Companies announcing funding rounds include Hirewell, a Chicago-based staffing firm, and Contra, a B2B talent platform. Other firms reporting funding rounds include talent platform Seasoned, Gen Z networking site Latter, and ATS and CRM provider Lever.

Hirewell

Hirewell, a Chicago-based staffing firm, announced a $21 million strategic investment by technology firm Pryek. As part of the deal, Hirewell will acquire ICV, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based software company.

ICV’s software scans public data records to build candidate funnels. It was founded in 2017 by Guy Binder, Ran Weiss and Ron Starinsky, former captains in the Israeli Defense Forces.

“Recruiters increasingly rely on multiple platforms, most of which don’t integrate or have limited functionality, and some of which actually compete with the recruiters they claim to support,” Hirewell founder and CEO Matt Massucci said. “The ability to combine best-in-class recruiters with cutting-edge technology will equip us to be the ideal recruiting partner for companies that are serious about finding top talent.”

Hirewell is focused on providing staffing in the IT, sales, HR, marketing, finance/accounting and real estate segments.

Contra

Contra, a B2B talent platform founded by Ben Huffman and Gajust Kuizinas, announced a $30 million Series B funding round led by venture capital firm NEA. The platform enables freelancers to receive business inquiries, discuss projects, sign contracts and get paid. With the funding round, Contra also announced a zero-commission funding model for work done through its platform.

Forty percent of users on Contra are members of Gen Z. In addition, Contra was one of the companies to join the TikTok Careers initiative over the summer and it continues to post content on TikTok.

NEA noted in a blog post that 50% of Gen Z and 44% of millennials participate in the freelance economy.

“Unlike incumbent professional networks designed for the old normal and task-based marketplaces that commoditize independent talent, Ben and Gajus saw an opportunity to build a radically new professional network,” according to a post by NEA. “One fundamentally designed for the unique needs of digitally native, highly skilled independents.”

Seasoned

Seasoned announced an $18.7 million funding round for its B2B talent platform for hiring restaurant workers. It brings total funding to more than $30 million raised this year.

The company reported it relaunched its mobile app in July 2020 and has connected with more than 300 national and local restaurant brands.

“We know from every restaurant owner that we talk to that hiring is their No. 1 challenge, and with millions of people searching for jobs, we can make a real impact,” Seasoned CEO Ware Sykes said. “This funding will help us expand to new markets, further develop our products and ultimately get more people employed.”

The round was led by Horizons Ventures with participation from TPG Growth and existing investors.

Ladder

Ladder, a professional network for members of Gen Z, announced a $3.7 million funding round. Ladder was founded in 2020 by CEO Andrew Tan, who was then studying computer science at Stanford University.

“Our mission is to democratize access to career growth,” Tan said. “And community is one of the most important aspects of growing and being successful in your career.”

The round was led by venture capital firm Forerunner Ventures. It also included angel investors Tony Xu, CEO of DoorDash; Josh Buckley, CEO of Product Hunt; and Matthew Dellavedova, an NBA player.

Lever

Lever, a platform that includes an applicant tracking system and candidate relationship management capabilities, announced a $50 million Series D funding round. Apax Digital Fund led the round and Mia Hegazy of Apax Digital is joining Lever’s board of directors.

“Companies must navigate heightened competition for talent, which is driving strong demand for best-in-class applicant tracking software products such as Lever’s,” Hegazy said.

Lever is headquartered in San Francisco and Toronto. It has more than 4,000 customers.