Contents
Project Description
WorkLab is an HR-tech service designed to automate interactions between client companies and temporary workers (e.g., laborers, construction crews, and manufacturing specialists). The platform addressed core industry challenges:
- Reducing losses from no-shows and labor shortages
- Simplifying communication between clients and workers
- Automating accounting and payments for temporary staff
Key Milestones
- Raised $350,000 at the pre-seed stage at a $1.6M valuation
- Gained Skolkovo resident status; participated in FRII and MIPT accelerator programs
- Reached monthly turnover of up to 8 million rubles
- Developed and launched MVP, scaling to 5,000+ workers and 146 operators within the first year, achieving product-market fit
Business Model
- Subscription fees from workers
- Partner commissions
- Order-based service fees
Results and Takeaways
WorkLab became one of the leading HR-tech platforms in the niche of temporary workforce management, confirming the market demand for such a solution in Russia’s construction and industrial sectors. The project was later closed due to market shifts during COVID-19 but was recognized by investors and relevant industry bodies.
My Role and Responsibilities
- Project initiator and founder
- CEO and CPO: responsible for strategy, fundraising, product development, and operations
- Built the financial model, achieved key business metrics, and scaled revenue
- Led investor relations, accelerator participation, and team recruitment
Key Competencies Demonstrated in WorkLab
- Development and scaling of an HR-tech product
- Strategic business leadership from pre-seed to growth stage
- Operational management of IT teams and business processes
- Fundraising and engagement with VCs and accelerators
