Stockholm-based startup Fika Jobs announced in June 2026 a $4 million pre-seed funding round to develop a hiring platform that replaces traditional resumes with AI-conducted video interviews and short-form video profiles.
The platform works by having candidates connect their LinkedIn profile, after which Fika’s AI — currently powered by Google’s Gemini models — generates personalized interview questions. Candidates complete a roughly 10-minute video interview, and the platform automatically converts their responses into short clips organized into a browsable profile. Employers can then discover and revisit candidates as new opportunities arise, rather than waiting for individual applications.
The company was founded by brothers Jakob Dubois (CEO) and Alexander Dubois (CTO), who said the idea came from their experience recruiting for a previous startup. “We ended up speaking with him anyway, and within minutes, his grit, drive, and ambition became obvious,” Jakob Dubois told TechCrunch, referring to a candidate whose resume had nearly caused them to pass on him. The experience led them to conclude that qualities employers value most are not always apparent on paper.
The round was led by Luminar Ventures, with participation from Alliance VC and Candy Crush co-creators Sebastian Knutsson and Riccardo Zacconi. Fika plans to use the funding to continue building the platform, grow its team to around 10 employees by year-end, and prepare for a wider launch. The platform will open early access to candidates this week, with a broader public launch expected in fall 2026, starting in Sweden before expanding internationally.
The service is free for job seekers. Employers pay nothing upfront, but Fika collects 10% of a candidate’s first-year salary upon a successful hire — below the 20% to 30% fees typically charged by traditional recruiters. More than 100 companies are on the waitlist, and over 50 have already tested the platform, including Kognity and Rebtel.
The video-first approach may help surface communication skills and cultural fit earlier in the hiring process, though the source notes it also introduces potential bias risks, as employers can see a candidate’s physical appearance, age, and other characteristics before reviewing qualifications.
Source: TechCrunch