Candidate

Candidate is a startup for which Lionel Lee serves as a DEI advisor.

Facts

HQ
Seattle
Sectors
Hiring, HR, Recruiting, Platform
Stage
startup
Total raised
$5M SEC Form D filings Total of this company's SEC Form D filings
Last round
$5M · May 2021 SEC Form D

Seattle startups raise record $3.1B in H1 2021, producing 12 local unicorns as Auth0 exits for $6.5B

Seattle-area startups raised a record $3.1 billion across 205 deals in H1 2021, driven by mega-rounds that produced at least 12 local unicorns and broader Pacific Northwest tech funding topping $5 billion. National VC activity and IPO/M&A dollar volumes are also surpassing prior records, with major exits like Auth0’s $6.5 billion acquisition by Okta highlighting regional maturation.

Candidate launches out of beta, raises $4M seed to pay $2,400–$6,000 for referral hires

Seattle startup Candidate launched out of beta and closed a $4 million seed round to pay $2,400–$6,000 to external referrers who submit hired candidates, keeping roughly 20% as revenue. The platform lists roles in major cities and remote positions, aims to diversify hiring beyond internal referrals, and has attracted investors including Voyager and Revolution’s Rise of the Rest.

People