Rotterdam-based AI startup Livvwork raises €750K to perfect the art of hybrid work

Rotterdam-based Livvwork, a digital company assistant that helps and encourages employees to regularly meet in person, announced Thursday, April 13, that it has raised €750K in a fresh round of funding.

The smart company assistant brings people together as it is crucial for knowledge transfer, social cohesion, innovation, and employee wellbeing. 

With this financing, Livvwork says it will accelerate the development and rollout of its solution.

Investors in this round

Livvwork has received funding from Creative Capital Studio and an informal group of investors.

Ron van Bijsterveld and Menno van Dijk, the involved partners of CCS, say, “Although we normally do not invest in such young companies, we felt we had to make an exception. 

“The combination of the team, the beautiful purpose, and the timing make Livvwork a highly relevant proposition with corresponding growth opportunities. We look forward to working with the team and the other investors to capitalise on the opportunities.”

Bringing people together

Livvwork says that over the past few years, there has been a substantial change in the way work is done. Remote collaboration is now simpler thanks to technology, and the possibilities seem endless. However, many firms discover that the lack of social connection poses problems.

Livvwork founder, Joost Prins, says, “Less contact with colleagues can lead to social isolation, less innovation, limited knowledge transfer and a reduced sense of belonging to colleagues and the organisation.”

As per a survey of employee happiness, the most missed aspect of working in an office is the opportunity for personal connection, says Livvwork. However, workers do not want to give up the advantages of working from home. 

According to research by McKinsey & Co., Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to shift professions when they lack flexibility and autonomy.

Jelle Stolwijk, co-founder of Livvwork, adds, “Nothing is more frustrating than spending the whole day alone in the office on video calls you could have done at home. Planning the workweek has become more complicated. After all, when choosing where to work, practical aspects, health and organisational interests must be taken into account.”

“Every employee needs someone who thinks along and makes it attractive to meet physically at the right time.”

What does Livvwork offer?

Founded in 2022 by Robert Baelde, Joost Prins and Jelle Stolwijk, the virtual assistant from Livvwork helps employees organise their workweek. It supports them in making the best decisions by being aware of organisational rules, personal preferences, and schedules. 

Robert Baelde says, “Organisations have invested heavily in technology to enable remote work in recent years and are busy transforming their offices into meeting places. In the coming years, budgets will mainly go to solutions that promote optimal collaboration and create a culture that retains and attracts top talent.”

“Recent developments in AI enable us to better understand the context and respond with nuance, creating a unique momentum.”

With these factors, Livvwork believes it has a great chance to position its smart digital assistant as a crucial tool for businesses adopting hybrid work.

Many ineffective methods, such as spreadsheets, endless messages and phone conversations, WhatsApp groups, and more are replaced with Livvwork.

The company offers a solution that enables businesses and their people to remain productive, healthy, and connected in the new reality by combining AI and a profound understanding of the difficulties of hybrid work.