Autentic AI, a Spanish startup specializing in AI-driven market research, has raised €1.5 million in pre-seed funding. The capital will support the automation of 400,000 interviews by the end of 2026.
TL;DR
- Autentic AI secures €1.5M in pre-seed funding to scale its AI-powered market research platform.
- The startup aims to automate 400,000 interviews by the end of 2026, serving industries like consumer goods, retail, and pharmaceuticals.
- Mona, a US fintech startup, raises $3.5M in seed funding to expand its AI-powered small business finance platform.
What happened
Autentic AI, founded by Dani Diestre, Aniol Carreras, and Jacob Bamio, has raised €1.5 million in pre-seed financing from Baobab Ventures, Lanai Ventures, Acurio Ventures, and Masia VC. The platform currently conducts approximately 1,000 AI-driven interviews daily, targeting over 400,000 interviews by the end of 2026. Customers span consumer goods, retail, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consulting, and private equity.
Mona, a US fintech startup founded in 2025 by Andrew Leon Hanna and Anny Dow, has raised $3.5 million in an oversubscribed seed round led by Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners. Additional investors include Alumni Ventures, Wisdom Ventures, and angel investors like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Mona's AI-powered platform helps small businesses identify financing options and access financial guidance, partnering with Mastercard Strive USA to expand its network.
Why it matters
For developers and startups, Autentic AI's funding highlights the growing demand for AI-driven market research tools, offering opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the sector. The startup's focus on automating interviews and expanding its consumer research panel presents a competitive edge in data collection and analysis.
Investors should note the strategic partnership between Mona and Mastercard Strive USA, which could enhance the platform's reach and credibility in the fintech space. The funding will support product development and customer acquisition, positioning Mona as a key player in AI-powered financial guidance for small businesses.
Key facts
- Autentic AI raises €1.5 million in pre-seed funding.
- The startup aims to automate 400,000 interviews by the end of 2026.
- Autentic AI's platform currently conducts 1,000 interviews daily.
- Mona raises $3.5 million in seed funding.
- Mona's seed round was led by Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners.
- Mona has partnered with Mastercard Strive USA to expand its small-business network.
- Autentic AI's investors include Baobab Ventures, Lanai Ventures, Acurio Ventures, and Masia VC.
- Mona's investors include Alumni Ventures, Wisdom Ventures, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
Context
The AI-driven market research sector is experiencing significant growth, with startups like Autentic AI leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline data collection and analysis. This trend is part of a broader shift towards automation and AI integration in various industries, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in research methodologies.
In the fintech space, AI-powered platforms like Mona are addressing the critical need for small businesses to access financing and financial guidance. The partnership with Mastercard Strive USA underscores the importance of collaboration between fintech startups and established financial institutions to drive innovation and support entrepreneurship.
