Nova, a European HR tech startup, has secured $3.65 million (EUR 3.2M) in funding to scale its AI-powered professional network and expand globally. The round was led by CDP Venture Capital, BY Venture Partners, and Doha Tech Angels, signaling growing interest in smarter, merit-based alternatives to platforms like LinkedIn.
Redefining Professional Networking
Founded in 2020 by Andrea Marino, Ramón Rodrigáñez, and Lars-Henrik Friis Molin, Nova is on a mission to reshape how professionals connect and how companies hire top talent. Unlike traditional platforms, Nova uses a rigorous vetting process to build a high-quality, merit-based global talent community.
- âś… Members are selected through a structured evaluation process
- âś… Professionals span 80+ countries and top-tier industries
- âś… Every connection on the platform is relevant and meaningful
This curated approach ensures users are matched with peers and opportunities that truly align with their skills, ambitions, and career paths.
What’s Next for Nova?
With the fresh funding, Nova plans to accelerate on multiple fronts:
- âś… International expansion, starting with key European capitals
- âś… Enhancing its AI-powered matching algorithm for better user experience
- âś… Growing its B2B SaaS product, Nova Recruiter, as a smarter hiring tool
Nova Recruiter is a modern recruiting platform built to address inefficiencies in traditional hiring. It’s looking to help companies find and hire elite professionals faster, more accurately, and with fewer resources than legacy platforms.
“This funding validates our selective model and highlights the need for platforms that go beyond LinkedIn in solving hiring and career growth challenges,” said Andrea Marino, CEO of Nova.
A Strategic Eye on the Middle East
Nova’s investor mix includes Doha Tech Angels, reflecting growing strategic interest in addressing talent scarcity across the Middle East. With rapid digital transformation in the region, demand for skilled professionals is rising—yet supply remains constrained.
- âś… MENA represents a strong market opportunity for elite talent platforms
- âś… Nova plans to play a role in bridging local talent gaps with vetted global professionals
What does this mean for global job market?
As talent wars intensify globally, and platforms like LinkedIn grow increasingly cluttered, Nova is offering a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient alternative. Its AI-driven model and focus on high-quality connections are helping top-tier talent and employers navigate hiring with greater clarity.
