Moscow-based startup Workle, whose platform enables residents of Russia’s regions to work on a remote basis for leading companies, announced last week it has raised $3.5 million in its second round of funding. The investment came from Klever Internet Investment, the technology branch of a major Russian private investor, Klever Asset Management.
Klever has also received the option to complete another $1.5 million investment tranche later this year. Workle’s valuation has not been disclosed.
Operating in all of Russia’s 83 regions, the award-winning startup has gained strong traction over the last year. By visiting its website, job seekers may select an occupation that interests them. Moreover, should they lack skills, they may also obtain remote training, earn a certificate, and have access to an online workplace.
With the new funding, Workle plans to launch new job opportunities in sales, along with new jobs serving modern telephony, such as call-center specialists, remote secretaries, telemarketing specialists, etc. Longer term, Workle will offer an online version of any employment that does not require an employee to be physically present at a particular work site.
Workle plans to serve up to 500,000 people before the end of this year, by extending its offer to residents of the neighboring countries of the CIS. Brazil and India are among other countries targeted for international development in a second phase, Workle’s CEO Vladimir Gorbunov told East-West Digital News.
Back in 2011, Workle secured a first round of funding, securing $3 million from Vyacheslav Potanin, a businessman from Perm, via his fund Kama Corporation.
Last year, Workle received a 27.5 million ruble grant (approximately $917,000) from Skolkovo, the state-sponsored innovation hub outside Moscow.
