AI powered labour platform WorkWhile bags $23m in funding and announces several key hires

WorkWhile, an AI powered platform that matches businesses with hourly workers, has raised $23 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Rethink Impact, with participation from previous investors Khosla Ventures and Reach Capital. Citi Impact Fund, GingerBread Capital, and Illumen Capital also joined.

The company has also announced that board member Simon Khalaf, former CEO of FinTech and payment solutions company Marqeta, is coming onboard as Chief Operating Officer. He is joined by several other key hires, including Cyrus Akrami (CRO), Madhu Jagannathan (CFO), and Davis Waddell (Global Strategic Partnerships).

"A full 80.5 million Americans are hourly workers, which makes up 55% of all workers, yet both businesses and workers lack a modern mechanism to connect and adapt. We're devoting all of our resources, energy, and vision to change this," says WorkWhile Co-Founder and CEO Jarah Euston. "Using AI, we're not only transforming how businesses identify and secure talent, but also how workers find opportunities that fit their lives."

"We bet on WorkWhile early writing the first check, and it's exciting to see the company grow as they give working people what they've long needed: job stability and financial security," says Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures where the company was incubated. "They are changing labour markets and serving frontline workers with better services."

WorkWhile currently connects over one million workers with shifts across the likes of warehouse and light industrial, last mile delivery, event services, food production, and hospitality. Its technology matches warehouse associates, delivery drivers, cooks, security guards etc with businesses to help them scale efficiently based on demand and seasonality.

For example, it has worked with vendors supplying goods and services at US venues for events including Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, the Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, NASCAR, and Comic-Con.

“Hourly labour powers the US economy, yet the systems supporting it are outdated and inefficient. We’re building a modern labour platform that gives workers flexibility and faster pay, while helping businesses adapt and scale with confidence. The vision is clear, the impact is real, and the need is enormous,” says Akrami.

“This Series B gives us the opportunity to go big. I’m excited to lead go to market and revenue as we continue to help millions more workers thrive.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.