AI
Y Combinator-backed HR tech startup Firstwork has raised $15 Mn in a Series A funding round led by Earlybird Venture Capital. Legion VC and Deel Ventures, along with existing investors Gradient and Y Combinator, also participated in the round. The latest fundraise takes Firstwork’s total funding to $20 Mn since its launch in 2024.
Firstwork plans to use the fresh capital to expand its presence across the US and Europe and strengthen its teams across applied AI, AI research, engineering and go-to-market functions. Around 80% of its workforce currently operates from Bengaluru.
Founded by Vardhan Kapoor and Shubham Choudhary, Firstwork uses AI agents to automate frontline workforce operations, including document verification, right-to-work and background checks, onboarding, training coordination, compliance and worker follow-ups. Its platform integrates with existing HR systems without requiring companies to replace their current software.
Why It Matters: The funding highlights growing enterprise demand for AI agents that can automate complex workforce processes beyond traditional HR software.
CXO TechBOT Perspective: AI is increasingly moving from individual HR automation tools toward integrated workforce operations. Firstwork’s approach demonstrates how agentic AI can streamline frontline hiring, onboarding and compliance while working alongside existing enterprise systems.
