Find Your Grind, an innovative EdTech platform dedicated to helping students discover diverse and fulfilling career paths, has announced a successful $5 million Series A funding round. This latest investment, which brings its total funding to $8 million, will fuel the expansion of its career readiness programs across the United States. Founded by former Goldfinger drummer Nick Gross, the platform aims to equip young people with the tools to navigate a rapidly changing professional landscape.
The Series A round was led by Echo Investment Capital, with additional support from Gross’s own investment firm, Gross Labs. The capital infusion is specifically earmarked to scale Find Your Grind’s unique approach to career exploration, which emphasizes personalized guidance and exposure to professions often overlooked in traditional educational settings.
Gross, who gained early exposure as a musician with his high school band Open Air Stereo on MTV’s "Laguna Beach," conceived Find Your Grind from his own experiences and observations. After inviting students into his studio, he witnessed firsthand the challenges they faced in identifying suitable career options, largely due to limited exposure beyond conventional paths.
In an era where the world of work is transforming at an unprecedented pace, traditional career guidance often falls short. Many young people are entering the professional world without a clear sense of their identity, aspirations, or how to take their next steps. As Gross explained to TechCrunch:
"Find Your Grind gives them the tools to explore not just what careers are out there, but what paths suit their strengths, interests, and visions for what they want their futures to look like."
This sentiment is underscored by predictions from the World Economic Forum, which suggests that approximately 92 million jobs may not exist by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for adaptable career exploration. Conventional career counseling frequently prioritizes salaries and promotions, often failing to connect with the emotional and lifestyle aspects crucial for a fulfilling career. The platform addresses this by moving beyond the outdated focus on traditional roles like doctors or lawyers, instead embracing the diverse aspirations of the new generation.
Empowering Students for the Future of Work
Find Your Grind’s platform is built around four core competencies: self-awareness, career awareness, social awareness, and action awareness. A key feature is its Lifestyle Assessment, which helps students identify three potential lifestyle paths—such as an entertainer, a creator, or a humanitarian—based on their personal preferences. This assessment then generates a tailored, actionable plan for their post-graduation journey.
Beyond personalized plans, students gain access to a rich library of videos, interactive lessons, and a network of mentors offering practical advice. This impressive roster includes notable figures like Tony Hawk, Tony Hoffman, and will.i.am, who share insights from their own career beginnings. The platform also integrates an AI-powered "Reflective Coach" that provides personalized feedback, encouraging deeper self-exploration and understanding.
Real-World Impact and Expansion
In addition to its digital offerings, Find Your Grind actively engages in workforce development initiatives, including lifestyle fairs that provide students with real-world experience. The company is currently rolling out its first such program in Oklahoma City, collaborating with local schools and training centers to connect students with job opportunities that align with their lifestyle preferences within their hometowns.
With plans to launch similar programs in more cities, Find Your Grind has already supported 100,000 students. Gross envisions a future where "over a million students" utilize the platform to become "more future-ready."
