Vinyl, the AI meeting assistant designed specifically for accounting and bookkeeping firms, has closed a $2 million seed round, backed by Tidal Ventures along with the founders of Dext, Ignition, and KeyPay. The investment comes as global demand for sector-specific AI tools accelerates.
Since launching its beta, Vinyl has already processed more than 7,500 hours of client meetings. Over 550 firms across Australia, the UK, and the US are now using the platform, which is capturing more than 150 meeting hours every day. The tool helps firms reduce manual admin, keep track of commitments, and improve follow-through with clients.
Founded by Trent McLaren, Liss McLaren, and Jordan Vickery, Vinyl is part of a broader trend of vertical AI platforms reshaping professional services. Similar solutions are emerging across industries, from Harvey in legal to Heidi, Lyrebird, Milli, and Jump in healthcare and financial planning.
“Vinyl started as a smart notetaker – one that understands accounting conversations, identifies speakers, and captures action items automatically,” said co-founder Trent McLaren.
“But the vision is bigger. We’re building a true AI assistant that helps with meeting prep, joins in-person discussions, and handles the work that comes after – emails, proposals, summaries, the lot.”
McLaren added that the calibre of backers reflects industry confidence in the problem Vinyl is solving: “These are operators who’ve built and exited major platforms for the profession. Their backing isn’t just capital – it’s a signal that Vinyl is solving a real, recognised problem in a space they know inside out.”
Tidal Ventures principal Kieran O’Neill, who led the round, said: “Accounting is built on relationships, but the critical context shared between adviser and client is often lost in emails, meetings, and calls. Vinyl is starting where it matters most, capturing that context to power a smarter system of work.
“By tackling the necessary admin and compliance burden first, they’re laying the foundation to unlock more valuable, complex advisory work.
“Trent, Jordan, and Liss are the standout team to do this, bringing deep accounting tech expertise and a clear vision for the future of the profession.”
