Manny Medina, the visionary founder behind the $4.4 billion-valued sales automation giant Outreach, has once again captured the tech world's attention with his latest venture, Paid.
This innovative startup, focused on transforming how AI agents are monetized, has just raised a staggering $21 million in seed funding, as reported by TechCrunch.
Paid’s Unique Approach to AI Monetization
Paid introduces a groundbreaking platform for results-based billing, addressing a critical gap in the rapidly evolving AI agent economy.
Unlike traditional billing models, Paid ensures that AI agent startups can charge based on tangible outcomes, creating a fair and profitable system for both developers and clients.
The Vision Behind Paid
Medina’s journey from leading Outreach to launching Paid reflects his deep understanding of automation and scalable tech solutions.
Having witnessed the challenges faced by agentic startups firsthand, he identified the need for a robust infrastructure to support the monetization of AI bots, a sector projected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Impact on the AI Industry
This $21M seed round positions Paid as a frontrunner in shaping the future of AI agent economics, potentially setting new standards for how autonomous software is priced and valued.
The funding will likely accelerate Paid’s beta program, building on the earlier €10 million pre-seed round announced in March 2025, and expand its reach to more AI-driven businesses.
Historical Context and Medina’s Legacy
Medina’s track record with Outreach, a company that redefined sales tech, adds significant credibility to Paid’s mission, drawing investor confidence in his ability to innovate.
His focus on solving real-world problems in tech ecosystems suggests that Paid could replicate or even surpass the success of his previous endeavors.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI Billing
As AI agents become integral to industries ranging from customer service to marketing, Paid’s platform could become a cornerstone for ensuring sustainable profitability in this space.
With this substantial funding, the startup is poised to drive industry-wide change, potentially influencing how businesses worldwide adopt and monetize AI technologies.