Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Aug 23, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - Mole, the all-in-one networking platform, has secured USD$110,000 in pre-seed funding from global early-stage VC firm, Antler.
Having joined the Antler residency program, the Malaysian startup received mentorship in Vietnam in April earlier this year. Antler, known to have backed successful startups including Reebelo, Airalo, Homebase, and Volopay, recognised the potential in Mole's innovative and sustainable approach to networking with technology.
Co-founder and CEO, Au Soung Rong expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, "Joining Antler is a big step in helping us launch Mole’s digital business card (one part of its networking solutions) into the USD$1B traditional business card market. This injection of funds will propel Mole's plan to build a networking app and launch a sustainable digital business card platform for SMEs through Mole Teams in Malaysia, and SouthEast Asia to follow next year.”
Erik Jonsson, Partner at Antler says, “We're proud to be the earliest backer of Mole in their mission to revolutionise networking for professionals. Their innovative approach, driven by technology and community-driven initiatives, aligns perfectly with Antler's values of fostering authentic connections and inspiring personal growth. We believe that Mole has the potential to reshape the networking landscape and create meaningful change in how professionals connect and collaborate.”
Mole is looking to reinvent the way business professionals network and the business card exchange process. Standing in the way of a better networking experience is misplaced business cards which lead to paper card wastage, mismatched business goals, and poor follow-ups after networking. Mole is building the technology that will make business networking a simpler, more productive, and more successful experience for busy professionals.
Mole was founded in June 2022 by Co-founders Au Soung Rong and Melly Ling. Until now, the company was self-funded, but this investment marks an important milestone for the company. The startup offers a unique solution, including NFC technology and QR codes, to make sharing information simple, intuitive, and sustainable.
In addition to that, Mole is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community for professionals and introverts who dislike traditional networking. To address the challenges that many face in networking events, Mole organises the "I Hate Networking" event series. These events provide a safe networking space where authenticity is valued, and relationships are nurtured.
"Mole's vision is to create a world where professionals network for real connections that go beyond business transactions," said Melly Ling, Co-Founder & COO of Mole. "We understand that networking can be uncomfortable for anyone, especially for those who are introverted, which is why we have created the 'I Hate Networking' event series. These events provide an opportunity for like-minded individuals to connect, collaborate, and grow."
Mole recently kicked off the 'I Hate Networking' event series in Vietnam, which was met with great success. The company plans to launch the event in Malaysia in Q4 this year. With the support of Antler's funding, Mole aims to expand its Asia networking series tour, bringing the 'I Hate Networking' event to key cities throughout Southeast Asia in 2024.
Mole aims to redefine networking not only through their networking event style and format but also by leveraging technology and community-driven initiatives. Mole strives to foster authentic connections, inspire personal growth, and forever change the way professionals network.
About Mole
Mole is an all-in-one digital networking platform founded in June 2022 by Au Soung Rong and Melly Ling. The platform aims to simplify and enhance the business networking experience for professionals, enabling them to forge authentic connections beyond mere transactions. With innovative features like the digital business card and company-level solutions, Mole empowers professionals to network effectively, foster meaningful relationships, and unlock new opportunities. For more information, visit: https://mole.is/
About Antler
Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm that invests in the world’s most driven founders from day zero to greatness. Founded on the belief that people innovating is the key to building a better future, we partner with people across six continents to launch and scale high-potential startups that address meaningful opportunities and challenges.
Our global community backs people from the beginning with co-founder matching, deep business model validation, initial capital, expansion support, and follow-on funding. Fueled by a personal passion that goes beyond traditional investing, we have helped create and invest in more than 750 startups globally and across a wide range of industries and technologies, with the goal of backing more than 6,000 by 2030. Learn more at antler.co.
Media Contact
Melly Ling
Media Contact
mole media@mole.is https://mole.is/
