Podqi, a San Francisco, CA-based automated IP protection platform, has raised $3.2 million in seed funding.
Investors
The round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from Soma Capital, Afore Capital, and strategic angel investors.
General Catalyst is a venture capital firm focused on investing in transformative, enduring change. With offices in San Francisco, New York City, London, Berlin, Bangalore, and Boston, it supports founders from the seed to growth stages, partnering with entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo to build lasting businesses.
Podqi Use of Funds
The company will use the funding to enhance its IP database and expand into digital asset protection. The company aims to strengthen marketplace partnerships and collaborate with U.S. and international law firms to improve its automated evidence-gathering and enforcement capabilities.
About Podqi
Founded by Trevor West, Ivan Esmeral, and Jesse Xu, Podqi is an IP protection platform that helps brands defend against counterfeiters in the digital age. It uses artificial intelligence to automate detection to a takedown, scanning millions of potential infringements daily, allowing brands to protect their digital and physical assets from counterfeiting and IP infringement. Podqi serves various industries, including brand owners, entertainment IPs, and law firms.
Funding Details
Company: Podqi, Inc.
Raised: $3.2M
Round: Seed
Funding Date: March 2025
Lead Investor: General Catalyst
Additional Investors: Soma Capital, Afore Capital, strategic angel investors
Company Website: https://podqi.com/
Software Category: IP Protection
Source: https://podqi.com/blog/announcing-our-seed-raise