Please welcome Teal, a community-driven career development platform
Meet Teal, the latest addition to Lerer Hippeau’s portfolio.
HQ: New York
Founder: David Fano
The problem: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, more than 44 million people in the U.S. have filed for unemployment as companies across industries have to furlough, reduce headcount, or shut down. Under normal circumstances, job searching can feel lonely and isolating. That sentiment can only be exacerbated by an uncertain hiring market with no clear timeline for recovery. In a moment when many people are experiencing shared stressors, a sense of community can play a key role in connecting them with one another during their job search process.
Teal’s solution: Teal was built to provide the tools and guidance to help people achieve fulfilling careers. Realizing the immediate need to support job seekers, Teal fast-tracked its “Career Assist” product for those affected by COVID-19. The four-week program includes virtual networking events, a live speaker series, and members-only Slack community, among other features.
Origin story: Founder David Fano sold his design and technology company to WeWork in spring 2015 and then spent three years at WeWork as its Chief Product Officer and later its Chief Growth Officer. There he developed a deep understanding of the relationship between passion, people, and work. He left to build Teal in 2019 to help workers discover fulfilling careers through community, education, and resources.
Why we’re betting on it: In a booming economy in which workers switch jobs and seek ways to support their career development, Teal can provide resources to help them level up. Teal also serves to power job searching during a downturn, especially in this historic moment in time. David rapidly adapted Teal to serve the current job market and we believe he is the right leader to support job seekers through this difficult period and beyond and build Teal into a category-defining career platform.
Our take: Teal is uniquely focused on not just helping people find jobs but, rather, helping them find the right jobs. People change roles more frequently today than ever, and need a platform that has their best interests at heart as they take control of and navigate their careers. We believe Teal can become the go-to brand supporting professionals through their job search and career growth no matter the job market.
Further reading: “TealHQ, with $5 million in funding, looks to help people land a job” via TechCrunch
Learn about careers at Teal.
