RiseKit

RiseKit operates as a social impact technology firm, providing a software platform that addresses systemic barriers to employment. Founded in Chicago in 2018 by Matt Strauss, Dario Medina, and Dominique Wilson, the company was born from Strauss's volunteer experience mentoring youth from under-resourced communities, which highlighted the need for a systemic change in workforce development. This background inspired the creation of a platform to connect untapped talent with employers by bridging the gap between job seekers, community organizations, and companies.

The company's business model is a blend of Software as a Service (SaaS) and professional services. Revenue is generated through monthly or annual subscription fees paid by its primary clients: employers, nonprofits, government agencies, and philanthropic foundations. These entities use the platform to source talent, manage and refer candidates, track outcomes, and measure the impact of their workforce programs. For job seekers, the service is entirely free.

RiseKit's platform functions as a collaborative ecosystem. It enables employers to access a curated pipeline of work-ready candidates from a network of community-based organizations, reducing time-to-hire and costs associated with traditional recruiting. For nonprofits and government agencies, the software streamlines client management, automates workflows, and provides robust data analytics to demonstrate their program's effectiveness. Job seekers receive personalized support, creating a profile to track their progress and connect with jobs, training programs, and essential wraparound services like housing, childcare, and transportation. This multi-sided approach aims to create a more efficient and equitable workforce system. The company has secured significant funding, including a $4.75 million round in March 2023 and a $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in July 2024 to expand its services.

Keywords: workforce development, social impact technology, community hiring, untapped talent, skills-based hiring, economic mobility, applicant tracking system, diverse talent sourcing, public-private partnership, nonprofit technology, government workforce solutions, community-based organizations, re-entry employment, wraparound support services, impact data, social enterprise, career pathways, inclusive workforce, recruitment software, human capital services