FiredUp Funded! Startup Funding, VC Deals, and Fundraising Insights

Creating a Category, Closing Series A with Aaron Cannon

Are you a startup founder looking to disrupt an industry with AI, but unsure how to secure significant funding? Do you want to understand what it takes to get noticed by top-tier VCs and build a category-defining company?  In this episode of Funded, we speak with Aaron Cannon, Co-founder and CEO of Outset, an AI-moderated research platform, as he shares the incredible journey of closing their $17 million Series A funding. Discover how Outset leveraged AI to create a new market category, achieved rapid customer adoption with global brands, and navigated the complexities of fundraising from Y Combinator to a successful Series A. Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack [https://content.firebrand.marketing/firedup-freebies] today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution. Aaron is the co-founder and CEO of Outset, where he’s leading the development of the world’s first agent-led research platform powered by AI-moderated interviews. He brings over a decade of experience in product strategy and leadership from roles at Tesla, Triplebyte, and Deloitte, with a passion for building tools that bridge design, business, and user research. Aaron studied economics and entrepreneurial leadership at Tufts University and continues to mentor young innovators. Aaron, Morgan, andChris discuss: * What AI-moderated research is, how it enables companies to understand human behavior. * How Outset's AI presents questions via voice and text, allowing participants to respond with video, voice, or screen share. * Aaron's prediction that AI-moderated research will eliminate the distinction between quantitative and qualitative data. * The process of securing $17 million in Series A funding led by 8VC. * Why choosing the right individual partner is more important than the firm itself. * How Y Combinator provides brand cachet, a supportive community, intense focus, and a structured environment. * That fundraising is primarily about storytelling and the importance of continuously refining your narrative based on feedback. Aaron Cannon's journey with Outset AI provides a masterclass in securing venture capital by building an innovative product, understanding your market deeply, and mastering the art of the fundraising narrative. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways! CONNECT WITH AARON CANNON: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-a-ron-cannon/] Outset [https://landing.outset.ai/] CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND: Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth. Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@firebrandcomms] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/firebrand-communications/] X [https://twitter.com/firebrandcomms] (Formerly Twitter) Work with Firebrand [https://www.firebrand.marketing/contact-bay-area-pr-marketing-firm/] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest [https://www.firebrand.marketing/resources/firedup-guest-application/]

How Projectworks Closed its Series A with Mark Orttung

Are you a startup CEO or co-founder struggling to secure VC funding? Do you want to understand the intricate details of the funding process, from navigating venture capital firms to managing international complexities? In this episode of Funded, we dive deep into the real-world experience of Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks, as he shares the nitty-gritty of closing a $15 million Series A funding round. Discover how to build crucial relationships with VCs, demonstrate consistent performance, and strategically expand your market, even in a challenging fundraising climate. Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack [https://content.firebrand.marketing/firedup-freebies] today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution. Mark Orttung builds momentum in companies, creating places where people want to stay and grow. With 30+ years in tech, consulting, and product, he’s been a consultant, product visionary, VP, President, and CEO. He started at Accenture in 1988, then held key product leadership roles at Genesys, GetThere, and Rearden Commerce. At Bill.com (2007–2014), as President & COO, he guided product development and operations, designing the Bill.com payment network that processes over 1% of US GDP. Now CEO of Projectworks, Mark continues to lead with humility, honesty, and hunger. He believes great leadership is about setting direction, explaining why, and inviting others to join. He brings deep product intuition, operational rigor, and extensive experience. Mark, Morgan, and Chris discuss: * How building long-term relationships with VCs is crucial for fundraising. * Expanding Projectwork’s product development team by 50% and growing its market presence in London and other regions. * How the company is integrating AI into its platform, starting with proposals for new work. * Ways Projectworks helps firms gain real-time visibility into project profitability, utilization, and resource management. * Why Mark advises entrepreneurs to invest in long-term relationships with investors, even when not actively fundraising, to build comfort and understanding. Mark Orttung's journey with Project Works underscores that even in challenging fundraising environments, a clear strategy, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of your market can pave the way for significant growth. How will you apply these insights to secure your next funding round or scale your business? Share your thoughts with us, and don't forget to subscribe to Funded for more actionable advice from leading startup CEOs! CONNECT WITH MARK ORTTUNG: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markorttung/] Projectworks [https://www.projectworks.com/] CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND: Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth. Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@firebrandcomms] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/firebrand-communications/] X [https://twitter.com/firebrandcomms] (Formerly Twitter) Work with Firebrand [https://www.firebrand.marketing/contact-bay-area-pr-marketing-firm/] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest [https://www.firebrand.marketing/resources/firedup-guest-application/]

Welcome to FiredUp Funded!

Welcome to FiredUp Funded!, the podcast that unpacks the funding story with startup founders who’ve just secured venture capital. In each episode, we sit down with the CEO or cofounder to understand their fundraising journey – and to hear what comes next. Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack [https://content.firebrand.marketing/firedup-freebies] today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution. Join us as we explore: * How much was raised * Who the investors are * How the deal came together * Why the investors are strategically aligned FiredUp Funded! is for anyone watching the startup space -- tech founders, VCs, startup lawyers, analysts and influencers. It’s a front-row seat to how deals get done and what makes today’s breakout companies win funding. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways! CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND: Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth. Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@firebrandcomms] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/firebrand-communications/] X [https://twitter.com/firebrandcomms] (Formerly Twitter) Work with Firebrand [https://www.firebrand.marketing/contact-bay-area-pr-marketing-firm/] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest [https://www.firebrand.marketing/resources/firedup-guest-application/]