Grace Ashiru
South African startup JOBJACK, specializing in entry-level recruitment, has secured ZAR45 million (approximately US$2.5 million) in a pre-Series A funding round. The round was led by NEXT176, with participation from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
Founded in 2018 by Christiaan van den Berg and Heine Bellingan, JOBJACK is a free online platform to assist job seekers in finding entry-level positions. The platform enables users to apply for jobs through mobile devices, simplifying the process with an easy-to-use CV generation feature.
MTN and Vodacom network users can apply on the platform without using their data. The platform has seen a significant increase in users, with nearly two million job seekers registered and an additional 2,000 joining daily, as reported by the company.
JOBJACK’s co-founder and co-CEO, van den Berg, stated that the newly acquired funds would bolster their efforts to bring more employers on board. This move is not just about making entry-level recruitment more efficient but also about enhancing accessibility and affordability for those job seekers who need it the most.
Ona Meyer, the youth employment program manager at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, mentioned that their investment focuses on companies that create innovative solutions. These solutions aim to open employment opportunities for unemployed South Africans, helping them sustain their family livelihoods.
The collaboration with JOBJACK is set to enhance its existing response strategy, making the hiring process more efficient, accessible, and affordable for those seeking employment. Meyer expressed optimism about the upward trend in JOBJACK’s business approach, which is aimed at assisting individuals entering the entry-level job market.
The capital acquired will be allocated to amplifying operations, extending JOBJACK’s growing presence across South Africa, and connecting job seekers with opportunities that have the potential to alter their career paths significantly.
