Clera, a San Francisco-based startup, has launched an AI talent agent that represents job candidates and has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding led by 1984 Ventures. The platform introduces professionals directly to hiring managers at venture-backed startups via email, iMessage and WhatsApp, bypassing traditional application processes. Within months of launching, Clera has surpassed $1 million in annualised revenue and represents over 80,000 professionals across the US and Europe. The AI agent scouts opportunities across more than 600 venture-backed startups, matching candidates with roles based on their career goals and preferences. Unlike most recruitment AI tools that serve employers, Clera focuses on candidate representation, targeting the 70% of professionals who are passively open to opportunities but unwilling to enter conventional application funnels.