A objective matching platform that helps you discover and construct your neighborhood of advisors that can assist you achieve work and life has raised almost $500,000 in an angel spherical from high-profile feminine founders and LaunchVic’s Alice Anderson fund.
Matched, cofounded by Jessica Field and Susan Hion-Jarvis, was backed by Modibodi founder Kristy Chong and Bree Johnson, cofounder of frank physique and Willow & Blake, in addition to angel syndicate FB10x adVentures.
It matches individuals with trainers and advisors, based mostly on shared pursuits, to assist attain objectives resembling a brand new function, business transition, or operating a quicker half marathon.
Field met her cofounder when she was MD of Women in Tech Australia and the duo went on to work collectively main development and product at Linktree because it grew right into a unicorn.
The created Matched to shut the data hole between who you recognize and the place you need to go, providing experience in a variety of kinds, from 1:1 classes, to teams and content material, to assist individuals obtain their subsequent private and/or skilled objective.
Field, the CEO, describes it as a “virtuous circle” of reciprocal studying for all concerned.
“I’m thrilled to have a gaggle of traders who’re as passionate concerning the Matched imaginative and prescient as we’re – they’ve lived it,” she mentioned.
Matched
“At a time when Gen Z are exploring portfolio careers as creators and fewer involved with a 9-5 we need to create a brand new sort of teaching and coaching financial system by way of our platform.
“To instigate this we aren’t designating people as a learner or coach solely, which will increase development in studying from others whereas additionally mastering your individual coaching expertise.”
To kick issues off they’re providing 100 free 1:1 classes with the 30 “trainers” from the startup and tech sector as a part of the launch, together with Kic cofounder Laura Henshaw, Smiling Thoughts Janey Martino, Tradition Amp’s Rod Hamilton and former Disney Channel CMO Richard Loomis.
LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick mentioned the Alice Anderson Fund was thrilled so as to add Matched to its portfolio of women-led startups.
“We’re so excited to see expertise from Victorian unicorns like Linktree utilizing development classes to discovered their very own ventures,” she mentioned.
“We sit up for backing Jess and Susan of their subsequent steps, and hope the Matched platform will open doorways for future entrepreneurs.”
Kristy Chong, who bought Modibodi for $140 million two years in the past, she knew firsthand how vital gaining access to advisors was to the success of her “leakproof” attire startup.
“It modified the trajectory of Modibodi from only a small enterprise into a big, international legacy model,” she mentioned.
“However discovering these advisors was not straightforward, I used to be time poor so I couldn’t attend bodily networking occasions, and with no heat introduction it made it so arduous to ask consultants for recommendation.
“The information reveals that gaining access to advisors will increase the enterprise data of feminine founders and leaders, and it additionally builds their confidence. That is why I like Matched, for these looking for to be taught it affords an area the place at any stage of your small business or life journey, you may get matched to credible, verified trainers-advisors with out the nice and cozy intros, and it’s offering a possibility for individuals with knowledge-expertise to extra simply share that with a pipeline of learners. Matched is actually a win-win for everybody.”
Fellow investor Bree Johnson mentioned her mantra is rarely cease studying.
“Through the years I’ve at all times invested in upskilling for myself and my group. And I’ve witnessed how a lot this funding can change the best way individuals be taught and develop,” she mentioned.
“As a startup founder I’ve discovered discovering the suitable advisors difficult as my (and my group’s) wants are very particular. Personally I like studying from those that have achieved it earlier than and I’ve by no means been shy about reaching out to individuals for recommendation however that isn’t at all times easy- chilly emailing is horrifying and infrequently you don’t get a reply.
“Matched is the answer I’ve been in search of. It breaks down the obstacles for individuals desirous to be taught and makes it straightforward for consultants to share their data.”
Chong and Johnson are additionally among the many coach/advisors you possibly can group up with on Matched. For extra on Matched and to enroll and rating one of many free 1:1 coaching classes, head to matched.neighborhood.
