How UC Berkeley Dropouts Built a $28M AI Marketing Automation Startup
AI marketing automation startups are reshaping how businesses connect with customers in 2025, and Conversion is a prime example. Founded by two UC Berkeley dropouts, this AI-powered marketing platform recently secured $28 million in Series A funding, led by Abstract with participation from True Ventures and HOF Capital. Entrepreneurs, marketers, and tech enthusiasts are taking notice because the company’s story blends youthful ambition, innovative AI, and the growing demand for smarter marketing tools.
Image Credits:Conversion
From Classroom Curiosity to Startup Success
Conversion’s journey began in an unconventional way. Co-founder and CEO Neil Tewari, now just 24, first discovered his love for entrepreneurship in high school. He once got caught streaming a TechCrunch Disrupt event during class, a moment that surprisingly set him on his startup path. Instead of facing typical punishment, the incident sparked a conversation with a family friend who would later become Conversion’s first investor.
Alongside his college roommate James Jiao, now the CTO, Tewari began experimenting with startup ideas while at UC Berkeley. Their earliest projects included tools to help marketers buy product placement ads. But the true breakthrough came when the pair realized they could enhance existing marketing software like HubSpot with smarter automation features. Their side project for personal use soon evolved into the foundation of their AI marketing automation startup.
Identifying a Market Need for AI Marketing Automation
What set Conversion apart was its people-first approach to product development. Before officially launching, the founders dedicated two months to extensive customer discovery, conducting 160 interviews with VPs of marketing from mid-sized businesses. Their research uncovered a universal pain point: companies were struggling to streamline marketing processes and leverage data efficiently without increasing headcount.
By offering automation tools powered by AI, Conversion positioned itself as a must-have solution for businesses looking to optimize campaigns, reduce manual tasks, and improve ROI. The positive response from potential customers validated the market need, ultimately attracting investors who saw the scalability of AI in marketing automation.
$28 Million Funding Fuels Growth and Innovation
The recent $28 million Series A funding is a major milestone for Conversion and signals confidence in the future of AI marketing automation startups. Led by Abstract and backed by True Ventures and HOF Capital, the funding will accelerate product development, enhance AI-driven features, and expand the company’s market reach.
For businesses and marketers, Conversion’s rise reflects a broader industry trend: AI marketing automation tools are no longer optional—they’re essential for staying competitive. The platform’s success also highlights the growing appeal of young, founder-led startups in Silicon Valley that combine technical expertise with real-world problem-solving.
As the marketing landscape becomes increasingly data-driven, Conversion’s journey from a college dorm room idea to a multimillion-dollar AI startup is a compelling example of how innovation, resilience, and customer-focused thinking can create massive opportunities in 2025.
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