Profound, a New York-based technology company specializing in innovative software solutions, has secured $35 million in Series B funding led by the renowned venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, noted for backing transformative tech ventures. This investment marks a crucial milestone for Profound as it expands its reach in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI). Founded to empower brands in optimizing their visibility within AI-powered search and answer platforms, Profound develops cutting-edge software addressing growing demands in digital marketing and content management. Its solutions enable brands to control and measure their representation in AI-driven environments, which increasingly influence how consumers access information online. At the core of Profound's platform is a suite of tools focused on Generative Engine Optimization (AIO), an emerging discipline akin to traditional SEO but tailored for AI-powered generative search engines and answer systems. As AI search engines increasingly provide conversational, direct responses rather than links, brands face complex challenges to ensure their content is accurately and favorably represented. Profound’s software assists companies in monitoring their AI visibility, tracking how their brands and content appear within AI-generated responses. This insight allows brands to understand the competitive AI search landscape and identify opportunities to enhance their content’s prominence. Beyond this tracking, Profound provides actionable tools to optimize content specifically for AI-generated answers, offering guidance on structuring information, language use, and data inclusion favored by AI algorithms, thereby improving the likelihood of brand content being featured. The substantial Series B funding will accelerate product development, expand Profound’s team, and scale operations to meet the rising demand as AI integration in search technologies becomes ubiquitous. With major platforms adopting AI-driven interfaces that revolutionize information discovery, Profound is strategically positioned to benefit. Sequoia Capital’s leadership in this round underscores strong confidence in Profound’s vision and technology. Sequoia’s expertise provides not just capital but strategic guidance and connections to broaden Profound’s influence and partnerships within the tech landscape. Industry analysts acknowledge that AI-powered search and generative answer engines are reshaping online information retrieval, transforming traditional SEO practices into approaches addressing AI’s unique behaviors.

Companies like Profound, focused on this transition, are poised to become pivotal in next-generation digital marketing strategies. Today’s brands face heightened challenges: producing high-quality content that aligns with AI algorithms’ criteria for factual accuracy, clarity, style, and query relevance. Profound’s data-driven insights and optimization recommendations help brands navigate these demands, increasing their chances of favorable AI treatment. As generative AI models grow more advanced, demand rises for specialized tools offering transparency and control over AI content sourcing. Profound’s emphasis on monitoring AI visibility and optimizing content meets this emerging need promptly. Moreover, Profound’s technology aids brands in managing their reputations within AI-generated content. Given AI’s synthesis of diverse sources, the ability to monitor brand portrayal and intervene proactively is invaluable, especially amid risks of misinformation or outdated data spreading through automated AI responses. Looking forward, Profound plans to enhance its platform by integrating advanced AI analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated content adjustment features. These innovations aim to empower brands to maintain accurate, strong presences in AI-powered search environments, securing competitive advantages as AI transforms digital landscapes. Profound’s success in attracting $35 million in Series B funding highlights investor confidence in AI-focused optimization tools and the growing importance of targeted strategies for AI-driven information retrieval. As organizations recognize the strategic value of managing AI visibility, Profound leads in delivering solutions bridging traditional marketing and the future of AI-interactive content discovery. In summary, Profound’s recent funding milestone not only accelerates its growth but signals a significant advancement in technology and marketing sectors. Through innovative Generative Engine Optimization tools, the company addresses critical needs for brands striving to excel amid the rise of AI-powered search and answer engines. Backed strongly by Sequoia Capital and driven by a clear vision for AI visibility management, Profound is well-positioned to shape the next era of digital content strategy and brand engagement in an AI-driven world.