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WorkWhile raises $23 million in Series B funding to expand its AI-powered platform that connects businesses with dependable hourly workers. The company reports 10x growth over three years and a 96% shift attendance rate, supported by predictive algorithms analyzing 150 factors. New leadership appointments and partnerships aim to scale operations across high-demand industries including logistics, hospitality, and large-scale events.
$23 Million and Counting: Why Investors Bet Big on WorkWhile
WorkWhile has secured $23 million in Series B funding to expand its AI-driven labor platform. The round was led by Rethink Impact, with continued backing from earlier investors including Khosla Ventures and Reach Capital. New participants such as Citi Impact Fund, GingerBread Capital, and Illumen Capital also joined.
This capital will be directed toward scaling operations, enhancing the platform’s technology, and expanding market reach within the $650 billion global staffing sector, which includes $230 billion in the U.S. temporary staffing segment. WorkWhile previously received early investment from Khosla Ventures, where the company was originally incubated.
AI Does the Heavy Lifting: How WorkWhile Solves Hourly Staffing Gaps
WorkWhile leverages AI and machine learning to optimize the match between hourly workers and businesses. Its algorithms process tens of millions of data points and evaluate 150 variables including transportation access and no-show rates to assess candidate reliability and suitability.
The platform achieves a 95% accuracy rate in predicting worker dependability and reports a 96% show-up rate for scheduled shifts. These capabilities allow WorkWhile to meet hiring demands without relying on recruiters, reducing the traditional time-to-hire from weeks to hours.
The Numbers Behind the Disruption: Inside a $650 Billion Market Opportunity
Hourly workers comprise 55% of the U.S. labor force, totaling 80.5 million people. Despite their numbers, most of these workers and employers still lack a modern system for matching labor supply with demand.
WorkWhile targets inefficiencies that impact productivity and revenue, especially related to shift no-shows and talent misalignment. Its digital-first infrastructure directly competes with outdated staffing processes that offer minimal predictive insight into worker behavior.
More Than a Gig App: What Sets WorkWhile Apart from Other Staffing Platforms
WorkWhile distinguishes itself through several worker-centric features not commonly found in conventional staffing models:
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate non-traditional work patterns
- Immediate pay options
- Access to virtual healthcare services
- Upskilling programs and credentials
- A mobile-first user experience
In a workforce survey conducted by the company with over 5,200 respondents, 77% cited flexible scheduling as essential, demonstrating alignment between the platform’s offering and worker priorities.
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Meet the New Leadership Steering the Next Growth Phase
WorkWhile has strengthened its executive team to guide the next stage of expansion. Board member Simon Khalaf, former CEO of Marqeta, now serves as Chief Operating Officer.
New hires include:
- Cyrus Akrami as Chief Revenue Officer
- Madhu Jagannathan as Chief Financial Officer
- Davis Waddell leading Global Strategic Partnerships
These individuals bring experience from firms such as Meta, Google, Airbnb, McKinsey, Lyft, and Atlassian, reflecting WorkWhile’s effort to integrate high-level operational and strategic expertise.
From Stadiums to Supply Chains: Where WorkWhile Makes an Impact
The platform currently serves over one million workers and supports roles across warehouse operations, last-mile delivery, hospitality, food production, and event services.
WorkWhile has staffed major national events, including:
- Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
- The Super Bowl
- NCAA Final Four
- NASCAR
- Comic-Con
Its ability to quickly scale up for these complex staffing environments underlines its application across high-demand industries with variable labor needs.
What This Funding Means for Workers and Employers Alike
The Series B capital will accelerate product development and geographic expansion. It will also support additional services for workers, including access to health and financial resources.
Employers using the platform benefit from reduced operational delays, improved attendance rates, and a scalable labor solution adaptable to demand fluctuations. The company maintains a Net Dollar Retention rate consistently above 100%, indicating sustained engagement and repeat business.
A Workforce Platform Built for the Future of Work
WorkWhile has reported 1,084% growth over a three-year period and ranked 412th on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. It was recognized by the World Economic Forum as a 2023 technology pioneer.
CEO Jarah Euston was named one of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women North America and received the Woman in Supply Chain Award from Food Logistics.
With its AI foundation, streamlined operations, and expanding leadership team, WorkWhile continues to build a data-driven platform that enables efficient hiring for businesses and more sustainable employment pathways for hourly workers.
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