Chelsie Hall and Sheyda Demooei, co-founders of ViralMoment, faced challenges in raising capital from institutional investors due to demands for more traction. Despite initial success with a meme analysis tool, securing funding from accelerators, and traction with customers, the company struggled to attract investors. However, Hall’s perseverance, focus on building credibility, and securing high-profile clients eventually led to $3.7 million in pre-seed and seed funding. This success highlights the value of their innovative video analytics solution and the triumphs of women entrepreneurs in the AI field.
ViralMoment emerged from Hall’s recognition of a gap in the market for understanding social video content, which led her to create an AI-powered video analytics company. The company aims to provide insights into social video content, helping brands, governments, and individuals understand conversations and trends emerging from video platforms. The evolution of ViralMoment has been marked by continuous innovation, adaptation to the changing landscape of online video, and securing significant clients like Delta, Warner Bros., and various advertising agencies.
Hall and Demooei have actively challenged gender bias in the AI field by designing AI that embodies intelligence and strength, rather than reinforcing harmful stereotypes. They have also built a strong network and found mentors who have supported their journey. By focusing on building a successful business, proving the traction of their product, and securing blue-chip clients, they have overcome biases in the venture capital world and secured funding for their company. Their story showcases the resilience and innovation of women in AI and serves as an inspiration for others navigating the challenges of the tech industry.
Raising capital was a challenging process for ViralMoment, as institutional investors demanded more traction before committing. Despite facing hesitation from investors, Hall’s determination, the company’s growing traction, and her ability to connect with investors who believed in her vision were key to their success in raising $3.7 million. The duo partners invested in ViralMoment due to the founders’ impressive vision and expertise in creating a groundbreaking solution that addresses a critical gap in the market, providing unparalleled insights into social videos and brand safety.
Hall was raising a pre-seed round while pregnant, which added another layer of challenge to the fundraising process. However, she did not let this deter her and continued to focus on building the company’s credibility and securing high-profile clients to prove the value of their video analytics solution. Despite facing slow progress in fundraising, Hall’s resilience, the company’s growing traction, and securing marquee clients eventually led to successfully closing a $3.7 million investment round. This success demonstrates the importance of perseverance, innovation, and building a strong network in overcoming obstacles in the AI field.
Overall, ViralMoment’s journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in the AI field, the importance of challenging gender bias, and the resilience needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. By advocating for greater representation of women in AI and pushing for more inclusive AI development, Hall and Demooei are not just building a successful AI company; they’re also leading the revolution in understanding social video content. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and showcases the impact of diverse perspectives in shaping technological innovation.
