Find Your Grind Raises $5M to Empower Student Career Exploration

Find Your Grind Secures $5 Million to Expand Career Exploration Platform

Many recognize Nick Gross as the drummer for the band Goldfinger, a prominent group within the early 2000s punk music landscape.

He is now dedicated to assisting young individuals in identifying and pursuing their professional aspirations through his platform, Find Your Grind.

Platform Focuses on Non-Traditional Careers

This platform spotlights career paths often overlooked in conventional education, such as roles as a pop-punk musician, a content producer, a social media specialist, and a professional esports competitor.

On Tuesday, the company announced a $5 million Series A funding round, increasing its total funding to $8 million.

Echo Investment Capital spearheaded the funding round, with additional investment originating from Gross’ own firm, Gross Labs.

These funds will be utilized to broaden the company’s “career readiness” programs throughout the United States.

Inspiration Behind Find Your Grind

Gross’ musical journey began at age 17 when his band, Open Air Stereo, gained visibility after appearing on MTV’s “Laguna Beach.”

This experience inspired the creation of Find Your Grind, stemming from Gross’ observations while hosting students in his studio and recognizing the difficulties they faced when considering career options.

A key challenge was often a lack of exposure to diverse possibilities within the traditional school system.

Addressing the Evolving Job Market

“The world of work is undergoing rapid transformation,” Gross explained to TechCrunch. “Students are frequently unprepared as they transition from education to their careers, lacking a clear understanding of their identities, goals, and how to navigate their next steps.”

“Find Your Grind equips them with the resources to explore not only available careers, but also to determine which paths align with their strengths, interests, and future visions,” he added.

find your grind raises $5m to grow platform empowering students to explore unique career paths

Beyond Traditional Career Guidance

Traditional career counseling frequently emphasizes salary and advancement opportunities, which can feel disconnected from the realities of the modern job market.

Many students today are not necessarily aiming for professions like doctors, engineers, or lawyers.

The World Economic Forum forecasts that around 92 million jobs will become obsolete by 2030.

The Importance of Emotional Alignment

Conventional career exploration often neglects the emotional component of selecting a career that resonates with an individual’s values and desired lifestyle.

Core Competencies and Lifestyle Assessment

The platform centers around four essential competencies: self-awareness, career awareness, social awareness, and action awareness.

It also incorporates a Lifestyle Assessment, assisting students in identifying three potential lifestyle paths based on their preferences.

For instance, a student might find alignment with roles as an entertainer, a creator, or a humanitarian.

Following the assessment, students receive a customized plan outlining steps to take after graduation.

Mentorship and AI-Powered Coaching

Students can also access video lessons and interactive content, alongside guidance from a network of mentors offering practical advice on their career journeys.

Notable mentors include Tony Hawk, Tony Hoffman, and will.i.am.

An AI-powered “Reflective Coach” provides personalized feedback and encourages deeper self-reflection for enhanced insights.

Workforce Development Initiatives

Find Your Grind also implements workforce development programs, such as lifestyle fairs, providing students with practical experience.

The company’s initial program is being launched in Oklahoma City, collaborating with local schools and training centers to connect students with job opportunities that match their lifestyle preferences.

Plans are in place to expand these programs to additional cities in the future.