Find Your Grind, a career exploration platform founded by Goldfinger drummer Nick Gross, announced a $5 million Series A funding round on Tuesday, bringing its total funding to $8 million. The platform aims to empower young people to discover fulfilling career paths beyond traditional options, focusing on emerging professions like content creation and esports. This investment will fuel the expansion of the company’s “career readiness” programs across the United States.
Echo Investment Capital led the funding round, with participation from Gross’ investment firm, Gross Labs. The company was born from Gross’s own experiences and a desire to address the limitations of conventional career exploration for today’s students.
Addressing the Evolving Landscape of Career Exploration
Traditional career guidance often centers on established professions and financial outcomes, but this approach can feel disconnected for a generation entering a rapidly changing job market. According to the World Economic Forum, approximately 92 million jobs may become obsolete by 2030, highlighting the need for adaptable skills and broader career awareness. Find Your Grind seeks to bridge this gap by showcasing alternative professions and helping students align their interests with potential career paths.
Gross initially conceived the idea for Find Your Grind after hosting students in his recording studio and observing their struggles with career choices. He noticed a lack of exposure to diverse opportunities beyond the typical doctor, lawyer, or engineer roles. This realization prompted him to create a platform that prioritizes self-discovery and exploration.
Platform Features and Methodology
The platform centers around four core competencies: self-awareness, career awareness, social awareness, and action awareness. A key feature is the Lifestyle Assessment, which helps students identify potential career paths aligned with their preferences – categorizing them as entertainers, creators, or humanitarians, for example. Following the assessment, students receive a personalized plan outlining next steps after graduation.
Additionally, Find Your Grind offers video lessons, interactive content, and mentorship opportunities. Notable mentors include Tony Hawk, Tony Hoffman, and will.i.am, providing students with practical advice and insights into their own career journeys. An AI-powered “Reflective Coach” further personalizes the experience by offering tailored feedback and encouraging deeper self-reflection.
Expanding Reach Through Workforce Development
Beyond the digital platform, Find Your Grind is actively implementing workforce development initiatives. The company recently launched a program in Oklahoma City, collaborating with local schools and training centers to connect students with relevant job opportunities within their community. This initiative focuses on aligning students’ lifestyle preferences with available positions, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
These “lifestyle fairs” provide students with real-world experience and exposure to potential employers. The company plans to replicate this model in additional cities, expanding its reach and impact on future of work readiness.
Currently, Find Your Grind reports having assisted 100,000 students in their career planning. Gross expressed his ambition to reach “over a million students” and equip them with the tools necessary to navigate the evolving professional landscape. The company emphasizes the importance of not just finding a job, but discovering a path that aligns with individual values and aspirations.
Looking ahead, the company will focus on scaling its programs and expanding its network of partnerships with schools and organizations. The success of the Oklahoma City pilot program will be a key indicator of the viability of this model in other regions. Further developments in the AI-powered coaching features and the addition of new mentors are also anticipated, as Find Your Grind continues to adapt to the changing needs of students and the job market.
