The power of a well-crafted cold email can be a game-changer for startups, as evidenced by the story of Clipbook, an AI-powered platform that helps companies monitor their media coverage. Founder Adam Joseph’s bold move of sending a one-page investment pitch to a list of top media investors, including Mark Cuban, paid off in a big way, resulting in a $3 million seed round co-led by Cuban, Commonweal Ventures, and Carpenter Capital.
Joseph’s journey to securing funding began when he launched Clipbook in 2023 and bootstrapped it to a million dollars in annual recurring revenue. At that point, he felt ready to find investors who understood the media landscape and could help take his company to the next level. With a clear vision and a solid product, Joseph took a chance and sent out cold emails to his top picks, including Cuban, who has a reputation for being a savvy investor with a keen eye for innovative startups.
What sets Clipbook apart from its competitors, such as Sprinklr, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite, is its AI-native approach. Unlike other products that simply scan for keywords, Clipbook’s AI technology understands the context of how words are used, allowing it to provide more accurate and relevant results. This capability is particularly useful for searching audio and video references in podcasts, an area where other products often struggle.
Cuban, who has invested tens of millions of dollars in startups through cold emails, was impressed by Joseph’s persistence and the quality of his product. After putting Joseph through a series of tests, including a thorough questioning and a request to produce a report on his own company, CostPlus Drugs, Cuban was convinced that Clipbook was a worthwhile investment. The report, which “nailed” relevant references and uncovered a previously unknown podcast conversation, sealed the deal, and Cuban agreed to send Joseph a term sheet.
The seed round, which closed in early 2025, has enabled Clipbook to grow its customer base to 200 companies, including Weber Shandwick and the Boston Consulting Group. While Joseph declined to share updated ARR figures, he confirmed that the company has continued to grow since securing funding. The investment has also validated Clipbook’s AI-native approach, which is poised to disrupt the media monitoring landscape.
The story of Clipbook’s seed round serves as a reminder that even in a crowded startup landscape, innovative products and persistence can pay off. For entrepreneurs looking to secure funding, Joseph’s experience offers a valuable lesson: don’t be afraid to take a chance and reach out to investors, even if it’s through a cold email. With a solid product and a clear vision, the right investor may just be waiting to take notice.
As the media monitoring landscape continues to evolve, Clipbook is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered solutions. With its impressive customer base and continued growth, the company is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and strategic investment. Whether you’re a startup founder or an established business, the story of Clipbook’s seed round is a compelling reminder of the importance of staying ahead of the curve and embracing the latest technologies to drive success.
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