SA’s Jem HR Raises USD 3.3 M Pre-Series A To Expand WhatsApp-Based HR Platform

South African HR-tech startup Jem HR has raised USD 3.3 M in pre-Series A funding to accelerate growth and enhance its WhatsApp-based HR and employee benefits platform. The round includes equity funding led by Old Mutual subsidiary Next176 and a USD 1.65 M private debt facility. The startup previously secured a USD 2 M seed round in 2022.

Founded in 2019 as SmartWage and rebranded in 2022, Jem HR started by offering on-demand salary access before evolving into a comprehensive HR automation tool for businesses with deskless workers. The platform enables employees without email access to receive company-wide communication, payslips, leave requests, and financial wellness services directly via WhatsApp.

CEO Simon Ellis highlighted the growing demand for Jem HR’s solutions, citing challenges faced by frontline workers such as low wages, unreliable transport, and safety concerns. “This funding allows us to expand beyond Southern Africa, grow our team, and enhance our platform to address HR, communication, and financial benefit challenges at scale,” he said.

The USD 1.65 M debt facility, which scales with usage, will support the launch of new financial products, including a savings tool, low-cost insurance, credit score support, a financial wellness helpline, and value-added services like airtime and data bundles.

Next176’s chief venture officer, Tramayne Monaghan, emphasised Jem HR’s transformative impact on both businesses and employees. “We invest in businesses delivering sustainable, disruptive growth, and Jem HR is a prime example. We are excited to support their bold vision as they scale their solutions across Africa and beyond,” he said.

With this funding, Jem HR is set to deepen its impact in the HR-tech space, improving access to HR services and financial tools for Africa’s millions of deskless workers.