AI recruting startup led by former Microsoft manager raises $16M

ConverzAI, a Seattle startup founded in 2019 that aims to automate recruiting processes, raised $16 million in a Series A round led by Menlo Ventures.

The startup, led by former Microsoft product manager Ashwarya Poddar, develops virtual recruiters that help companies with staffing needs. The software can parse through applications, conduct interviews, and onboard new employees.

ConverzAI targets companies with roles in commercial, professional, and healthcare industries.

The company’s technology is “rewriting the rules of recruitment,” Poddar wrote in a post on LinkedIn.

“Our readily deployable agents are delivering recruiting speed at an infinite scale while consistently hitting 80%+ candidate satisfaction scores,” he said.

There are many startups and larger companies using large language models and the latest AI technology to boost recruiting, from job searching to hiring.

AI can streamline certain aspects of recruiting but also introduces new challenges with bias and fairness, among other concerns.

ConverzAI has about 90 employees, with a majority based in India, according to LinkedIn.

Left Lane Capital, Foundation Capital, and Afore Capital also participated in the Series A round.

Menlo has backed other Seattle-area startups including Edge Delta and Vilya.