Fika Jobs raises $4M to build a video-first hiring platform where AI agents interview candidates

The traditional hiring process has faced significant criticism for its inefficiency and lack of transparency, often leaving candidates feeling lost after submitting numerous applications. The rise of generative AI has added complexity, as many employers now depend on AI-driven screening systems to manage the influx of applications. In response to these issues, Stockholm-based startup Fika Jobs is developing an innovative video-first hiring platform that merges AI interview agents with concise video profiles. This unique approach aims to create a hiring experience reminiscent of both LinkedIn and TikTok. Candidates will no longer be judged solely on their resumes; instead, they will engage in AI-powered interviews that highlight their personality and communication skills. On Tuesday, Fika Jobs announced it has raised $4 million in a pre-seed funding round, which will fund the continued development of its platform, expand its team, and prepare for a broader launch later this year. Job seekers can initiate the process by linking their LinkedIn profiles. Fika’s AI reviews their backgrounds and generates tailored interview questions, leading to a 10-minute video interview with the AI agent, currently utilizing Google’s Gemini models. Following the interview, Fika transforms the candidate's responses into short video clips, creating a dynamic profile. This innovative model allows candidates to maintain a live profile that potential employers can discover, rather than applying for each job individually. The idea was inspired by co-founders Jakob and Alexander Dubois, who realized that essential traits like grit and ambition often go unnoticed in traditional resumes during their previous venture, a social app called Gaff. Jakob Dubois explained, "We nearly overlooked a candidate whose resume didn’t stand out, but once we spoke with him, his qualities were immediately apparent." Unlike competitors that primarily focus on improving the sourcing and screening processes for employers, Fika is shifting the paradigm by allowing candidates to showcase their skills through video profiles. This could enable employers to better gauge communication abilities and cultural fit early in the hiring process, particularly for early-career professionals and those from unconventional backgrounds whose potential may not be visible on paper. However, it's crucial to consider the potential biases that video profiles may introduce. With visual information regarding a candidate’s race, age, gender, and more available upfront, there is an increased risk of discrimination, a concern that some companies have addressed by adopting blind resume screening methods. Fika intends to grant early access to candidates this week, with plans for a public launch in the fall, starting in Sweden before expanding globally. The company currently operates with a small team but expects to grow to around 10 employees by year-end. Over 100 companies are currently on a waitlist, while 50 firms, including Plenty Labs and SICS.ai, have already tested the platform. The service is free for job seekers, and while employers incur no upfront costs, Fika charges a 10% fee based on a candidate’s first-year salary upon successful hiring—a more competitive rate compared to the typical 20% to 30% fees charged by traditional recruiters. The funding round was led by Luminar Ventures, with contributions from Alliance VC and notable King co-founders Sebastian Knutsson and Riccardo Zacconi, known for their success with the mobile game Candy Crush.