MAVI, an AI-powered talent marketplace founded in 2023 by Molly Liu and Aman Puri, has come out of stealth with $4 million in seed funding led by Harlem Capital. The platform addresses the growing shortage of skilled accounting professionals in the U.S. by connecting companies with top international finance and accounting talent who are proficient in artificial intelligence. MAVI streamlines the complexities of hiring global workers, handling cross-border contracts, legal compliance, and payroll, while focusing on placing mid-level and senior-level professionals into full-time, long-term roles that support existing finance teams.

Liu, co-CEO of MAVI, highlights a significant challenge in the accounting industry: the shrinking workforce and a gap in AI skills among current professionals. While AI technology continues to automate many routine finance tasks, this shift increases the need for accountants who can provide sophisticated judgment and oversee AI tools effectively. Liu observed that senior finance leaders face rising expectations to apply complex reasoning, making it essential to integrate AI fluency with traditional finance expertise.

The company’s vision centers on the evolving role of accountants, who now must not only understand finance fundamentals but also be adept at directing AI applications, managing large language models, and working seamlessly with cutting-edge AI-native enterprise resource planning systems. MAVI emphasizes the importance of this new skill set, positioning AI-enabled accountants as critical to helping businesses leverage technology while maintaining strong financial oversight and decision-making capabilities.

Currently, MAVI boasts a network of over 3,000 accounting professionals and has secured enterprise clients like the personal care brand Athena Club. Liu believes the future of finance teams relies heavily on this high-skill talent capable of blending AI knowledge with traditional accounting judgment, enabling organizations to operate more efficiently and adapt to the rapidly changing financial landscape.