Podqi, an automated IP protection platform transforming how brands defend their digital rights, announced it has raised $3.2 million in seed funding. The funding round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from Soma Capital, Afore Capital, and strategic angel investors. Podqi is prepared to address the rapidly evolving challenges of IP protection in the digital age.
When the online counterfeit market exceeds $1 trillion and grows 20% yearly, companies and brands face major difficulties in protecting their IP assets. And with the rise of ultra-fast fashion and instantly viral products, malicious actors can now utilize AI content generation to impersonate storefronts fully in hours.
These deceptive sites steal content directly from official sources and licensees, misleading consumers and manipulating search engine results.
Podqi’s platform automates the whole IP protection process from detection to takedown, scanning millions of potential infringements daily and enabling immediate enforcement at a scale previously impossible.
KEY QUOTES:
“Every brand selling products online faces the same challenge – the faster you grow, the more aggressively counterfeiters target you. We’re building Podqi to turn the tables on infringers. Instead of playing defense, we help brands proactively protect their IP and unlock new revenue streams through licensing and enforcement. The companies and brands that work with us see counterfeits as an opportunity to identify potential licensees and recover lost revenue.”
- Trevor West, CEO and co-founder of Podqi
“We invested in Podqi because the team is solving an important problem: IP infringement, which is increasingly top of mind for everyone — from brands and entertainers to the music and sports industry. Co-founders Trevor, Jesse, and Ivan are a trusted team with a long history together. They move fast, envision the right product, and successfully sell into industries that have historically been slower to innovate.”
- Marc Bhargava, Managing Director at General Catalyst
