Czech-Slovak AI-powered HR system Sloneek, announced that it has raised €3.6M in its largest funding round, led by Purple Ventures II, alongside Venture to Future Fund and Vision Ventures, an existing investor.
In 2022, Sloneek raised €1M from Presto Ventures and Vision Ventures, and in 2020 it received €350K from Vision Ventures.
With over triple annual growth and an expanding client base, Sloneek claims to be positioning itself for further growth in Western Europe. It expects high single-digit million-euro revenues this year.
Jan Davídek, Partner at Purple Ventures, says, “Sloneek allows HR professionals to focus on developing people and leave administrative tasks to technology, thanks to its AI tools. Behind the project is a well-aligned team of experienced professionals with a clear vision, which we fully support.”
Martin Banský, Vice Chairman & Investment Manager at Venture to Future Fund, adds, “Sloneek is a ‘startup’ only in terms of its flexibility and speed. While working with them closely during the investment process, we experienced firsthand what capable management, a refined business plan, and a clear market-entry strategy look like. That’s uncommon for startups at this stage.”
“At VFF, we’re convinced that Sloneek’s product will succeed with new customers in international markets. From our experienced perspective, they have a bright future ahead.”
Capital utilisation
Sloneek addresses the global challenges of an overheated labour market and decreasing productivity by empowering managers and HR professionals to leverage data, foster talent development, and enhance employee efficiency.
The company minimises bureaucracy through AI integration, allowing HR teams to focus on people.
Filip Lukac, CEO of Sloneek, says, “The investment comes at the perfect time. Companies are getting ready for a new era – over half of the productive workforce now consists of Millennials and Gen Z. This presents opportunities for more efficient work but also risks if companies fail to adapt and manage this change.”
“People are, without exaggeration, the alpha and omega of any economy’s success, and we have the chance to elevate how we work with them to a whole new level. Our investors are well aware of our potential.”
Sloneek plans to use the raised funds to enhance its technological capabilities, focusing on advanced “people analytics” and improved reporting tools for HR managers, CEOs, and CFOs.
The company will also introduce advanced integrations, all aimed at supporting its ambitious goal to triple its current revenue in the coming year.
Lukac adds, “Sloneek is on track to become a category leader in HR automation and analysis. Among other things, we aim to contribute to making AI a standard in an industry where there is still significant untapped potential.”
Next stop: Italy
Sloneek operates in multiple international markets, serving clients across Europe and the US, including Lindt, Volvo, Savills, and Czech startups including Carvago and Kosik.
With its latest funding, the company aims to strengthen its presence in Western Europe, starting with Italy, while continuing to enhance its technology.
CEO Lukac says, “Italy is a very interesting market for us. On the one hand, local companies have long been struggling with a talent shortage – something the government is trying to reverse with various incentives intended to bring people back to Italy.”
“On the other hand, there is a thriving startup scene which has been successful in developing a value-added economy. Once we prove ourselves in Italy, we will use that experience to expand into other Western markets.”
Online solution for complex HR agenda
Founded in 2019 by Milan Rataj and Filip Lukac, Sloneek is a Czech-Slovak startup providing an AI-powered HR solution that streamlines processes from recruitment to offboarding. Serving companies across Czechia, Slovakia, Europe, and the U.S., Sloneek helps manage teams, develop talent, and boost efficiency.
Co-founder Lukac attributes their success to solving challenges faced by Western European companies, such as talent drain and declining productivity amid rising employee costs. Sloneek also helps businesses navigate demographic and generational changes, preserving human potential.
The platform’s strategic tools enable leadership to track performance, identify underutilised employees, and address inefficiency. By automating daily tasks, Sloneek allows HR managers to focus on employee development, productivity, and satisfaction, enhancing their impact rather than replacing them with AI.
Lukac concludes, “The average company loses 30 to 40 per cent of its employee costs due to turnover, talent loss, and hiring unsuitable candidates – an issue not limited to the Czech Republic, but commonplace. And that doesn’t even account for the missed potential stemming from low productivity.”
“These are huge sums, especially considering how expensive European labour is. HR managers could put a stop to this but they’re buried in routine tasks and rarely have time for strategic work. Sloneek is helping to change that.”
