The HR tech sector in India has witnessed significant growth over the past few years, driven by the need for innovative solutions to streamline human resources processes. As companies increasingly embrace digital transformation, several HR tech startups have emerged, offering cutting-edge solutions ranging from recruitment and employee engagement to payroll management and performance tracking. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 HR tech startups in India, showcasing their unique offerings and impact on the industry.
1. Darwin box:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Hyderabad |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Chaitanya Peddi, Jayant Paleti, Rohit Chennamaneni |
| Funding | $107 million (as of the latest funding round) |
| Products/Services | HR Management Software, Payroll, Employee Engagement, Performance Management, Recruitment |
| Key Clients | Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Kotak, Adani, Mahindra, Nivea |
| Number of Employees | 500+ |
| Website | darwinbox.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Recognized by Gartner as a leader in HR tech solutions, Featured in Deloitte Technology Fast 50 |
| Target Audience | Large enterprises |
Darwinbox is a comprehensive HR management software platform that helps organizations streamline their HR processes. Its features include employee engagement, payroll, recruitment, performance management, and attendance tracking. With its AI-driven insights and user-friendly interface, Darwinbox has become a preferred choice for many large enterprises.
Key Features:
- End-to-end HR management
- AI-powered analytics
- Customizable modules
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
2. Keka:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Hyderabad |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Vijay Yalamanchili |
| Funding | Bootstrapped (as of the latest update) |
| Products/Services | Payroll Processing, Time and Attendance Tracking, Employee Self-Service Portal, Performance Management |
| Key Clients | Dream11, UpGrad, OnePlus, Practo, Hitachi |
| Number of Employees | 200+ |
| Website | keka.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Capterra Top 20, G2 Crowd High Performer |
| Target Audience | SMEs |
Keka is known for its employee-centric HR and payroll software. The platform automates payroll, time tracking, and leave management, making it easier for companies to manage their workforce efficiently. Keka’s intuitive interface and robust features have made it a popular choice among SMEs in India.
Key Features:
- Automated payroll processing
- Integrated time and attendance tracking
- Employee self-service portal
- Performance management tools
3. Recruiter Box:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bangalore |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Raj Sheth, Raghu Thanedar, Rohit Mathur |
| Funding | Undisclosed amount |
| Products/Services | Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Candidate Screening, Collaborative Hiring, Job Posting Integration |
| Key Clients | Olark, Couchsurfing, Wolfram, US Environmental Protection Agency |
| Number of Employees | 50+ |
| Website | recruiterbox.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Featured in Forbes, Listed as a top ATS by Capterra |
| Target Audience | Companies of all sizes |
Recruiter box offers a powerful applicant tracking system (ATS) that simplifies the hiring process for companies of all sizes. The platform allows HR teams to collaborate on candidate screening, interviews, and feedback, ensuring a seamless recruitment experience.
Key Features:
- Customizable workflows
- Collaborative hiring features
- Detailed analytics and reporting
- Integration with popular job boards
4. Belong:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bangalore |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Vijay Sharma, Sudheendra Chilappagari, Rishabh Kaul, Vinodh Kumar Ravindranath |
| Funding | $15 million (as of the latest funding round) |
| Products/Services | Predictive Talent Engagement, AI-driven Candidate Sourcing, Personalized Outreach Campaigns, Talent Pipeline Management |
| Key Clients | MakeMyTrip, ThoughtWorks, Ola, Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Number of Employees | 100+ |
| Website | belong.co |
| Awards/Recognition | Featured in Economic Times, Recognized as a top HR tech startup by HR Technologist |
| Target Audience | Mid-sized to large companies |
Belong specializes in predictive outbound hiring solutions. The platform leverages machine learning and predictive analytics to help companies find and engage the right talent proactively. By analyzing various data points, Belong identifies candidates who are most likely to succeed in a given role.
Key Features:
- Predictive talent engagement
- AI-driven candidate sourcing
- Personalized outreach campaigns
- Talent pipeline management
5. Qandle:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Gurgaon |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Himanshu Aggarwal, Chayan Mukhopadhyay |
| Funding | $1.2 million (as of the latest funding round) |
| Products/Services | HR Management Software, Payroll, Performance Management, Travel Expense Management, Compliance |
| Key Clients | Tata, Infosys, Maruti Suzuki, Edelweiss, Shuttl |
| Number of Employees | 50+ |
| Website | qandle.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Featured in YourStory, Recognized as a top HR tech startup by HR Tech Summit |
| Target Audience | Modern workplaces, SMEs |
Qandle offers a flexible and comprehensive HR software solution designed for modern workplaces. The platform covers a wide range of HR functions, including payroll, performance management, travel expense management, and compliance.
Key Features:
- Modular and scalable solutions
- Real-time analytics and dashboards
- Employee self-service capabilities
- Compliance management tools
6. GreytHR:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bangalore |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founders | Girish Rowjee, Sayeed Anjum |
| Funding | $5.6 million (as of the latest funding round) |
| Products/Services | HR and Payroll Software, Employee Lifecycle Management, Statutory Compliance, Leave and Attendance Management |
| Key Clients | Volvo, TeamLease, Panasonic, Capgemini, Toshiba |
| Number of Employees | 250+ |
| Website | greythr.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Recognized by G2 Crowd, Featured in CIO Review’s Top 10 HR Tech Solution Providers |
| Target Audience | SMEs |
GreytHR is one of the pioneers in the HR tech space in India. It provides cloud-based HR and payroll software, serving thousands of SMEs across the country. GreytHR’s solutions are designed to automate HR operations and ensure statutory compliance.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive payroll management
- Statutory compliance automation
- Employee lifecycle management
- Mobile app for employees and managers
7. Zimyo:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Gurgaon |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Kumar Mayank, Ankit Anand |
| Funding | $1.5 million (as of the latest funding round) |
| Products/Services | HR Management Software, Payroll, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Benefits Management |
| Key Clients | Bajaj Capital, Bira 91, Yatra, 1MG, PVR Cinemas |
| Number of Employees | 100+ |
| Website | zimyo.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Recognized by NASSCOM, Featured in YourStory’s Top HR Tech Startups |
| Target Audience | Companies of all sizes |
Zimyo offers an all-in-one HR and payroll platform aimed at improving employee experience. The platform includes features such as performance appraisal, employee engagement, payroll processing, and benefits management, making it a holistic solution for HR needs.
Key Features:
- Performance and feedback management
- Employee engagement tools
- Payroll and benefits administration
- Customizable HR workflows
8. HRMantra:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founders | Pravin Kumar, Anil Kumar, Nirmala Singh |
| Funding | Bootstrapped (as of the latest update) |
| Products/Services | HR and Payroll Management Software, Recruitment and Onboarding, Performance Management, Employee Self-Service Portal |
| Key Clients | Godrej, Aditya Birla Group, Mahindra, L&T, HDFC |
| Number of Employees | 200+ |
| Website | hrmantra.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Recognized by CIO Review, Featured in Silicon India’s Top 10 HR Tech Solution Providers |
| Target Audience | Companies of all sizes |
HRMantra provides a robust HR and payroll management software that helps businesses automate their HR processes. The platform covers everything from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and payroll, ensuring a smooth HR workflow.
Key Features:
- Recruitment and onboarding automation
- Performance management system
- Payroll processing and compliance
- Employee self-service portal
9. Freshteam:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Chennai |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Girish Mathrubootham |
| Funding | Part of Freshworks Inc., which has raised over $400 million in funding |
| Products/Services | Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Employee Onboarding, Time-off Management, Integration with Freshworks Suite |
| Key Clients | Honda, Schneider Electric, Wix, Siemens, Stanford University |
| Number of Employees | 500+ |
| Website | freshteam.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Recognized by G2 Crowd, Featured in Gartner’s FrontRunners for ATS |
| Target Audience | Startups and mid-sized companies |
Freshteam, a product of Freshworks, is a modern applicant tracking and recruitment software. It helps businesses manage their hiring processes, track applicants, and streamline onboarding. Freshteam’s user-friendly interface and integration capabilities make it a popular choice among startups and mid-sized companies.
Key Features:
- Applicant tracking system
- Employee onboarding
- Time-off management
- Integration with Freshworks suite
10. Skillate:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bangalore |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Anand Baranwal, Kumar Sambhav |
| Funding | $1 million (as of the latest funding round) |
| Products/Services | AI-based Recruitment Platform, Resume Parsing, Candidate Matching, Interview Scheduling Assistant |
| Key Clients | Tech Mahindra, Tata Group, Capgemini, ICICI Bank, Swiggy |
| Number of Employees | 50+ |
| Website | skillate.com |
| Awards/Recognition | Recognized by NASSCOM, Featured in YourStory’s Top HR Tech Startups |
| Target Audience | Companies of all sizes |
Skillate offers an AI-based recruitment platform that enhances the hiring process through intelligent automation and data-driven insights. It helps HR teams with resume parsing, candidate matching, and interview scheduling, ensuring a more efficient recruitment process.
Key Features:
- AI-driven resume parsing
- Automated candidate matching
- Interview scheduling assistant
- Recruitment analytics and reporting
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HR tech startups in India
1. What is an HR tech startup?
Answer: An HR tech startup is a company that leverages technology to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving various aspects of human resources management. These startups typically offer software platforms or tools that streamline HR processes such as recruitment, payroll management, employee engagement, and performance tracking.
2. Why are HR tech startups gaining popularity in India?
Answer: HR tech startups are gaining popularity in India due to several reasons:
- Increasing adoption of digital technologies by businesses.
- Growing awareness about the importance of efficient HR management for organizational success.
- Demand for solutions that address the unique needs of the Indian market, such as compliance with local labor laws and cultural nuances.
- Availability of a large pool of skilled talent and technological infrastructure in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune.
3. What are the benefits of using HR tech solutions for businesses?
Answer: Some key benefits of using HR tech solutions include:
- Streamlined HR processes, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.
- Enhanced candidate sourcing and recruitment through advanced analytics and AI-driven tools.
- Better employee engagement and retention through personalized experiences and feedback mechanisms.
- Automation of repetitive tasks such as payroll processing, leave management, and performance evaluations, freeing up HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Access to real-time data and insights for informed decision-making and planning.
4. How do HR tech startups ensure data security and compliance?
Answer: HR tech startups prioritize data security and compliance by implementing robust measures such as encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. They also adhere to industry standards and regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications. Additionally, many startups offer features like role-based access, audit trails, and data encryption to safeguard sensitive information.
5. Are HR tech solutions suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?
Answer: Yes, HR tech solutions are suitable for SMEs as they offer scalable and cost-effective options tailored to the specific needs of smaller organizations. These solutions help SMEs streamline HR processes, reduce administrative burden, and compete more effectively in the market. Additionally, many HR tech startups offer flexible pricing plans and customizable features to accommodate the budget and requirements of SMEs.
6. How can businesses choose the right HR tech solution for their needs?
Answer: Businesses can choose the right HR tech solution by considering factors such as:
- Their specific HR requirements and pain points.
- The scalability and flexibility of the solution to accommodate future growth.
- Ease of integration with existing systems and compatibility with other tools.
- User interface and overall user experience for both HR professionals and employees.
- Data security measures and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Customer support and training options provided by the vendor.
- Reviews, testimonials, and case studies from other businesses using the solution.
7. What trends are shaping the future of HR tech startups in India?
Answer: Some key trends shaping the future of HR tech startups in India include:
- Increased adoption of AI and machine learning for predictive analytics, chatbots, and automation.
- Focus on employee experience and well-being, with solutions for remote work, mental health support, and work-life balance.
- Expansion into new areas such as gig economy management, diversity and inclusion, and learning and development.
- Emphasis on data privacy and ethics, with a growing emphasis on transparency and accountability in handling employee data.
- Collaboration and partnerships between HR tech startups and traditional HR service providers, as well as with other technology companies to offer integrated solutions.
Conclusion
The HR tech landscape in India is rapidly evolving, with these startups leading the charge in transforming how companies manage their human resources. By leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics, these companies are not only streamlining HR processes but also enhancing employee experience and engagement. As the demand for innovative HR solutions continues to grow, these startups are well-positioned to shape the future of HR management in India and beyond.