complex onboarding processes. This allows them to accelerate innovation while building more resilient and cost-effective supply networks. Scimplify offers a full stack model to its customers where they can entrust end to end supply responsibilities for key products under one umbrella. 

The company now serves leading innovators and manufacturers across life sciences, crop sciences, and industrial chemicals in major markets including the US, Europe and Japan.

What separates Scimplify from traditional manufacturers is its speed and flexibility. While competitors remain anchored to fixed assets and limited chemistries, Scimplify can rapidly pivot across different chemical processes and scale production based on real-time customer needs. Their R&D capabilities provide expertise typically inaccessible to individual manufacturers, allowing them to solve complex chemical challenges that others simply cannot address.

“Each specialty chemical requires significant scientific know-how and R&D investment,” adds Sachin Santhosh. “We’ve built a model that brings together the best scientific minds with hundreds of highly specialized manufacturing plants, creating a chemistry powerhouse that can tackle virtually any chemical challenge across critical industries.”

Rachit Parekh, Principal at Accel said, “The global supply chain for specialty chemicals is at an inflection point. Traditional manufacturing supply chains, lack the flexibility required in todays geopolitical environment as well as the rapid changes in end customer requirements. Scimplify is building an R&D led global manufacturing network which allows for flexibility coupled with innovation. At Accel, we have had a long standing thesis that R&D led speciality chemical companies which take advantage of the deep pool of manufacturing capabiltiies in India and globally can create global giants. We have been following the Scimplify journey from day 0 and their execution has been impressive. We look forward to this partnership and working with the team over the next decade.”

Rohit Sood, Partner at Bertelsmann India Investments added: “We are excited to significantly double down on our commitment to Scimplify, after our initial investment last year. Their execution on the ground has been among the best we’ve seen, driving not just impressive topline growth but also a rapid multi-country export scale-up and the establishment of a cutting-edge R&D facility in Hyderabad. Scimplify is uniquely positioned to harness India’s strengths in specialty chemicals and capitalize on the evolving dynamics of global procurement in this sector.”

Looking ahead, Scimplify plans to aggressively expand its international footprint while continually adding new industry segments through enhanced R&D capabilities. The company is positioning itself at the center of a fundamental shift in global chemical manufacturing, building the infrastructure for a more resilient, innovative, and responsive industry.

Ends 

Media images can be found here. 

About Scimplify
Scimplify is a full-stack platform for specialty chemicals, offering products across key industries like Agrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Flavors & Fragrances, Industrial Chemicals, and more. With an in-house R&D team of scientists and a network of manufacturing plants, we deliver cost-efficient, scalable solutions globally to customers. Combining advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and digital capabilities, we transform the chemical manufacturing value chain. For more information, please visit https://www.scimplify.com/

About Accel 
Accel is a global venture capital firm that aims to be the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere (Facebook, Flipkart, etc.), from inception through all phases of private company growth. Accel has been operating in India since 2008, and its investments include companies like BookMyShow, Browserstack, Flipkart, Freshworks, FalconX, Infra.Market, Chargebee, Clevertap, Cure Fit, Musigma, Moneyview, Mensa Brands, Myntra, Moglix, Ninjacart, Swiggy, Stanza Living, Urban Company, Zetwerk, and Zenoti, among many others. We help ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses. For more, visit: www.accel.com

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Scimplify press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

Scimplify bags $40M to transform specialty chemicals manufacturing amid global supply chain upheaval

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Scimplify bags $40M to transform specialty chemicals manufacturing amid global supply chain upheaval




Scimplify bags $40M to transform specialty chemicals manufacturing amid global supply chain upheaval

Fluctuating tariffs and geopolitical tensions are forcing industries to find innovative manufacturing solutions. The Scimplify platform is a full-stack solution, combining scientific expertise with a network of specialized plants to alleviate the traditional supply chain issues, providing a responsive ecosystem to adapt to market needs.

Houston, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The global chemical supply chain is being rewritten. Fluctuating tariffs, trade wars, and growing geopolitical tensions are forcing critical industries to scramble for new manufacturing solutions. In specialty chemicals – the essential ingredients powering everything from pharmaceuticals to agriculture – this disruption is even more acute due to a fragmented and inflexible supply base. Today, Scimplify announces a $40 million Series B funding round to scale its revolutionary platform that’s fundamentally transforming how specialty chemicals are developed, manufactured, and distributed worldwide.

The $40m series B funding round was co-led by Accel and Bertelsmann India Investments with participation from UMI and existing investors including Omnivore and 3one4 Capital. This latest round brings Scimplify’s total funding to $54 million, following $13.5 million raised across seed and Series A rounds. The investment will supercharge the company’s already impressive international growth, with exports currently reaching 16 countries and plans to aggressively expand both geographically and into new industry segments.

Scimpify founders: (L to R) Salil Srivastava, Sachin Santhosh and Dheeraj Dhingra.

Founded in mid-2023, the company’s co-founders include Salil Srivastava, Sachin Santhosh, and Dheeraj Dhingra. These veterans spent the previous decade bringing Indian factories to a global customer base, Scimplify brings specialty chemical manufacturing under one roof. Their breakthrough approach: a full-stack solution that combines in-house scientific expertise with a massive network of over 200 specialized manufacturing plants across low-cost regions. This creates a true ‘plug and play’ alternative to traditional manufacturing – customers simply bring their chemical needs, and Scimplify handles everything from R&D to specialized production, leveraging the perfect manufacturing partner for each specific chemistry without the capital investment or operational complexity of traditional approaches.

“Global supply chains are shifting like never before,” says Sachin Santhosh, Co-Founder at Scimplify. “For decades, specialty chemical manufacturers have invested millions in facilities that can only produce a handful of compounds, often running at partial capacity while lacking R&D capabilities. This creates a paradox: excess capacity alongside supply shortages. We’ve flipped this model, connecting our scientific teams with hundreds of manufacturing plants to create a responsive ecosystem that can adapt as market needs shift.”

The timing for this couldn’t be more critical. As countries move to secure their supply chains and reduce dependencies on single regions, the specialty chemicals sector faces a once-in-a-generation transformation. The impact of Scimplify’s approach is being felt immediately. US customers previously locked into Chinese supply chains for critical specialty chemicals are now accessing superior alternatives from India without the headaches of establishing ground teams or navigating complex onboarding processes. This allows them to accelerate innovation while building more resilient and cost-effective supply networks. Scimplify offers a full stack model to its customers where they can entrust end to end supply responsibilities for key products under one umbrella. 

The company now serves leading innovators and manufacturers across life sciences, crop sciences, and industrial chemicals in major markets including the US, Europe and Japan.

What separates Scimplify from traditional manufacturers is its speed and flexibility. While competitors remain anchored to fixed assets and limited chemistries, Scimplify can rapidly pivot across different chemical processes and scale production based on real-time customer needs. Their R&D capabilities provide expertise typically inaccessible to individual manufacturers, allowing them to solve complex chemical challenges that others simply cannot address.

“Each specialty chemical requires significant scientific know-how and R&D investment,” adds Sachin Santhosh. “We’ve built a model that brings together the best scientific minds with hundreds of highly specialized manufacturing plants, creating a chemistry powerhouse that can tackle virtually any chemical challenge across critical industries.”

Rachit Parekh, Principal at Accel said, “The global supply chain for specialty chemicals is at an inflection point. Traditional manufacturing supply chains, lack the flexibility required in todays geopolitical environment as well as the rapid changes in end customer requirements. Scimplify is building an R&D led global manufacturing network which allows for flexibility coupled with innovation. At Accel, we have had a long standing thesis that R&D led speciality chemical companies which take advantage of the deep pool of manufacturing capabiltiies in India and globally can create global giants. We have been following the Scimplify journey from day 0 and their execution has been impressive. We look forward to this partnership and working with the team over the next decade.”

Rohit Sood, Partner at Bertelsmann India Investments added: “We are excited to significantly double down on our commitment to Scimplify, after our initial investment last year. Their execution on the ground has been among the best we’ve seen, driving not just impressive topline growth but also a rapid multi-country export scale-up and the establishment of a cutting-edge R&D facility in Hyderabad. Scimplify is uniquely positioned to harness India’s strengths in specialty chemicals and capitalize on the evolving dynamics of global procurement in this sector.”

Looking ahead, Scimplify plans to aggressively expand its international footprint while continually adding new industry segments through enhanced R&D capabilities. The company is positioning itself at the center of a fundamental shift in global chemical manufacturing, building the infrastructure for a more resilient, innovative, and responsive industry.

Ends 

Media images can be found here. 

About Scimplify
Scimplify is a full-stack platform for specialty chemicals, offering products across key industries like Agrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Flavors & Fragrances, Industrial Chemicals, and more. With an in-house R&D team of scientists and a network of manufacturing plants, we deliver cost-efficient, scalable solutions globally to customers. Combining advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and digital capabilities, we transform the chemical manufacturing value chain. For more information, please visit https://www.scimplify.com/

About Accel 
Accel is a global venture capital firm that aims to be the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere (Facebook, Flipkart, etc.), from inception through all phases of private company growth. Accel has been operating in India since 2008, and its investments include companies like BookMyShow, Browserstack, Flipkart, Freshworks, FalconX, Infra.Market, Chargebee, Clevertap, Cure Fit, Musigma, Moneyview, Mensa Brands, Myntra, Moglix, Ninjacart, Swiggy, Stanza Living, Urban Company, Zetwerk, and Zenoti, among many others. We help ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses. For more, visit: www.accel.com

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Scimplify press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

Andrew Northwall Joins Louder.ai as Chief Strategy Officer

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Andrew Northwall Joins Louder.ai as Chief Strategy Officer




Andrew Northwall Joins Louder.ai as Chief Strategy Officer

NEW YORK, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Louder.ai, the groundbreaking programmatic advertising platform that enables real-time crowdfunding to amplify impactful messages, is proud to announce Andrew Northwall’s appointment as its new Chief Strategy Officer.

A seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, engineer, and political strategist, Northwall brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of media, technology, and politics. His expertise in digital infrastructure, strategic operations, and voter engagement will further propel Louder.ai as the premier platform for organizations looking to extend the reach of their advertising through targeted, crowdfunded amplification.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Andrew Northwall, a true force in electronic media and political strategy, as the Chief Strategy Officer of Louder.ai,” said Dr. Keith Ablow, co-founder of Louder.ai. “Andrew’s knowledge, experience, and instincts will help Louder.ai solidify its position as a groundbreaking advertising technology that can be a determining factor in winning political races, branding and expanding charities, and getting the word out about game-changing companies.”

Louder.ai’s patented technology allows viewers of its advertisements to contribute funds—whether one dollar or thousands—to increase the reach of messages that resonate with them. This innovation has already empowered political campaigns, charities, documentaries, and transformative companies to break through traditional advertising limitations, generating millions of additional impressions by leveraging real-time crowdfunding from engaged audiences.

Northwall’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Louder.ai as it continues to disrupt the digital advertising space.

A Proven Leader in Media & Technology

Before joining Louder.ai, Northwall played a key role in shaping the conservative digital media landscape. He advised the social media platform Parler before assuming a leadership position at Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (TMTG), where he served as Chief Operating Officer from December 2021 to September 2024. At TMTG, Northwall oversaw operations of Truth Social and led the development of Truth+, navigating complex digital challenges while successfully taking TMTG public on Nasdaq under the symbol $DJT. His tenure cemented the company as a formidable force in alternative media.

Beyond TMTG, Northwall has remained deeply involved in the tech sector, advising startups in artificial intelligence, digital media, and communications. His strategic insight has made him a sought-after consultant for businesses, government entities, political campaigns, and PACs, helping them harness technology to drive engagement, operational efficiency, and growth.

Now, as Chief Strategy Officer of Louder.ai, Northwall will leverage his unmatched expertise in digital advertising, political strategy, and emerging technologies to expand the platform’s impact.

About Louder.ai

Louder.ai is a patented, disruptive programmatic advertising platform that enables real-time crowdfunding to amplify the reach of any advertisement. By allowing engaged viewers to fund the expansion of messages they support, Louder.ai empowers political campaigns, nonprofits, and businesses to extend their reach across thousands of websites, unlocking millions of additional impressions. With cutting-edge hyper-targeting capabilities, Louder.ai is revolutionizing the way organizations engage with audiences and maximize their advertising impact.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tiffany Bartholomew
Tiffany@louder.ai

Andrew Northwall Joins Louder.ai as Chief Strategy Officer

Posted on by

Andrew Northwall Joins Louder.ai as Chief Strategy Officer




Andrew Northwall Joins Louder.ai as Chief Strategy Officer

NEW YORK, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Louder.ai, the groundbreaking programmatic advertising platform that enables real-time crowdfunding to amplify impactful messages, is proud to announce Andrew Northwall’s appointment as its new Chief Strategy Officer.

A seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, engineer, and political strategist, Northwall brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of media, technology, and politics. His expertise in digital infrastructure, strategic operations, and voter engagement will further propel Louder.ai as the premier platform for organizations looking to extend the reach of their advertising through targeted, crowdfunded amplification.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Andrew Northwall, a true force in electronic media and political strategy, as the Chief Strategy Officer of Louder.ai,” said Dr. Keith Ablow, co-founder of Louder.ai. “Andrew’s knowledge, experience, and instincts will help Louder.ai solidify its position as a groundbreaking advertising technology that can be a determining factor in winning political races, branding and expanding charities, and getting the word out about game-changing companies.”

Louder.ai’s patented technology allows viewers of its advertisements to contribute funds—whether one dollar or thousands—to increase the reach of messages that resonate with them. This innovation has already empowered political campaigns, charities, documentaries, and transformative companies to break through traditional advertising limitations, generating millions of additional impressions by leveraging real-time crowdfunding from engaged audiences.

Northwall’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Louder.ai as it continues to disrupt the digital advertising space.

A Proven Leader in Media & Technology

Before joining Louder.ai, Northwall played a key role in shaping the conservative digital media landscape. He advised the social media platform Parler before assuming a leadership position at Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (TMTG), where he served as Chief Operating Officer from December 2021 to September 2024. At TMTG, Northwall oversaw operations of Truth Social and led the development of Truth+, navigating complex digital challenges while successfully taking TMTG public on Nasdaq under the symbol $DJT. His tenure cemented the company as a formidable force in alternative media.

Beyond TMTG, Northwall has remained deeply involved in the tech sector, advising startups in artificial intelligence, digital media, and communications. His strategic insight has made him a sought-after consultant for businesses, government entities, political campaigns, and PACs, helping them harness technology to drive engagement, operational efficiency, and growth.

Now, as Chief Strategy Officer of Louder.ai, Northwall will leverage his unmatched expertise in digital advertising, political strategy, and emerging technologies to expand the platform’s impact.

About Louder.ai

Louder.ai is a patented, disruptive programmatic advertising platform that enables real-time crowdfunding to amplify the reach of any advertisement. By allowing engaged viewers to fund the expansion of messages they support, Louder.ai empowers political campaigns, nonprofits, and businesses to extend their reach across thousands of websites, unlocking millions of additional impressions. With cutting-edge hyper-targeting capabilities, Louder.ai is revolutionizing the way organizations engage with audiences and maximize their advertising impact.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tiffany Bartholomew
Tiffany@louder.ai

Unvale raises $1.8M to grow their AI-free social platform for creatives

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Unvale raises $1.8M to grow their AI-free social platform for creatives




Unvale raises $1.8M to grow their AI-free social platform for creatives

Creators are building the next Game of Thrones and Marvel Comic Universe on Unvale–a social platform for creatives to develop stories, grow an audience, and self-publish. Twenty thousand aspiring illustrators and writers are already developing stories that will fuel future global hits. With Unvale, the creative process isn’t isolated anymore.

Chicago, March 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — User-generated content is taking over the media industry. Platforms like YouTube, Roblox, and TikTok now dominate youth media consumption as authentic, creator-led content flourishes–on pace to become a $650bn market by 2030. But short-form video has dominated thus far, leaving out long-form illustrators, writers, and storytellers from the benefits of the creator economy–until now.

Unvale is a creator platform for creatives. A space for illustrators, writers and storytellers to share their work, be discovered, and self-publish long-form content. With over 20k monthly active users publishing 160k original creations per month–receiving over 1MM comments and social engagements. Unvale is today announcing a $1.8M funding round to continue to grow their userbase and implement new content types and social features.

The pre-seed round investors included Antler, Graham & Walker, Ganas Ventures, GFR Fund, LongJump VC, Network Ventures, and Vitalize Angels. 

Unvale founders Bri Clark and Casey Lawlor.

Before Unvale, creatives would use separate platforms to develop creative work and then try to grow an audience–often via social platforms that favored video creators with massive audiences. Unvale combines the content development and audience growth. Users build their stories piece by piece, sharing characters, concept art, maps, and events to their audience as they go. Each piece is a discoverable social post that gets fans excited about the larger narrative they are creating. Each interaction motivates them to keep improving and growing as a storyteller. 

The Unvale founders Casey Lawlor and Bri Clark believe the future minds behind the next Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Marvel Comic Universe will not be wasting their time publishing 280 character tweets or creating 15-second TikToks to promote their work. Instead, they will build on Unvale, making discovery and audience growth part of their creative process. Then when these future superstars are ready to publish something big–a webcomic, illustrated series, novel, or larger narrative–their audience is already engaged and eagerly awaiting their release. 

Creatives on Unvale now have 320k total followers watching their stories unfold. Almost every piece of content on Unvale has engagement or a comment from a real user motivating them to keep building. Users report this engagement as the number one most motivating force to keep them coming back and developing their work long-term.

Unvale is a space for illustrators, writers and storytellers to share their work, be discovered, and self-publish long-form content.

Unvale’s key insight was understanding the creation and consumption preferences of younger users. They launched as a character creation platform targeting the place where most younger creatives started their stories: with the heroes, villains, and monsters of their worlds. 

Day one, a user might have just the name for the next great superhero–a future spiderman they just launched. Eventually using Unvale’s bite-sized creator tools that make storytelling fun, they will have the entire narrative ready to share with their fanbase. Unvale is there from first idea to published work. It is now home to 2MM original creative works shared thus far with 95% of users stating goals of publishing a comic, novel, series, movie, or video game in the future.

Like all successful user-generated content platforms, Unvale’s founders know that access is everything. By providing the tooling for a new, younger market to create authentic new stories, Unvale is following in the footsteps of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, and Roblox. As they grow, their users will niche into new genres, new styles, new markets, and even new languages, becoming a global ecosystem for creative and IP development. 

Casey Lawlor, CEO Unvale commented: “When I view our digital media landscape, I am less interested in the individual brilliance of established creatives who built well-known franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. I am fascinated by the near certainty that people of equal talent exist everywhere, undiscovered, and only lack access for their ideas to be seen by millions. Our mission is to provide that access.” – 

Founded by a team of creatives, ex-Twitch builders, and six-time founders, Unvale is free from all AI-generated content. As other platforms continue to allow low-effort, AI content that competes for engagement, the team behind Unvale is proudly on the side of creatives. They believe the demand for human-created work will only grow in this new reality.

Authorship, authenticity, and a connection to the original creator have been key to the success of existing UGC platforms often at the expense of traditional media viewership. This may accelerate the trend towards younger consumers following younger creators they feel a connection with and view as authentic. Early users on Unvale echo that sentiment. 

Another differentiator was Unvale’s approach to getting to creatives at the beginning of their journey, while simultaneously being a home for their audience. As the platform continues to develop, it will set its sights on both publishing tools and monetization tools, meaning creatives will never have to direct their audience to other platforms in order to publish comics, novels, animated series, and even more on Unvale. Users are already requesting video support, voice-over support, and webcomic viewing to create more engaging audio/visual content.

“Unvale’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. They consistently deliver on their lofty goals and are clearly driven by a deep mission to change how consumer media is created and distributed. Ryan Sommerville, General Partner, Antler VC.

In the future, Unvale wants to provide the tools, discovery, and massive audience that creatives need to be successful. Instead of studios and publishers providing content development resources, promotional channels, and publishing channels, users will have everything they need to do it themselves in one space.

When reaching the scale of other successful user-generated content platforms, Unvale could be the largest collection of creative talent in the world, and the largest publisher of new characters, worlds, stories, and IP in the history of publishing. 

Ends

Media images can be found here.

About Unvale
Unvale is a social platform for creatives, helping 150k aspiring illustrators and writers develop stories, grow an audience, and self-publish their work. 

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Unvale press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

Unvale raises $1.8M to grow their AI-free social platform for creatives

Posted on by

Unvale raises $1.8M to grow their AI-free social platform for creatives




Unvale raises $1.8M to grow their AI-free social platform for creatives

Creators are building the next Game of Thrones and Marvel Comic Universe on Unvale–a social platform for creatives to develop stories, grow an audience, and self-publish. Twenty thousand aspiring illustrators and writers are already developing stories that will fuel future global hits. With Unvale, the creative process isn’t isolated anymore.

Chicago, March 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — User-generated content is taking over the media industry. Platforms like YouTube, Roblox, and TikTok now dominate youth media consumption as authentic, creator-led content flourishes–on pace to become a $650bn market by 2030. But short-form video has dominated thus far, leaving out long-form illustrators, writers, and storytellers from the benefits of the creator economy–until now.

Unvale is a creator platform for creatives. A space for illustrators, writers and storytellers to share their work, be discovered, and self-publish long-form content. With over 20k monthly active users publishing 160k original creations per month–receiving over 1MM comments and social engagements. Unvale is today announcing a $1.8M funding round to continue to grow their userbase and implement new content types and social features.

The pre-seed round investors included Antler, Graham & Walker, Ganas Ventures, GFR Fund, LongJump VC, Network Ventures, and Vitalize Angels. 

Unvale founders Bri Clark and Casey Lawlor.

Before Unvale, creatives would use separate platforms to develop creative work and then try to grow an audience–often via social platforms that favored video creators with massive audiences. Unvale combines the content development and audience growth. Users build their stories piece by piece, sharing characters, concept art, maps, and events to their audience as they go. Each piece is a discoverable social post that gets fans excited about the larger narrative they are creating. Each interaction motivates them to keep improving and growing as a storyteller. 

The Unvale founders Casey Lawlor and Bri Clark believe the future minds behind the next Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Marvel Comic Universe will not be wasting their time publishing 280 character tweets or creating 15-second TikToks to promote their work. Instead, they will build on Unvale, making discovery and audience growth part of their creative process. Then when these future superstars are ready to publish something big–a webcomic, illustrated series, novel, or larger narrative–their audience is already engaged and eagerly awaiting their release. 

Creatives on Unvale now have 320k total followers watching their stories unfold. Almost every piece of content on Unvale has engagement or a comment from a real user motivating them to keep building. Users report this engagement as the number one most motivating force to keep them coming back and developing their work long-term.

Unvale is a space for illustrators, writers and storytellers to share their work, be discovered, and self-publish long-form content.

Unvale’s key insight was understanding the creation and consumption preferences of younger users. They launched as a character creation platform targeting the place where most younger creatives started their stories: with the heroes, villains, and monsters of their worlds. 

Day one, a user might have just the name for the next great superhero–a future spiderman they just launched. Eventually using Unvale’s bite-sized creator tools that make storytelling fun, they will have the entire narrative ready to share with their fanbase. Unvale is there from first idea to published work. It is now home to 2MM original creative works shared thus far with 95% of users stating goals of publishing a comic, novel, series, movie, or video game in the future.

Like all successful user-generated content platforms, Unvale’s founders know that access is everything. By providing the tooling for a new, younger market to create authentic new stories, Unvale is following in the footsteps of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, and Roblox. As they grow, their users will niche into new genres, new styles, new markets, and even new languages, becoming a global ecosystem for creative and IP development. 

Casey Lawlor, CEO Unvale commented: “When I view our digital media landscape, I am less interested in the individual brilliance of established creatives who built well-known franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. I am fascinated by the near certainty that people of equal talent exist everywhere, undiscovered, and only lack access for their ideas to be seen by millions. Our mission is to provide that access.” – 

Founded by a team of creatives, ex-Twitch builders, and six-time founders, Unvale is free from all AI-generated content. As other platforms continue to allow low-effort, AI content that competes for engagement, the team behind Unvale is proudly on the side of creatives. They believe the demand for human-created work will only grow in this new reality.

Authorship, authenticity, and a connection to the original creator have been key to the success of existing UGC platforms often at the expense of traditional media viewership. This may accelerate the trend towards younger consumers following younger creators they feel a connection with and view as authentic. Early users on Unvale echo that sentiment. 

Another differentiator was Unvale’s approach to getting to creatives at the beginning of their journey, while simultaneously being a home for their audience. As the platform continues to develop, it will set its sights on both publishing tools and monetization tools, meaning creatives will never have to direct their audience to other platforms in order to publish comics, novels, animated series, and even more on Unvale. Users are already requesting video support, voice-over support, and webcomic viewing to create more engaging audio/visual content.

“Unvale’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. They consistently deliver on their lofty goals and are clearly driven by a deep mission to change how consumer media is created and distributed. Ryan Sommerville, General Partner, Antler VC.

In the future, Unvale wants to provide the tools, discovery, and massive audience that creatives need to be successful. Instead of studios and publishers providing content development resources, promotional channels, and publishing channels, users will have everything they need to do it themselves in one space.

When reaching the scale of other successful user-generated content platforms, Unvale could be the largest collection of creative talent in the world, and the largest publisher of new characters, worlds, stories, and IP in the history of publishing. 

Ends

Media images can be found here.

About Unvale
Unvale is a social platform for creatives, helping 150k aspiring illustrators and writers develop stories, grow an audience, and self-publish their work. 

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Unvale press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.