If you’re a fan of the early 2000s punk scene, you may know Nick Gross, the drummer for the band Goldfinger.
Now, he helps young people pursue their passions through his career exploration platform, Find Your Grind. The platform focuses on alternative professions not typically emphasized in schools, such as pop-punk band members, content creators, social media managers, and even professional esports players.
The company announced a $5 million Series A funding round on Tuesday, bringing its total funding to $8 million. The round was led by Echo Investment Capital, with support from Gross’ investment firm Gross Labs. The investment will help expand the company’s “career readiness” program across the United States.
Gross began his musical career at the age of 17 and gained attention when his high school band, Open Air Stereo, appeared on MTV’s hit reality series “Laguna Beach.” Inspired by his own experiences, Gross came up with the idea for Find Your Grind. After bringing students into my studio and seeing firsthand the challenges they face when exploring career options due to the lack of educational opportunities in traditional schools.
“Young people are entering a rapidly changing world of work,” Gross told TechCrunch. “As students prepare to leave school and enter professional careers, many do so without a strong sense of who they are, what they want to do, or how to take the next step after school. Find Your Grind gives them the tools to explore not only what careers are available, but what paths are right for their strengths, interests, and vision of what they want their future to be,” he said.
Traditional career guidance often focuses on pay and promotions, which can feel out of touch with the rapidly evolving job market that new generations are entering. Many of these students no longer aspire to become doctors, engineers, or lawyers. In fact, the World Economic Forum predicts that approximately 92 million jobs will not exist in 2030.
Additionally, traditional career exploration tends to overlook the emotional aspect of choosing a career that aligns with your personal values and desired lifestyle.
The startup’s platform focuses on four key competencies: self-awareness, career awareness, social awareness, and behavioral awareness. It also features a lifestyle assessment that helps students identify three lifestyle pathways based on their preferences. For example, you may find yourself aligned with the role of entertainer, creator, or humanitarian. Students then develop a customized next-step plan for what to do after graduation.
In addition, students will have access to videos and interactive lessons, and a group of mentors will provide practical advice on starting their careers and the steps they have taken to achieve success. Notable leaders include Tony Hawk, Tony Hoffman, and will.i.am.
There’s also an AI-powered “reflective coach” that provides personalized feedback and encourages students to dig deeper into answers for better insights.
Find Your Grind also operates workforce development initiatives such as lifestyle fairs that provide real-world experiences for students. The company is rolling out its first program in Oklahoma City, working with local schools and training centers to help students find local job opportunities that fit their lifestyle preferences.
The company plans to launch more programs in more cities in the future.
To date, Find Your Grind has helped 100,000 students, according to the company. Gross said he hopes “more than 1 million students” will join the platform to be “more prepared for the future.”
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