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Overview
Firsthand builds an AI agent platform for brands and publishers to protect, control, and deploy their data and content in direct conversational campaigns. It lets teams create and deploy intelligent AI agents that engage consumers with personalized conversations across messaging channels. This approach enables brands and publishers to run tailored, direct-to-consumer interactions while keeping tight control over their data and assets. Compared with typical ad-tech solutions, Firsthand emphasizes data/content governance and direct audience engagement through customized AI agents. The company’s goal is to empower brands and publishers to scale personalized communications with customers while preserving control of their content and data across all messaging channels.
About Firsthand
Industries
Consumer Software
Enterprise Software
AI & Machine Learning
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$26M
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2023
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Firsthand raised $26 million in March 2025, signaling strong investor conviction.
- Andrew Rutledge joined June 2025 to accelerate publisher revenue and sell-side distribution.
- Firsthand’s 2026 site says publishers and brands already use Brand Agent campaigns.
What critics are saying
- OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity can own consumer intent flows by 2026.
- Firsthand’s 2024 pilot-stage model depends on proving durable ROI before buying cycles close.
- AI-generated answers can bypass brand agents, collapsing traffic and monetization leverage fast.
What makes Firsthand unique
- Jonathan Heller, Michael Rubenstein, and Wei Wei built DoubleClick, AppNexus, and FreeWheel.
- Firsthand’s Brand Agent Platform keeps brands controlling voice, data, and relationships.
- Lakebed™ gives publishers and marketers rights management across on-site and paid-media agents.
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Funding
Total Funding
$26M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
1 Rounds
Industry standards
Benefits
Remote Work Options
Company Equity
Company News
Firsthand appoints Andrew Rutledge as chief revenue officer.
05-Mar-2025 | AI brand agent platform Firsthand nets $26m series A Firsthand raises $26M in Series A funding Led by Radical Ventures for AI agent platform
Firsthand raises $26M in Series A funding.
Firsthand unlocks AI as a new communication medium, enabling marketers and publishers to engage consumers directly by leveraging their expertise in real time, wherever consumers are
Firsthand has secured $26M in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered Brand Agent platform, which transforms consumer engagement by enabling real-time, personalized interactions. Led by Radical Ventures, the funding will support product expansion and team growth. Firsthand's platform allows brands to directly engage consumers, offering tailored experiences and insights, while maintaining control over data through its Lakebed™ system.
Firsthand is Hiring for 3 Jobs on Simplify!
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About Firsthand
Industries
Consumer Software
Enterprise Software
AI & Machine Learning
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$26M
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2023
Firsthand is Hiring for 3 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today