Dive Brief:

• Cincinnati, OH,-based startup Ahalogy has announced an $8 million round of venture funding and debt to help build its Pinterest software. 
• Ahalogy has utilized Pinterest's Marketing Developer Partners program to build deeper integration into the platform. 
• The startup provides software to more than 1,000 publishers and 40 different marketers, including Kraft, Hallmark, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, and Kellogg’s to help them manage their Pinterest presence.

Dive Insight: 

Although Pinterest is just beginning its monetization journey, it has the advantage of looking to other major social networks as examples. Ahalogy recently hired an M&A head to handle any acquisition strategy. The round of funding should help Ahalogy better service clients and increase it value. As a leader of the pack, the startup could pave the way for more companies building integration into the Pinterest platform.