Purple Squirrel, a trusted online marketplace for networking and recruiting launched by an ex-Googler, announced today the launch of its platform allowing job seekers to level the playing field and gain access to the best companies to work for in the world, returning meritocracy back to the hiring process. This comes off the heels of securing $2.7M in seed funding in a round led by CrossCut Ventures, with Greycroft, Arena Ventures and 500 Startups also participating. Purple Squirrel is reinventing the way people find employment by humanizing the job search. The platform provides job seekers a chance to stand out and ensure their resume is not submitted to another blackhole.

The company name comes from the HR industry term "purple squirrel," referencing a candidate that perfectly meets a company's qualifications for a specific role. Through use of the platform, organizations are able to uncover top talent that they might have missed through the traditional online job application process, which increasingly relies on impersonal automation.

"Finding a job is stressful and frustrating, and all of us at Purple Squirrel know it can be a full-time job on its own," said Jon Silber, CEO of Purple Squirrel. "We also know employee referrals are the #1 source of hire, and how daunting searching for a job can be if you don't have a well-established network. Purple Squirrel gives all job seekers the opportunity to get equal access to people who have their dream jobs, get their foot in the door, and potentially be recommended by current employees if they can prove their are a great fit. This gives more power to job seekers, while also ensuring companies don't miss out on hiring the best-fit candidates."

The marketplace offers job seekers 30-minute calls with "advocates" operating as independent career consultants from their desired workplaces, for an for a nominal fee. Fees are set entirely by the "advocate" based on title, expertise, time availability and demand. Purple Squirrel makes it easy for job seekers and advocates to connect for informational interviews. Advocates can answer general questions about the company, its culture and the role, as well as provide interview advice, resume critiques and even consider an employee referral. Job seekers are encouraged to search Purple Squirrel's database by company or role to ensure they find the right person.

"We're confident in the model Purple Squirrel has put forth to close the gap between people with connections and those without them," said Mark Terbeek, Partner at Greycroft. "No matter your job function, hiring is top of mind for nearly every company, so the market opportunity is huge. By flipping the inefficient traditional model of blind outreach, Purple Squirrel leverages natural supply and demand to better connect and qualify candidates."

Advocates are incentivized to provide honest feedback to job seekers knowing hiring the right candidates impacts the success of a company directly. They are rewarded by contributing to the quality of their company's growing workforce, and they get paid for their time as independent career coaches, while they help people land their dream jobs.

To get involved as an advocate or if you're a job seeker looking for career mentorship, please visit www.PurpleSquirrel.io.

About Purple Squirrel:
Purple Squirrel gives job seekers instant access to employees at the best companies in the world to gain an exclusive hiring advantage. Based in Los Angeles, California and founded by Jon Silber in June 2016, Purple Squirrel has received $2.7M in funding to date. Purple Squirrel's platform allows job seekers to request time with insiders at their dream companies to help learn how to land their dream jobs. Purple Squirrel will help create efficiencies where they are lacking in the current job search market.

For more info, please visit www.PurpleSquirrel.io.

About Greycroft:
Greycroft Partners is a leading venture capital firm focused on investments in the Internet and mobile markets. With offices in the two media capitals of the world - New York and Los Angeles -Greycroft is uniquely positioned to serve entrepreneurs who have chosen us as their partners.

Greycroft leverages an extensive network of media and technology industry connections to help entrepreneurs gain visibility, build strategic relationships, bring their products to market, and build successful businesses. Greycroft manages in excess of $1 billion and has made over 150 investments since inception in leading companies including Acorns, App Annie, Boxed, Buddy Media, Extreme Reach, Huffington Post, JW Player, Maker Studios, Plated, Scopely, TheRealReal, Thrive Market, Trunk Club, Venmo, and WideOrbit. For more information please visit http://www.greycroft.com.