Lettuce, an AI-powered financial platform for independent professionals, has secured $28 million in new funding led by existing investor Zeev Ventures and announced the acquisition of benefits access startup Besolo. The dual move reflects the company’s push to become a comprehensive operating system for the rapidly growing solo workforce.
The U.S. workforce is undergoing a significant shift, with nearly half of the workforce projected to freelance by 2027. Currently, more than 5.6 million solo workers earn over $100,000 annually, almost double the number from 2020. Despite this growth, most solopreneurs lack access to the tax, retirement, and healthcare benefits typically available to employees of corporations.
Lettuce aims to close that gap by expanding its suite of tools that help solo business owners manage finances, taxes, and benefits through automation and AI. The new funding will accelerate the development of Lettuce’s AI-powered operating system, which offers solopreneurs a single intelligent platform for banking, invoicing, expense management, and payroll.
The company plans to introduce enhanced retirement solutions, including Solo 401(k) and SEP IRA options, while upgrading its LettuceHead AI hub with new conversational and voice interfaces. These updates are designed to provide real-time financial guidance tailored to the complex needs of solo operators.
In parallel, the acquisition of Besolo will add a healthcare component to Lettuce’s ecosystem. Besolo’s technology and team will enable Lettuce to offer affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage to independent workers, addressing a major pain point in the solo economy where 42% of freelancers reported lacking health insurance as recently as 2022.
Lettuce says these developments underscore its mission to give solo professionals access to the same level of resources and advantages as large companies. The company will also host its second Solo Summit on November 6, a free virtual event expected to draw more than 3,000 participants for expert-led sessions on growth and planning.
KEY QUOTE:
“Our integrated technology stack gives businesses-of-one the same level of benefits awarded to companies with many employees, so solopreneurs can focus on growth strategy rather than administrative complexity.”
Ran Harpaz, Founder and CEO, Lettuce
