WorkBuzz, a rapidly growing employee engagement platform headquartered in Milton Keynes, has recently announced the successful completion of a £6.2 million funding round. The funding round was led by YFM Equity Partners (YFM), a prominent private equity investor, and included participation from existing investors Mercia and Foresight Group (Foresight), both of whom were investing from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF).
This significant injection of funds will play a pivotal role in WorkBuzz's strategic plans for international expansion, as well as bolstering their sales and marketing efforts. Additionally, the funding will fuel the development and implementation of new technological innovations to enhance their existing platform, further benefiting their expanding client base.
WorkBuzz's innovative approach revolves around providing businesses with an agile employee engagement platform, complemented by expert consultancy services. By leveraging real-time feedback from employees and utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, WorkBuzz helps organizations identify areas for improvement and guides managers on how to build exceptional cultures and boost employee retention rates.
Since its launch in 2018 by employee engagement expert Steven Frost, WorkBuzz has experienced remarkable growth, nearly doubling in size each year. Currently, the platform serves over 400 organizations, including renowned brands such as Five Guys, Shell Energy, and HS2. This impressive client roster highlights the increasing significance of prioritizing employee engagement within modern workplaces.
The growing importance of employee engagement in today's competitive landscape is further underscored by recent research conducted by WorkBuzz. According to their findings, a staggering 74% of surveyed companies now actively track this crucial metric, reflecting its status as a top priority for organizations navigating generational talent shortages, hybrid work models, and evolving employee expectations.
Expressing his excitement about the funding round, Steven Frost, CEO of WorkBuzz, stated, "We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and are very grateful for the support of our clients and partners, but it feels like we’re just getting started. This latest round of investment will be transformative – it’s 180% more than in our entire history to date. We’re excited to scale up our investments in our platform and new innovations, co-creating these with our clients, as well as expand into the US. With generational talent shortages and disruptive technologies like generative AI, there’s never been a more exciting time to build an HR tech company and make an impact.”
Adam Hart, Investment Director at YFM, expressed confidence in WorkBuzz's growth potential, stating, "WorkBuzz is going through a really exciting period of growth and has the ambition and drive to significantly expand upon this. They have been able to attract big-name clients thanks to a combination of leading-edge software and clear domain expertise in the employee engagement space. As growing numbers of organizations seek to forge stronger connections with employees in a complex environment, WorkBuzz has the potential to make a huge impact in this market."
This latest funding round marks the third investment in WorkBuzz by Mercia and Foresight, both of whom have been supporting the company since 2021 through funding from MEIF. The Midlands Engine Investment Fund, which invested in WorkBuzz in 2022, played a vital role in facilitating job creation and supporting the company's revenue growth. The follow-on funding secured from this round will further contribute to WorkBuzz's expansion into international markets, cementing its position as a leading player in the employee engagement sector.
Keira Shepperson, Director of Regional Funding at the British Business Bank, emphasized the significance of MEIF's continued support for WorkBuzz, stating, "The MEIF invests in innovative and growth-focused companies in the Midlands region, and its continued support of WorkBuzz shows the MEIF’s commitment to backing high-growth potential SMEs in the region."
WorkBuzz's impressive growth trajectory and the success of their recent funding round illustrate the increasing recognition of employee engagement as a critical factor in achieving organizational success. With its strategic plans for expansion, ongoing technological advancements, and a dedicated team focused on driving positive workplace cultures, WorkBuzz is poised to make a lasting impact in the HR tech industry, both domestically and internationally.
As businesses face the challenges posed by talent shortages and disruptive technologies, WorkBuzz's comprehensive employee engagement platform and consultancy services provide a valuable solution for organizations seeking to attract, retain, and empower their workforce. With the support of YFM Equity Partners and their existing investors, WorkBuzz is well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of employee engagement and redefine the future of work.
