Creator Management Platform Lumanu Raises $12 Million

By Annie Baker ● Aug 9, 2021
  • Lumanu announced recently that it raised $12 million in funding. These are the details.

Lumanu recently announced it raised $12 million in Series A funding to support its continued growth as the company furthers its mission to empower creators in the fast-growing $50+ billion creator economy. This round of funding was led by Origin Ventures with Alumni Venture Group, Gaingles, and 500 Startups also participating. And the company also announces Origin Ventures Partner Scott Stern will join Lumanu’s board of directors.

In the past 9 months alone, Lumanu has seen significant growth in its network as additional creators recognize the value of their content and embrace entrepreneurship. And as creators elevate their businesses, they emphasize collaboration with clients, employees, and vendors. Lumanu is also offering the flexibility required for creators to scale their businesses through stress-free solutions that set them up for success. By empowering creators, Lumanu is hoping to drive a creative revolution that not only transforms the way the industry operates but puts creators in the driver’s seat.

Lumanu’s Series A comes on the heels of the company’s introduction of EarlyPay, which is the industry’s first solution that lets creators get paid instantly 24/7. And EarlyPay enables creators to easily send invoices and instantly receive payments for brand collaborations instead of waiting the customary 30-60 days – or worse, not getting paid at all, often due to lack of familiarity or noncompliance with an invoicing or PO process. This platform also enables users to share and protect their IP and brand, a process that can be complex and difficult to unwind if handled incorrectly.

KEY QUOTES:

“We’re incredibly excited to continue delivering creators and entrepreneurs the tools and resources they need to grow their businesses. As an entrepreneur, I know first-hand how important the support of a trusted network can be to your success. Origin Ventures has a wealth of knowledge in the creator space and will be a valuable partner as we provide creators with the tools to succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.”

— Lumanu co-founder and CEO Tony Tran

“As a creator, I love that I can share my passions with the world and have a direct, genuine connection with the audience. No other format allows for this. However, my passion is also my business – and the industry is not always set up to support creators. Lumanu has been invaluable by eliminating so many of the pain points on the back end that I – and every creator – face when operating our businesses. This support benefits all creators and helps build a stronger creator community in which everyone can participate.”

— Christy Carlson Romano, social media star, singer and actress best known for her roles in Even Stevens and voicing the title character in Kim Possible

“Recent growth of the ‘Creator Economy’ has been astounding. These self-made solopreneurs are the modern-day hustlers that brands use to reach two entire generations of digital natives. By creating an operating system for creators, Lumanu empowers them to collaborate with clients, brand partners and one another quickly, intuitively and seamlessly across the entire lifecycle of a project, from the very beginning through final payment.”

— Scott Stern, Partner at Origin Ventures