What Do Albert Einstein and streetwear brand Hellstar Have in Common? They’re Both Protected by Podqi.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Podqi, the automated IP protection platform transforming how brands defend their digital rights, today announced it has raised $3.2 million in seed funding. The round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from Soma Capital, Afore Capital, and strategic angel investors, and positions Podqi to lead in addressing the rapidly evolving challenges of IP protection in the digital age.
In an era where the online counterfeit market exceeds $1 trillion and grows 20% year-over-year, companies and brands face unprecedented difficulties in protecting their IP assets. With the rise of ultra-fast fashion and instant viral products, malicious actors can now leverage AI content generation to fully impersonate storefronts in hours. These deceptive sites steal content directly from official sources and licensees, misleading consumers and manipulating search engine results to appear on the front page of Google within days.
Podqi’s platform automates the entire IP protection process from detection to takedown, scanning millions of potential infringements daily and enabling immediate enforcement at a scale previously impossible.
“Every brand selling products online faces the same challenge – the faster you grow, the more aggressively counterfeiters target you,” said Trevor West, CEO and co-founder of Podqi. “We’re building Podqi to turn the tables on infringers. Instead of playing defense, we help brands proactively protect their IP and unlock new revenue streams through licensing and enforcement. The companies and brands that work with us see counterfeits as an opportunity to identify potential licensees and recover lost revenue.”
“We invested in Podqi because the team is solving an important problem: IP infringement, which is increasingly top of mind for everyone — from brands and entertainers to the music and sports industry,” said Marc Bhargava, Managing Director at General Catalyst. “Co-founders Trevor, Jesse, and Ivan are a trusted team with a long history together. They move fast, envision the right product, and successfully sell into industries that have historically been slower to innovate.”
Read the full announcement on the Podqi website: https://www.podqi.com/blog/announcing-our-seed-raise
About Podqi
Podqi protects and monetizes intellectual property for the world’s most innovative brands. For more information, visit www.podqi.com.
SOURCE Podqi
