Dan Moore, a programming enthusiast turned entrepreneur, co-founded Tarka, a startup based in Raleigh, focused on helping go-to-Market teams using AI agents. With a background in computer science from Georgia Tech and experience in launching several startups, Moore identified a critical need for efficient Marketing and customer discovery processes for new products. Tarka aims to simplify these tasks with its innovative AI Agent for LinkedIn, which connects users with potential customers while maintaining their personal brand. Currently, Tarka has over 200 customers on its waitlist and is working towards hitting $1 million in revenue by year-end, while continuously enhancing its product based on user feedback.

Dan Moore, a passionate entrepreneur and co-founder of Tarka, started his programming journey at just eight years old. After earning his computer science degree from Georgia Tech, he knew he wanted more than just a typical corporate job.
“I realized that enterprise life wasn’t for me, just being a small wheel on a giant machine,” Moore said, emphasizing his desire for independence.
Moore’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create several startups, including Awaiting, a virtual waitlist app designed for brick-and-mortar stores. This path steered him toward product management and sales, revealing a significant opportunity in the Market.
“There’s a clear need for go-to-Market teams to connect with their target audience for product launches,” Moore noted.
This insight, combined with the recent surge in AI technology, inspired Moore to establish Tarka in 2023. Tarka is an innovative AI agent platform aimed at helping go-to-Market teams enhance customer discovery and Market research.
The journey from concept to Market involves extensive Marketing and customer engagement. Moore recognizes that these tasks can be overwhelming for solo founders or small teams.
“It just takes a lot of busy work and stuff that people hate to do,” Moore said. “And so Tarka simplifies all that.”
Tarka’s Unique Position
Moore acknowledges the competitive landscape in the go-to-Market sector, especially in outbound sales, with an estimated $250 million spent annually in the U.S. Tarka aims to stand out by offering a unique approach.
“There’s no one really taking the specific approach that we’re taking,” Moore added.
Currently, Tarka is developing its first AI agent, which acts as a networking tool for LinkedIn. This agent will engage potential customers by mimicking a user’s LinkedIn profile and facilitating communication.
Unlike typical spam methods, Tarka’s approach focuses on maintaining a genuine personal brand while interacting with prospects naturally on LinkedIn.
During setup, users can tailor their AI agent to their brand and goals. Once configured, the agent operates like a human, suggesting contacts that may be interested in their product.
“It’s like sitting down a human at a computer and having them browse, but it does it much faster and efficiently,” Moore explained.
Users can choose various goals for their AI agent, from setting up interviews to gathering product feedback.
However, Moore anticipates challenges, especially since LinkedIn prefers real interactions over automation.
“LinkedIn is an adversarial environment. They don’t want automation,” he observed.
QUICK BITS
Startup: Tarka
Co-Founders: Dan Moore, Justin Michel
Founded: 2023
Team size: 3
Location: Raleigh
Website: www.tarka.ai
Funding: Raising seed
Tarka plans to offer subscription-based AI agents, transitioning toward an outcome-driven pricing model where fees adjust based on user satisfaction.
Moore envisions expanding the capabilities of AI agents beyond LinkedIn, tapping into countless other platforms.
“What we’ve built can use LinkedIn well, but there are many other websites where AI can create value,” he said.
Tarka has already attracted over 200 potential customers and aims for $1 million in revenue by year’s end, having generated over $100,000 from early pilot partners.
“We’re continuously launching new features for our pilot customers,” Moore remarked.
What is Tarka Arms?
Tarka Arms is a startup based in Raleigh that focuses on enhancing go-to-Market strategies using AI agents. They create tools that help teams streamline their Marketing and sales efforts.
How do AI agents help Tarka Arms?
AI agents assist Tarka Arms by automating tasks, analyzing data, and providing insights. This makes it easier for teams to understand customer needs and improve their strategies.
Who can benefit from Tarka Arms’ services?
Businesses looking to improve their Marketing and sales processes can benefit from Tarka Arms’ services. This includes startups, small businesses, and larger companies wanting to optimize their go-to-Market approach.
What makes Tarka Arms different from other startups?
Tarka Arms stands out because it combines AI technology with practical Market strategies. This unique blend allows for more effective and efficient go-to-Market solutions.
How can I learn more about Tarka Arms?
You can visit the Tarka Arms website or follow them on social media for updates, resources, and insights into their work and AI solutions.