By: PR Fueled
Monika Kuizinaite, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Fundmates shares insights into the vision and passion driving this innovative funding platform for YouTube creators. Fundmates focuses on empowering creators by evaluating their future potential and offering capital and strategic support to help them succeed. This conversation highlights how Fundmates is redefining the landscape of creative funding.
Monika, Fundmates isn’t just another funding platform—it feels like there’s a philosophy here. Tell us about the core drive behind what you do.
Monika Kuizinaite: Absolutely. Fundmates was never just about offering money. For us, it’s about empowering creators in an isolating space. Many YouTubers start with incredible vision and talent, but they’re limited by traditional funding models that don’t understand the creative economy. We built Fundmates to recognize creators’ potential and to give them the tools and freedom to grow on their terms. It’s about leveling the playing field for every creator, regardless of their financial background or subscriber count.
That’s inspiring. You’re pushing against the industry norm here. How does that shape your approach?
Monika Kuizinaite: It drives every decision we make. Traditional funding sources are often risk-averse, focusing on what creators have already accomplished. We’re different. We focus on where they’re going, investing in that vision. Our model considers future revenue potential but rather supports those who are in the trenches, grinding, building audiences, and honing their craft. We want creators to know they have a partner who believes in their journey.
How does Fundmates help creators shape their careers beyond the funding?
Monika Kuizinaite: There’s so much more to growth than just cash. We provide creators with strategic insights, analytics, and even content support through our toolkit—access to editors, designers, and platform experts. It’s about helping creators navigate a highly competitive environment without burning out or compromising their art. We’re here to be that trusted team behind the scenes, allowing them to focus on what they do best while having support for everything else. It’s a partnership that’s built on trust and long-term vision.
Let’s talk about marketing. What has been your strategy for introducing Fundmates to the market?
Monika Kuizinaite: Our marketing approach is both community-centered and educational. We’re not just here to offer funds but to provide resources that benefit the creator community. We actively participate in some of the biggest industry events, like VidCon and VidSummit. We also work with one of the leading platforms for creators, Tubefilter, and partner with a variety of influencer agencies. Additionally, we create educational content designed to help creators grow and succeed. Through these efforts, we aim to build trust and show creators how to leverage our resources to reach their full potential.
What has been the most challenging part of running Fundmates, and how has it shaped your vision?
Monika Kuizinaite: Balancing risk with creative freedom is one of the biggest challenges. Traditional funding models want instant returns and “guarantees,” but creativity doesn’t work on a predictable schedule. So, we took on the challenge of being flexible while still protecting Fundmates as a business. It’s taught us to create better predictive models and understand indicators of growth that go beyond subscriber counts or revenue history. It’s also helped us build patience and see creators as partners in a shared journey. That challenge continues, but it’s what shapes our vision—to be a sustainable yet understanding partner for creators.
What advice would you give if you could talk to a younger version of yourself before starting Fundmates?
Monika Kuizinaite: I’d tell myself to listen closely to creators and respect their struggles. They’re often the only ones fighting for their vision, and it can be lonely and daunting. I’d say, “Trust that the support you’re creating will change lives.” Fundmates isn’t just about financial metrics; it’s about showing up to people who feel their dreams might be out of reach. The most powerful part of this journey has been learning that financial empowerment has a ripple effect on a creator’s confidence, purpose, and long-term impact.
What’s a common misconception about Fundmates, and how do you wish creators understood you differently?
Monika Kuizinaite: A common misconception is that Fundmates is a “quick cash” solution or that we’re simply another revenue-sharing model. But we’re so much more than a funding platform. The capital is a tool, not the end goal. What we’re truly about is the freedom to create without limitations. We spend time with creators to understand their ambitions, growth plans, and creative needs because we know that their audience isn’t just numbers—it’s a community they’ve built from scratch. Our mission is to bring creators closer to their potential, not just closer to short-term financial relief.
What advice would you give someone entering the creator industry today, especially with your unique insight?
Monika Kuizinaite: Focus on community and authenticity. Creators who succeed are those who form genuine connections with their audience and who stay adaptable yet consistent in their voice. We often see creators who’ve made it big on YouTube hit a wall when it’s time to level up. Hiring a full-time team and building their own studio are dreams, but making them happen can feel out of reach. That’s where Fundmates steps in. We’re here to give creators the funding they need to break through those barriers and take their vision to the next level.
Looking ahead, where do you see Fundmates, and what excites you most about the future?
Monika Kuizinaite: I see us as a catalyst for a new era where creators have full control over their careers. We’re already exploring partnerships beyond YouTube and pushing into other creator spaces. The creative economy is just beginning, and I’m excited about Fundmates being a lifelong partner for creators across multiple platforms. It’s about setting the stage for a world where creators thrive on their own terms.
Published by: Annie P.
