Australia’s health, safety and well-being platform Sonder has raised AUD 40 million (USD 25.1 million) in a capital funding round led by Blackbird Ventures and job board operator Seek, the company said on 10 March.  

Other investors included Hostplus Super and MA Growth Ventures. The capital injection will allow Sonder to enhance its platform further; expand its operations across Australia, New Zealand and the UK; and build new artificial intelligence-driven features and products. 

“Businesses are recognising that investing in employee health, safety and well-being is not just the right thing to do – it’s a critical driver of retention, productivity and business success,” Craig Cowdrey, Sonder co-founder and CEO, said in a press release. 

Since the pandemic, companies worldwide have increasingly prioritised the health and well-being of employees. 

Doing so can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower healthcare costs and boost employee engagement, according to recent research by the McKinsey Health Institute and World Economic Forum. 

Enhanced employee health and well-being could also generate up to USD 11.7 trillion in global economic value, the research found. 

Meanwhile, Sonder also said it had reached 1 million members on its platform, representing 40% year-over-year growth.