Seattle-based mobile workforce management tool company Shyft has raised $6.5 million in Series A funding led by Ignition Partners and Madrona Venture Group. Shyft’s mission is to improve the lives of shift workers around the world. The Shyft app is used by retail and service workers to swap their shifts, message each other, and earn more money by picking shifts that otherwise would go unstaffed.
“Shyft’s mobile platform is in high demand from global brands and associates to solve their scheduling challenges. Antiquated methods such as social media groups, text messages, and phone lists aren’t keeping up with today’s hyper-connected workforce,” said Shyft co-founder and CEO Brett Patrontasch in a statement. “Shyft saves managers significant time that can be better used to serve customers and manage other aspects of the business that drive ROI. We are relentlessly focused on providing a groundbreaking mobile user experience for frontline workers, something traditional enterprise software companies have not prioritized.”
With this round of funding, Shyft plans to build on its product development and innovation. Ignition Partners managing partner Bob Bob Kelly and Madrona Venture Group managing director S. Somasegar is joining Shyft’s Board of Directors in conjunction with this round of funding.
“Shyft is changing the way hourly workers manage their schedules across its customers base of retailers, distribution centers and service establishments, putting control in the palms of their hands and championing employee empowerment,” added Kelly. “The product fit, market timing and of course the growth trajectory make us thrilled to work alongside Brett and the entire Shyft team.”
Shyft was recently selected as the mobile workforce management platform for Gap — which includes the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands. Founded in 2015, Shyft benefits companies by reducing redundant tasks which frees up time for frontline workers so that they can focus on sales and conversions.
Since the Shyft app creates real collaboration amongst employees, productivity goes up and problems with scheduling are significantly decreased. As a result, Shyft users have reported a reduction in employee turnover and an increase in workplace morale. And Shyft was recently selected as the mobile workforce management platform for Gap — which includes the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands.
“By taking a grass roots approach, Shyft has built a product that employees love to use and simultaneously meets the needs of managers and their back office solutions. The ROI they provide their customers and the virality of the product is impressive. We’re excited to work with Shyft as they grow their footprint,” Somasegar explained.
