New York City, NY: Kaizen, a civic technology company redefining how Americans interact with public institutions, has secured $21 million in Series A funding to advance its mission of rebuilding the government’s digital front door.
With its modern, AI-native, and people-centric platform, Kaizen is streamlining public service delivery across local, state, and federal levels.
Kaizen Expands Its Reach Across the U.S.
The funding round was led by NEA with participation from Seven Seven Six (776), Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, and Carpenter Capital. This follows the company’s earlier $11 million seed round, co-led by Accel and Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism practice, bringing its total capital raised to $35 million.
The company currently partners with over 50 government agencies in 17 states, serving more than 30 million residents.
The company focuses on “resident services,” encompassing high-demand public-facing institutions such as parks and recreation, DMV licensing, utility billing, tax filing, transit systems, and court management.
Kaizen Modernizes Resident Services
Kaizen’s platform provides governments with a unified digital commerce system, enabling them to launch essential services within weeks. On the back end, it offers administrators customizable tools to manage operations and payments, while on the front end, it delivers a seamless, branded experience for citizens.
CEO and Co-founder Nikhil Reddy emphasized Kaizen’s mission: “If we raise our expectations of what public service technology can be, we can transform how millions of Americans experience the value of their taxpayer dollars,” Reddy said.
The company’s solutions replace legacy systems that cost taxpayers billions annually, ensuring faster, efficient, and user-friendly public service experiences.
Andreessen Horowitz General Partner Katherine Boyle praised the company’s impact: “Kaizen embodies what the American Dynamism movement stands for – ensuring our government operates at the speed of technology.”
Similarly, Alexis Ohanian, Founder of Seven Seven Six, added: “Kaizen is building the backbone for public services that reflect the ambition and beauty of the society they serve.”
Proven Impact Across States
Kaizen’s real-world results include a successful partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where it implemented a digital day-pass system for state parks in under 60 days. The initiative eliminated long queues, increased visitor satisfaction, reduced state overtime costs, and even contributed to wildlife resurgence due to reduced congestion.
Maryland DNR’s Assistant Secretary Paul Peditto highlighted the program’s success, calling it “one of the most meaningful changes to expand and safeguard equitable public access.”
Rapid Growth and Expansion Plans
Since early 2024, Kaizen has grown its customer base tenfold and increased ARR ninefold year-over-year. The company recently signed partnerships with Maricopa County (AZ), San Bernardino County (CA), Suffolk County (NY), and the Cherokee Nation.
By 2026, the company plans to expand its 30-member team to 50 and extend services to federal agencies and new verticals, including courts management, DMVs, and licensing.
Accel Partner Amit Kumar stated: “Kaizen is proving that public services can be modern, efficient, and built around the people they serve.”
NEA Partner Andrew Schoen added: “Kaizen’s thoughtfully designed, AI-native solutions already reach more than 30 million residents, setting new standards for civic technology.”
Long-Term Vision
Founded by Nikhil Reddy and KJ Shah, Kaizen aims to become the technology prime for civic institutions, developing beautiful and efficient interfaces that strengthen public trust.
As governments nationwide invest billions to overhaul outdated systems, the company’s human-centered digital infrastructure is positioning itself at the forefront of America’s public service modernization era.
