Empowering Creators: The Rise of Influur and Its Latina Co-Founders
In a significant milestone for the creator economy, four Latina co-founders—Alessandra Angelini, Valeria Angelini, Paula Coleman, and Fefi Oliveira—have successfully secured a Series A investment of $10 million. This funding round was led by Point72 Ventures and HTwenty Capital, with notable celebrity investors including actress Sofía Vergara and singer Thalía. Their journey is not just a story of financial success; it’s a testament to the power of diversity and innovation in the tech industry.
The Vision Behind Influur
The founders of Influur have a clear mission: to empower creators by placing their values and resources at the forefront of their platform. Ishan Sinha, a partner at Point72 Ventures, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to drive meaningful change in the rapidly evolving influencer marketing landscape. “These four entrepreneurs have impressed us with their vision,” he stated, highlighting the potential impact of their work.
Founded in 2021 in Miami, Florida, Influur has quickly gained traction, boasting 30,000 active users across 11 countries. The platform initially launched with a modest pre-seed round funded by friends and family, but it has since evolved into a robust creator-facing app available on both iOS and Android.
Attracting Top Talent
Influur has attracted a roster of high-profile creators, including social media sensations Lele Pons and Twan Kuyper, who have 54 million and 6.3 million followers on Instagram, respectively. Co-founder Fefi Oliveira, herself a creator with a significant following on TikTok, understands the challenges faced by influencers. “I understand firsthand the challenges of not being taken seriously at the start of my career,” Oliveira shared. Her personal experiences allow her to connect authentically with users, fostering credibility and trust within the community.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
The influencer marketing space is crowded, with platforms like Captiv8, Influential, and Fohr Card vying for attention. However, the co-founders of Influur believe their unique focus on community and expanded tools sets them apart. Their platform not only connects influencers with brands but also fosters a supportive environment for professional growth. With clients that include major names like Meta, Warner Music Group, and Netflix, Influur is carving out a significant niche in the industry.
“Our community of professional influencers is the heartbeat of our platform,” Alessandra Angelini explained. Influencers use Influur to network, collaborate, and get paid efficiently, all while maintaining a sense of community.
Leveraging Technology for Growth
The recent Series A funding will be instrumental in further developing Influur’s technological capabilities. The team plans to enhance their use of artificial intelligence, including a recommendation engine for discovering new creators and expanded reporting tools. Valeria Angelini, the Chief Product Officer, emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions: “By harnessing AI, we’re enabling brands and influencers to make smarter, data-driven decisions faster than ever before.”
Influur is also one of the few platforms that guarantees payment within 30 days, offering international transfers powered by Stripe. This feature addresses a common pain point for creators, who often juggle multiple payment platforms. Oliveira noted that creators prefer receiving all funds in one wallet rather than tracking payments across various services.
Promoting Transparency and Fairness
One of the challenges in the influencer marketing industry is the lack of standardized endorsement rates. The Influur team aims to tackle this issue by providing brands with more access to data and encouraging transparency among influencers. This approach not only benefits brands but also empowers creators to negotiate fair compensation for their work.
Influur offers a premium subscription option for influencers at $29.99 per month, granting access to exclusive deals, events, and mentorship sessions. This model not only generates revenue for the platform but also enhances the value provided to its users.
Understanding the Community
The decision to refer to users as “influencers” stems from extensive surveys conducted within the community. The co-founders found that this terminology resonates with their users and aligns with how brands refer to their campaign spending. By using a shared vocabulary, Influur fosters a sense of belonging and understanding among its users.
A Bright Future Ahead
With a strong foundation, a clear vision, and the backing of influential investors, Influur is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The co-founders’ commitment to empowering creators and fostering a supportive community sets a promising precedent in the influencer marketing landscape. As they continue to innovate and expand their offerings, Influur is not just building a platform; they are shaping the future of the creator economy.