As the collective rises, Collective collects $8 million in seed round

Parisian SaaS marketplace for freelancer collectives, Collective has raised $8 million in a seed funding round. The eFounders startup is addressing the growing trend of freelancers banding together, and providing them with a dedicated infrastructure to optimise operations. The funding is allocated to continue the development of the platform, with plans of filling some 30+ positions by the end of 2022.

It’s no secret that the appeal of freelancing work has attracted more than a few to ditch the corporate 9 to 5 and strike out on their own. But in so much, even the most multi-talent is still one boat sailing a vast sea. As the profession itself has matured, so have some of the ways and means of operating. We’ve seen the rise of insurance services, pensions, etc. for freelancers, and now, a growing trend: collectives.

Not quite a company, and not quite a solo endeavour, collectives are groups of freelancing specialists that have banded together to utilise their combined networks, skillsets, and methodologies to achieve even greater success, namely by accessing larger projects with bigger budgets, than if they were going it alone. A rising tide lifts all boats.

"Collectives are more horizontal than traditional companies," commented Vianney de Drouas, COO and co-founder of Collective. "Some collectives already operate as fully decentralised and autonomous organisations. In these collectives, the remuneration system, the governance, and every-day-processes are collectively voted, and subject to evolutions based on a democratic system."

Where Collective comes into play is by providing these collectives with a dedicated infrastructure that allows them to build common proposals, contract with and bill their clients as a single professional entity while getting paid individually. What’s more, the startup also offers collectives a platform where they can create a promote a unified brand, manage collaborative efforts, and prospect for jobs from clients seeking specialist teams.

Collective’s $8 million seed funding round was led by Blossom Capital, together with collective members and angel investors including co-founders of Intercom, Criteo, and Aircall.

Blossom Capital’s founder Ophelia Brown comments, “Traditional company structures are archaic and inflexible. People want greater autonomy and collaboration in their roles and are finding ways to work with other individuals in a more fulfilling way. These emerging alternatives, known as Collectives, allow for fairer wealth redistribution, provide more transparency to every stakeholder, and create a more engaging way of working. Collective is playing a pivotal role in empowering these communities and ultimately the companies of tomorrow.”