Giraffe receives undisclosed seed funding from Omidyar Network

Recruitment service startup Giraffe has closed a round of seed funding from Silicon Valley-based VC fund Omidyar Network. The VC was established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar.

When inquiring about the funding amount, Giraffe declined to disclose the amount publicly.

“Omidyar Network’s focus on job creation and particular expertise in marketplace networks makes them an excellent strategic fit for Giraffe,” says co-founder and CEO of Giraffe, Anish Shivdasani.

He goes on to say, “We’re very proud to have a Silicon Valley investor supporting a South African company, especially at this troubled time of prevailing economic malaise.”

According to the principal of investments at Omidyar Network, Charmaine Padayachy, the VC is looking forward to help Giraffe expand in South Africa.

“Giraffe is filling a critical gap within the South African job market, which is helping medium-skilled job seekers connect with potential employers, and doing it with a technology-enabled platform that brings intelligence and efficiency to the process,” says Padayachy.

Read more: SA startup Giraffe bags US$500k Seedstars World grand prize

In March, Giraffe won a US$500 000 investment prize from the Seedstars World Summit in Switzerland. The startup represented South Africa in the competition and beat out 63 competing startups.

Since its February 2015 launch, the startup has attracted over 90 000 job seekers and has helped applicant placement in the retail, call centre, transportation, and administrative services spaces.