Dazzle AI, a newly launched artificial intelligence startup founded by former Google executive and Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, has raised $8 million in a seed funding round, reinforcing strong investor interest in early-stage AI innovation in North America, according to regulatory filings and media coverage.
The seed round was led by Kirsten Green of Forerunner Ventures, with participation from Kleiner Perkins, Greycroft, Offline Ventures, Slow Ventures and Bling Capital, among others, in a financing that values Dazzle at about $35 million post-money.
Founded in 2025, Dazzle AI is positioning itself in the emerging consumer AI segment, developing applications aimed at simplifying artificial intelligence for everyday use rather than competing on core model development. The company said the fresh capital will be used to expand its team and prepare for an anticipated initial product launch in early 2026.
Mayer, drawing on her extensive experience at Google and Yahoo, has framed Dazzle’s strategy around translating advances in foundational AI models into more intuitive, user-centric tools. In a company statement, she described the funding as enabling Dazzle to address the “new frontier” of AI applications that deliver tangible value in daily life.
Investor interest in Dazzle reflects broader trends in startup funding flows in North America, where capital is increasingly flowing into AI-focused ventures that blend technical innovation with consumer-facing utility. With marquee venture backers on board, Dazzle’s seed round adds to a growing roster of significant early-stage AI financings for the region in 2025.
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