Lattice, a people management platform focused on integrating artificial intelligence into workplace performance tools, announced it has acquired the AI-native coaching technology of Mandala and brought on its founder, Tarun Galagali, to accelerate its product development strategy.
The deal is positioned as a key step in Lattice’s broader “People + AI” vision, aimed at embedding real-time, actionable intelligence directly into performance management workflows. With this acquisition, Lattice intends to deepen its ability to guide managers not just on past performance, but on what actions to take next.
Galagali will lead the development of new AI-native capabilities within Lattice’s platform. His work at Mandala, which combines neuroscience-backed coaching with AI tools delivered through workplace systems like Slack, has been deployed across universities and enterprises including UC Berkeley, Ohio State University, Google, Microsoft, and Pendo. His methodology was developed in collaboration with Dr. Michael Platt of Wharton’s Neuroscience Initiative.
The acquisition builds on Lattice’s existing AI efforts, including its AI Agent product, which provides coaching and alignment insights in real time. By incorporating Mandala’s technology, Lattice aims to create what it describes as an AI-native people intelligence platform, capable of delivering on-demand feedback, performance reviews, and behavioral guidance grounded in company-specific data.
The move comes amid rapid adoption of AI in HR. Industry projections suggest that by 2030, half of HR activities could be automated or handled by AI agents. Adoption trends have accelerated sharply, with a majority of HR leaders already implementing generative AI and planning to deploy agentic AI capabilities.
Customer feedback highlighted the value of reducing administrative burdens while improving the quality of manager-employee interactions. Organizations using Lattice report increased efficiency in feedback systems and more meaningful leadership engagement.
Founded in 2015, Lattice serves nearly 5,000 customers globally and offers tools spanning performance management, employee engagement, compensation, and goal tracking. The company positions its platform as a centralized system for aligning people development with business outcomes.
Mandala, prior to the acquisition, had trained over 3,000 leaders and focused on translating behavioral science into practical leadership tools. Galagali, a former Google and Verily executive, is also an author and contributor on leadership and AI topics.
The integration of Mandala’s technology is expected to enhance Lattice’s ability to connect performance data with real-time behavioral recommendations, supporting a shift toward more proactive and continuous management practices.
KEY QUOTES:
“Most platforms tell you what happened. We’re building the layer that tells you what to do next. By bringing AI-native capabilities directly into the platform, we’re helping managers lead better in real time by connecting people performance to business outcomes in a way that’s never been possible before. This is how we make work meaningful for everyone.”
“Tarun’s pioneering work represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking that will drive step-level change not just for Lattice, but for the HR and performance management industry entirely.”
Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice
“Lattice has already built an incredible suite of products – a proven platform that thousands of HR leaders already trust. What I’m excited to continue building is an AI-native intelligence layer grounded in neuroscience and designed to feel human: the piece that translates people data into actual behavior change and leadership evolution.”
Tarun Galagali, Founder of Mandala
“My work at Pendo has centered on building systems that help people learn, grow, and lead with clarity. I saw firsthand how the right tools and structures can expand access, strengthen leadership, and scale impact without adding unnecessary complexity. Mandala supports that same approach by combining personalized coaching with practical tools managers can use in real time.”
Jessica Jolley, Vice President, People Development & Strategy, Pendo
“We wanted to create the most efficient and effective system for growth and feedback. Lattice helps us remove unnecessary feedback burdens while making sure managers engage in meaningful conversations that drive impact.”
JD Slaughter, Group Vice President, Organizational Development & Effectiveness, Huge
