Scale Social AI, a Durham, N.C.–based marketing technology company, has raised $1.3 million in pre-Seed funding.
Investors
The round was led by LAUNCH and The Syndicate, both led by Jason Calacani, with participation from RTP Angel Fund, Primordial Ventures, Charlotte Fund, Triangle Tweener Fund, Blue Valley Capital, and strategic angels, including Mike Cristinziano. The company also received a $50,000 SEED grant from the NC IDEA Foundation.
LAUNCH is a U.S.–based early-stage startup accelerator and investment firm that supports founders from idea to traction. They offer programs like Founder University for early-stage ideas and the LAUNCH Accelerator for startups. The LAUNCH Fund directly invests in deals, and the firm also operates a syndicate with 10,000+ accredited investors.
The Syndicate is an angel investing club connecting accredited investors with private funding opportunities in early-stage startups. Operating as an extension of LAUNCH, the syndicate allows members to review deal memos and invest in companies.
Scale Social AI Use of Funds
The company will use the funding to accelerate product development, expand partnerships and pilots, and enhance its automation platform to serve local and national brands across industries.
About Scale Social AI
Founded in 2025 by Runbin Dong, Scale Social AI is a marketing technology platform designed to transform authentic customer interactions into localized, high-performing advertising. The platform helps franchises and multi-location brands harness customer-generated content for local marketing. It captures authentic customer moments by encouraging guests to scan a simple QR code at physical locations to share their experiences. Based in Durham, NC, the platform has generated thousands of authentic content pieces. Early customers include Osmow’s and Mimi Garden, with growing interest from gyms, studios, museums, and experiential businesses.
Funding Details
Company: Scale Social AI, Inc.
Raised: $1.3M
Round: Pre-Seed
Funding Date: November 2025
Lead Investors: LAUNCH, The Syndicate
Additional Investors: RTP Angel Fund, Primordial Ventures, Charlotte Fund, Triangle Tweener Fund, Blue Valley Capital, Mike Cristinziano
Company Website: https://www.scalesocial.ai/
Software Category: Marketing Technology / Localized Advertising
Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251118881555/en/