FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN [August 20, 2024] – Bereave, an Indianapolis-based startup dedicated to transforming how individuals navigate death, has secured pre-seed funding led by Bloomington’s Paragraph Ventures in their debut as a new studio, with additional investment by Flywheel Fund and IU Angel Network. This funding will accelerate Bereave’s growth and drive the co-development of its enterprise software with Paragraph Ventures. Together, they are creating a platform that empowers employers to deliver continuous, compassionate care that benefits both employees and the business.
“Working with Paragraph made so much sense. They have deep startup and growth experience, technical expertise, and the compassion that makes them perfect partners for Bereave,” said Justin Clifford, Bereave CEO.
Bereave addresses a significant yet often overlooked challenge: the financial and emotional toll of employee grief. Studies show that grief-related absenteeism, turnover, and productivity losses cost U.S. businesses up to $100 billion annually. Bereave now offers a comprehensive solution that tackles these challenges, benefiting both employers and employees. By equipping leadership teams with the tools and resources to manage bereavement with empathy and thoughtfulness, Bereave helps companies foster a supportive workplace culture while minimizing business disruptions.
For employees, Bereave’s platform offers a full spectrum of support, from grief counseling to personal affairs management, ensuring that they are not left to navigate loss alone. This holistic approach enhances employee well-being and aids in a smoother reentry to the workplace, ultimately contributing to higher retention and productivity.
“We are creating loyalty that money can’t buy,” said Bo Dietrick, president of Robert Dietrick Co. and Bereave customer. “Bereave is a must-have to compete in today’s market. Offering bereavement support is no longer optional—it’s a necessity in modern benefit packages.” Dietrick also emphasized the long-term value of Bereave’s mission: “With the continued generational shift, better employee policies will be a focus area for companies. Bereave seems to be one step ahead of everyone.”
As Bereave advances its software capabilities and scales its offerings, it is poised to set a new benchmark for workplace bereavement care, enabling businesses to address the human side of their operations while maintaining their focus on growth and continuity.
About Bereave:
Bereave is an Indianapolis-based startup co-founded by three friends, two of them who experienced the premature loss of their parents. This shared experience highlighted the profound need for better support during times of grief. Driven by a commitment to transform how loss is managed, Bereave provides innovative, technology-driven solutions that help organizations support their employees through life’s most difficult moments. Our mission is to create a workplace culture where compassion and care are integral, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need while businesses maintain resilience and productivity. Bereave is redefining how we experience and respond to grief, enabling both people and organizations to move forward together.
