Firstwork, a US-based startup developing AI-powered software for frontline workforce operations, raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Earlybird Venture Capital. The round included participation from Legion VC, Deel Ventures and existing investors Gradient and Y Combinator, bringing the company’s total funding to $20 million.
Founded in 2024 by Vardhan Kapoor and Shubham Choudhary, Firstwork develops AI agents that automate administrative processes involved in hiring, onboarding and managing frontline employees. Kapoor serves as CEO, while Choudhary is the company’s CTO.
The platform handles document verification, background screening, right-to-work checks, training coordination, onboarding and ongoing compliance requirements. It operates alongside employers’ existing HR, payroll and screening systems, helping organisations manage workflows across multiple applications without replacing their underlying software infrastructure.
According to the company, more than 150,000 frontline workers begin work through Firstwork each month. Its customers include Deel, Job&Talent, Relay, Wonolo and BGSF. Firstwork also reported that its technology has helped customers reduce the time spent on individual hires by up to 90%.
The company plans to use the new capital to expand its applied AI, AI research, engineering and go-to-market teams while strengthening its presence across the United States and Europe.
Firstwork also intends to extend its AI agents beyond initial onboarding into additional workforce management activities, including credential renewals, recurring training, compliance monitoring and ongoing employee support.
