Online networking marketplace Purple Squirrel has secured $2.7 million in seed funding to support the networking platform’s operational growth needs, according to a company announcement.

Venice’s Crosscut Ventures led the funding round with participation from downtown-based Greycroft Partners, West Hollywood’s Arena Ventures, Luma Launch, and 500 Startups.

Venice Beach-based Purple Squirrel also announced the launch of its networking platform, which connects job seekers with advocates at companies acting as independent career counselors. Job seekers can search the database by company or by position, and advocates decide whether to accept an engagement request from a job seeker.

The parties connect in a 30-minute phone consultation, which can include resume critiques, interview advice, access to unlisted jobs, and the possibility for an employee referral.

Chief Executive Jon Silber, a former senior strategy lead for Google, founded the Purple Squirrel in June 2016 to help job seekers who do not have a well-established career network.

“Purple Squirrel gives all job seekers the opportunity to get equal access to people who have their dream jobs, get their foot in the door, and potentially be recommended by current employees if they can prove they are a great fit,” Silber said in the press release.

Reporter Kat Speed can be reached at [email protected].