A New Era of Intranets: Simpplr’s Rise to Success
Several years ago, entrepreneur Dhiraj Sharma’s first company, a software consultancy, was hired by an HR tech firm to develop an app to improve the employee onboarding experience. Instead of creating a one-off, ad hoc solution, Sharma spearheaded a platform, Simpplr, which later spun off into its own company.
The Simpplr Story
Today, Simpplr sells what’s essentially an internal social network for companies — one that enables employees to create profiles, share content, follow users and engage in polls or surveys via a tailored intranet. Managers can create an employee directory, as well as social workspaces that can be customized for various teams and departments.
Business is booming, evidently. Simpplr recently announced it raised $70 million in a funding round led by Sapphire Ventures with participation from Norwest Ventures, Tola Capital, and Salesforce Ventures. The tranche, which adds to Simpplr’s previously raised $61 million, will be put toward growing the company’s workforce and supporting ongoing product R&D, Sharma says.
Simpplr: Built for Business Owners
"Simpplr is built for business owners, so they can own it — with limited to no dependency on IT," Sharma, who serves as the company’s CEO, told TechCrunch in an email. "Simpplr delivers an engaging and a reliable source of truth by enabling effective communication, collaboration, connection, and productivity including delivering seamless access to content, resources, and tools for every employee at a company."
The Employee Experience Market: A Resilient Industry
The market for ’employee experience’ software has proven relatively resilient to the macroeconomic pains of the past few years. As the world transitioned to remote and hybrid work, IT decision-makers prioritized tech that enhanced the employee experience and engagement despite budget constraints.
Startups in the space benefited. One of the more successful examples is Culture Amp, which raised $140 million for its employee feedback platform. Simpplr’s recent funding round follows this trend, as investors continue to bet on companies that focus on improving workplace experiences.
The Role of AI in Employee Experience
Simpplr’s use of AI-powered technology sets it apart from other intranet providers. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and natural language processing (NLP), Simpplr aims to provide a more personalized and engaging experience for employees.
Sharma explained, "Our AI-powered platform learns the preferences and behaviors of individual users, allowing us to tailor the content and features that are most relevant to them. This not only increases user engagement but also helps organizations better understand their workforce."
The Future of Intranets: Simpplr’s Vision
As the world becomes increasingly remote, companies are looking for ways to bring employees together and foster a sense of community. Simpplr’s AI-powered platform is well-positioned to meet this need.
"We believe that intranets should be more than just a digital replica of the physical office," Sharma said. "They should be dynamic, engaging, and personalized experiences that connect people across different locations and time zones."
Conclusion
Simpplr’s recent funding round and rapid growth are testaments to its innovative approach to employee experience platforms. By leveraging AI-powered technology, Simpplr is poised to revolutionize the way companies communicate with their employees.
As the market for employee experience software continues to grow, Simpplr is well-positioned to lead the charge. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, this company is one to watch in the coming years.
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