Nova's $120M Creative Platform Backed by Drake, 50 Investors

Nova, a creative industries jobs platform and studio space founded by Alex Gruszynski and Aidan Cullen, has facilitated over $120 million in work for creatives since its launch. Instead of traditional venture capital, the founders raised funds from more than 50 individual investors, including musician Drake and his DreamCrew entertainment company, actor Evan Mock, photographer Brianna Capozzi, and creative director Alana O'Herlihy. The platform connects creatives with job opportunities and aims to address industry issues such as late payments and lack of attribution. In an interview with CULTURED, the founders discussed their decision to avoid VC funding, citing a desire to align with investors who understand the creative industry. They also revealed plans for Nova Net Zero, a feature that would ensure creatives get paid within 24 hours. The platform has already connected creatives to over $120 million in work, with estimates closer to $200 million including repeat work. Investors praised Nova for simplifying the process of finding creative talent and supporting the creative community.