Canadian startup Heylist secures $1.6m to make influencer marketing accessible
Montreal-based startup Heylist, announced the closing of its first funding round, raising $1.6 million. With the influencer marketing sector expected to expand to $24 billion by the end of 2024, Heylist is democratizing this industry by creating opportunities within the creator economy.
Operating on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, Heylist is a marketplace that connects brands and agencies with nano-influencers, individuals with 10,000 followers or less who have very high engagement rates. In addition to supporting the development of the product's unique features, the investment will support sales growth initially in Canada and then in the United States.
Thanks to an unequivocal proof of concept and a solid team, the startup was able to rally investors for an oversubscribed funding round in a still somewhat hesitant market. The venture capital fund Accelia Capital led the way.
Annick Charbonneau, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Accelia Capital: "Accelia Capital is pleased to lead the funding round for Heylist, an innovative Quebec-based company in the influencer marketing sector powered by artificial intelligence. Led by the distinguished entrepreneur Vicky Boudreau, Heylist aims to become a global leader in influencer marketing, and Accelia is proud to support the company in its growth."
Among the investors are The51(Calgary-Toronto) and Anges Québec, joined by strategic angel investors in Canada and the United States, enabling the company to benefit from expertise and networks in its target markets. The Government of Quebec, through its Impulsion PME program managed by Investissement Québec, also participated significantly in the round.
Bicha Ngo, President and CEO of Investissement, Québec: "Supporting young companies like Heylist at such a pivotal moment as their pre-launch is one of the many roles Investissement Québec aims to play in the business journey of Quebec companies. In addition to the financial support provided through the Impulsion PME program, we are also pleased to assist the Heylist team in their efforts to reach various markets outside Quebec."
Vicky Boudreau, President and Co-founder, Heylist: "Having Accelia and The51, which champions women in tech, as partners is a source of pride for our entire team, which is 70% women. We are also very privileged to have the support of the Government of Quebec as our social mission will help create wealth by enabling everyone - whether they are beginners, students, single mothers, or others - to increase their income while pursuing their passions."
