Instead Secures Strategic Investment Round

by Kay Aloha Villamor in May 23rd, 2025

Instead, a San Francisco, CA-based AI-powered tax platform helping accountants automate tax preparation, has secured a strategic investment.  

Investors  

The funding round was led by IRIS Software Group. Founded in 1978, IRIS is a global provider of cloud-based software, serving over 100,000 customers in 135 countries. By automating complex tasks and delivering actionable insights, IRIS helps organizations operate with confidence. The company is certified as a 2024 Great Place to Work® in the UK, Ireland, India, Romania, Canada, and the USA. IRIS serves businesses, HR departments, finance, education, and accountancy firms.  

Instead Use of Funds  

The company will use the funds to accelerate product development and expand its sales and marketing capabilities.  

About Instead  

Instead is a company that provides an AI-driven tax solutions for businesses and tax professionals. Its platform is designed to automate the tax preparation process, including analyzing tax returns, implementing savings strategies, and facilitating the filing of both federal and state tax returns. Launched in June 2023, Instead uses AI to analyze tax returns, identify missed opportunities, and implement tax-saving strategies with supporting documentation. Powered by agentic and generative AI, the platform aims to automate over 90% of the tax preparation process.  

Funding Details  

Company: Instead, LLC  

Raised: Undisclosed  

Round: Strategic Investment  

Funding Date: May 2025  

Investor: IRIS Software Group  

Company Website: https://www.instead.com/  

Software Category: Tax & Accounting Software / AI Tax Automation  

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iris-software-group-announces-strategic-investment-in-ai-powered-tax-management-platform-instead-302460606.html  

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