Envoy, whose software and legal services make it easier for companies to hire and manage international talent, announced on Tuesday that it has landed a $21 million Series C round.
“Foreign-born workers have grown from 12 percent of the U.S. STEM workforce to close to 25 percent, underscoring the criticality of a comprehensive workforce management solution,” said CEO Dick Burke in a statement. “Some of the world’s biggest companies rely on Envoy, not only because our platform helps navigate the complex immigration process, but because they see tremendous value in our dedication to continued innovation and customer satisfaction.”
The round was led by Catalyst Investors. General Catalyst, which participated in the company’s last three rounds, also participated.
Susan Bihler of Catalyst Investors has joined Envoy’s board of directors.
“Envoy is simplifying an outdated and cumbersome process with a robust software product that enables the delivery of more efficient, cost-effective and transparent services for Envoy’s clients,” said Bihler in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with Envoy’s talented management team to help the company continue its notable growth trajectory.”
Envoy raised its last round of funding in November 2016. At the time, CEO Dick Burke said the company was taking a wait-and-see approach on President Donald Trump’s immigration position. Since then, the administration has expressed a desire to restrict professional immigration through legislation.
"Given the current political climate, we are seeing a greater need for our platform and services," Burke told Built In Chicago. "The talent shortage is real. We’re seeing companies change their green card policies and consider opening locations overseas to get the talent they need."
The company will use the new funding to step up its go-to-market efforts and ramp up development of its platform and global immigration service offerings. Since 2014, Envoy has added 1,000 new enterprise customers and helped 24,000 individuals navigate the work visa process.
Envoy will also be hiring for its sales, marketing and tech teams. The startup did not say how many new hires would be made.
In addition to securing work visas for international talent and Americans working abroad, Envoy’s software also features a built-in employee management platform with budgeting and tracking tools. The company plans to launch an enhanced version of its case management platform, called Envoy Pro, shortly.
The Series C pushes Envoy’s total funding to $48.75 million. The company, which was founded as VISANOW in 1998 and rebranded last year, is based in the Loop.
Image via Envoy.
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