HR Tech Startup Propel: Powering the Open Talent Economy via Tech Communities. In the rapidly evolving world of technology, one crucial aspect that fuels growth and innovation is the presence of vibrant tech and developer communities. These communities are fertile grounds for nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and driving the open talent economy. One company that aims to accelerate the growth of tech communities and empower global companies in their quest for talent is Propel, a leading HR tech startup based in Berlin. This article explores how Propel’s unique approach and community-as-a-service platform revolutionize how talent is discovered, harnessed, and connected with global opportunities.
The Significance of Tech Talent Communities
Tech talent communities have emerged as the building blocks of thriving ecosystems, especially in high-growth markets like Africa and within underrepresented groups worldwide. These communities are pivotal in bridging education, capacity building, and inclusion gaps. By discovering, upskilling, mentoring talent, and organizing hackathons, events, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, they respond to global trends faster than traditional institutions.
According to Google’s Africa Developer Report, the number of software developers in Africa has grown by almost 4%, reaching an impressive count of 716,000. This surge in talent, along with the proliferation of online learning and STEM courses, has positioned Africa as a promising hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship. However, to harness the full potential of this talent pool, a comprehensive ecosystem is needed to connect these communities with global companies seeking diverse and skilled professionals.
Propel’s Vision: Building Sustainable Talent Pipelines
Propel, founded in 2020 by Sunkanmi Ola, Seun Owolabi, and Abel Agoi, has set out to empower tech communities and derisk the process of hiring remote talent from emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Propel acts as a conduit between tech communities and global companies by developing a community-as-a-service platform, creating sustainable talent pipelines that benefit both sides.
Community-Centered Approach
Recognizing the pivotal role of communities in the tech ecosystem, Propel adopted a community-centered approach. They observed that talent within these communities possessed the necessary skills and was deeply connected to a vibrant network of developer groups, talent incubators, and training schools. This realization prompted Propel to focus on the last mile of talent conversion, helping communities overcome the challenge of connecting talent with job opportunities.
Propel’s Innovative Solutions: Connecting Talent and Companies
Talent Pipeline for Global Companies
Propel provides a robust pipeline for talent within tech communities, connecting them with a network of global companies driven by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates. Propel enables companies to access diverse talent pools across various skill sets, including software development, design, data science, and digital transformation, through their community-as-a-service model. This unique approach ensures that global companies can leverage the untapped potential of emerging markets and underrepresented groups while contributing to the growth of these communities.
Value Stack: Empowering Tech Communities
Propel offers a comprehensive “value stack” as an all-in-one platform to strengthen the bond between communities and talent. This value stack includes access to employment opportunities, financial services, and other benefits. Through strategic partnerships with service providers, Propel enables talent to access healthcare, workstation facilities, and, in the future, financial services such as loans and asset financing. Propel ensures that tech talent within communities receives the support they need to thrive by providing these essential resources.
Collaborations and Impact
Propel has collaborated with numerous tech communities across 15 countries, serving approximately 400,000 members. Some notable collaborations include SheCodeAfrica, Ingressive for Good, Niyo Network, Datafest, People In Product, Friends of Figma, and various Google Developer Groups. These collaborations span different geographies, genders, and tech stacks, reinforcing Propel’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Responsible and Regenerative Hiring
As a champion of responsible and regenerative talent pipelines, Propel takes a different approach from traditional headhunting or poaching practices. They deeply engage with tech ecosystems, leveraging proprietary technology to identify the best talent within communities. When Propel successfully places individuals in jobs, the revenue generated is shared with the respective community, which is reinvested in programs and initiatives to further enhance access to tech opportunities. This cycle of collaboration and reinvestment drives sustainable growth within communities, positively impacting millions of individuals.
Future Roadmap and Expansion
Having secured €2.5 million in seed investment, Propel is poised to accelerate its growth and expand its community platform. The funding round, led by No Such Ventures, APX, Golden Egg Check, and the Future of Learning Fund, will enable Propel to roll out its platform and generate €1 million in community revenue by the fourth quarter of next year. This expansion will further strengthen Propel’s ecosystem of tech communities and empower global companies to tap into the immense talent pool in emerging markets.
Conclusion
Propel’s innovative talent acquisition and community empowerment approach is revolutionizing the open talent economy. By connecting global companies with diverse tech communities and providing comprehensive support, Propel is driving sustainable growth, fostering inclusion, and unlocking the potential of underrepresented groups. As tech ecosystems evolve, Propel’s community-as-a-service platform catalyzes positive change, empowering talent and transforming how companies discover and harness the power of tech communities.
