The All Raise VC Summit 2020 kicks off Oct. 27, and I look forward to the conversations it’ll foster on how we can all work together to create a more equitable future. I especially applaud the conference themes of being a catalyst for change and the power of a movement, which aligns with what Workday Ventures is all about: to invest in companies that create opportunities for all.
Our responsibility across the industry to create opportunities for all becomes more acute as we reflect on the past year and the importance of the conference themes. The COVID-19 pandemic set off disruptive changes for workers across all industries. In addition, social and racial justice have taken center stage as we acknowledge the important work we have to do to support more diverse workforces, communities, and opportunities.
Backing Investments for Change
At Workday Ventures, we invest in early stage companies, many of which are building businesses that help workers at all levels access opportunities. One frequent goal is to help every worker be their best selves in their careers and elsewhere.
One of our newest investments, Jobcase, is a good example. Jobcase is a social media platform built to empower workers—particularly the 80% who are hourly workers or tradespeople, may not have a college degree, or may change jobs frequently. With more than 110 million registered users, the popular social platform provides tools to help people access job opportunities, build resumes and online profiles, connect with others to share experience, and enable companies to expand their brand reach to target this large community of active and passive job candidates.
Other Workday Ventures companies have been in our portfolio for longer, and also help elevate people and reduce barriers to opportunity.
Pymetrics, for instance, uses behavioral science and artificial intelligence to identify a job seeker’s true potential, and eliminate the bias in hiring. Guild Education works with leading companies to make education and learning a part of their corporate strategy and prepare their employees for the future of work. Landit is a career development platform designed to increase the workplace success of women and diverse groups. BetterUp offers hyper-personalized and mobile 1:1 coaching that allows employees at all levels to easily access professional coaching to help them be their best selves in and outside of work. Vida Health brings together advanced technology and a nationwide network of therapists, coaches, dietitians, and certified diabetes educators to address physical health conditions and the mental health conditions that accompany them.
As well stated by Lisa Skeete Tatum, founder and CEO of Landit, “The future of work is focusing on unlocking the potential of each individual by investing in their personal success.”