There are approximately 2.7 billion frontline workers globally, accounting for 80% of the world’s workforce. Yet, today’s enterprise software is largely aimed at the desk-worker. The result is a frustrated, unmotivated workforce suffering from high staff turnover, low engagement, customer satisfaction, margins, and an inability to move fast and adapt.
Aiming to change this situation, the world’s first enterprise app designed exclusively for frontline workers, London-based Blink has raised a Series A financing of $20 million led by Next47, including participation from early investors Partech and TechStars. The startup is now valued at $100 million.
Frontline workers take centrestage
Unlike existing solutions, the platform is designed from the frontline worker’s perspective. To date, Blink has over 93,000 enterprise users, who open the app 13 times per user per day on average. Existing clients have reduced turnover by 26%, doubled employee satisfaction and delivered an ROI in under three months.
Expansion in the US
The all-in-one employee app for frontline workers is one of Europe’s fastest growing SaaS startups. In less than two years, the company has grown from 14 employees to 60, and is set to double again by the end of 2021 – with 40 planned in North America. Responding to mounting demand from the US market, Blink will also relocate key members of the executive team from London to New York.
All-in-one employee retention platform
Founder and CEO Sean Nolan says: “This new investment fuels the scaling of Blink’s all-in-one employee retention platform in the midst of a global recruitment crisis. As labour shortages hit industries with historically high staff turnover, such as healthcare, it’s clear that wages aren’t the only factor driving employees away. Using Blink has become a competitive advantage in the battle for talent, with organizations using the app to attract and retain their frontline workforce.”
Serving the UK transport market
The startup serves over 50% of the UK transport market, including National Rail, Stagecoach and Go-Ahead, and already has over 100 US clients across healthcare, transport, logistics, manufacturing and government, including Falck and Coach USA.
“We’re obsessed with delighting our customers, and this investment allows us to rapidly accelerate our product roadmap for them,” Nolan continues. “By building some of the deepest industry integrations our space has ever seen – including HR and People platforms – we will further deliver on our promise of a ‘digital front door’, giving our users one-click access to everything they care about. Not only will the funding transform the platform, it also brings our vision of a better everyday for every frontline worker one step closer.”
“Today’s top enterprise software companies are reexamining the way we work; Blink is uniquely positioned to lead in this category for frontline workers”, said Daniel Kirchleitner, Partner at Next47. “We’ve been blown away by their customer feedback and results so far, especially the impact on employee retention. We look forward to partnering with the Blink team as they continue their expansion into the US market and beyond.”