Profound AI, a new startup founded by former Swiggy and Zomato executives, has launched with a Rs 65M Series A funding round. The company is building AI Reps, personalized AI assistants designed to help professionals advance their careers and build meaningful connections.
TL;DR
- Profound AI raises Rs 65M Series A to launch AI Reps for professionals.
- Founded by ex-Swiggy and Zomato leaders, the startup aims to revolutionize career management with AI.
- The funding highlights investor interest in AI startups despite a broader VC slowdown.
What happened
Profound AI, co-founded by Anuj Rathi and Prashant Parashar, former leaders at Swiggy and Zomato, has emerged as a new player in the AI startup scene. The company has secured Rs 65M in Series A funding to develop AI Reps, personalized AI assistants tailored for professionals. These AI Reps are designed to act as career agents, helping users identify opportunities and build connections, similar to how agents and managers support actors and athletes.
The funding round underscores the growing interest in AI startups, even as overall venture capital funding in India's startup ecosystem has seen a decline. According to YourStory research, July 2026 saw a 61% decline in funding compared to June 2026, with a total of $804 million raised from 98 deals. However, this figure represents a 29.4% increase compared to July 2025, indicating a positive trend amidst geopolitical challenges.
Why it matters
Profound AI's launch and funding are significant for several reasons. For developers and startup founders, the emergence of AI Reps represents a new application of AI technology in the professional services sector. This could open up opportunities for innovation and collaboration in developing personalized AI solutions.
For tech investors, the funding round highlights the continued appeal of AI startups, despite a broader slowdown in venture capital funding. The success of Profound AI's Series A round suggests that investors are bullish on the potential of AI to transform various industries, including professional career management.
Key facts
- Profound AI raises Rs 65M in Series A funding.
- Founded by Anuj Rathi and Prashant Parashar, former leaders at Swiggy and Zomato.
- AI Reps are personalized AI assistants for professionals.
- July 2026 saw a 61% decline in overall VC funding in India compared to June 2026.
- Total funding in July 2026 was $804 million from 98 deals.
- Profound AI aims to help professionals identify career opportunities and build connections.
- The funding round highlights investor interest in AI startups despite a broader VC slowdown.
Context
The launch of Profound AI comes at a time when the AI industry is experiencing rapid growth and innovation. From personalized AI assistants to advanced machine learning models, the applications of AI technology are expanding across various sectors. The success of Profound AI's funding round is a testament to the growing interest and investment in AI startups, particularly those that offer unique and innovative solutions.
For developers and startup founders, the emergence of AI Reps represents a new frontier in AI application. The technology has the potential to revolutionize career management, offering professionals personalized support and guidance. This could lead to the development of new AI tools and platforms, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the AI community.
For tech investors, the funding round underscores the continued appeal of AI startups. Despite a broader slowdown in venture capital funding, investors remain bullish on the potential of AI to transform industries. The success of Profound AI's Series A round highlights the importance of identifying and investing in innovative AI solutions that address real-world problems.