Landed Launches Mobile App and Secures $1.4 Million in Seed Funding

Landed, a new company focused on streamlining the recruitment process for both hourly workers and employers, has officially released its mobile application today.

Alongside the launch, the startup announced the successful completion of a $1.4 million seed funding round.

How the Landed App Functions

According to Founder and CEO Vivian Wang, the application functions by collecting applicant data through detailed profiles. These profiles include work history and availability, alongside video responses to frequently asked interview questions.

Artificial intelligence is then employed to analyze these responses, evaluating over 50 different attributes like communication proficiency and nonverbal cues.

This analysis facilitates matching qualified candidates with relevant job openings posted by participating employers.

Beta Testing and Growth During COVID-19

Landed initiated beta testing in March of the previous year, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Wang recognized the initial challenges this presented for some potential clients, but emphasized that essential businesses, such as grocery stores and fast-food chains, experienced an increased need for their services.

“This demand fueled our continuous growth throughout 2020,” Wang stated.

The platform enabled these businesses to maintain their hiring processes without the need for in-person group interviews.

Furthermore, Wang highlighted the difficulties managers face with high employee turnover rates and the time-consuming nature of recruitment – issues she personally observed during her tenure at Gap, Inc.

Landed effectively addresses these challenges by automating a significant portion of the hiring workflow and saving valuable time.

Benefits for Job Seekers and Employers

Job applicants benefit from a more efficient job search, often securing positions within a week of completing their profile.

Wang also asserts that Landed can enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives by expanding the candidate pool available to managers.

The AI-powered matching system is designed to minimize unconscious biases that may influence traditional hiring practices.

Acknowledging the potential for bias within AI algorithms, Wang emphasized Landed’s collaborations with local non-profit organizations to reach underrepresented candidates.

She added, “Human oversight is crucial when utilizing AI. We work directly with employers to validate the suitability of our recommendations and conduct regular calibration assessments.”

Current Clients and Results

The Landed application is currently offered free of charge to job seekers.

Employers are charged a monthly subscription fee, and current clients include franchisees of Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, and Grocery Outlet.

Eric Sawyer, owner of a Grocery Outlet in Ventura, reported a significant improvement in hiring efficiency, reducing the interview-to-hire ratio from 10:1 to 3:1.

“The Landed app has halved the time I spend on scheduling and conducting interviews,” Sawyer noted in a statement.

Future Expansion and Vision

The seed funding round was spearheaded by Javelin Venture Partners, with contributions from Y Combinator, Palm Drive Capital, and several angel investors.

Wang stated that these funds will facilitate continued expansion of the service, currently available in seven metropolitan areas: Northern and Southern California, Virginia Beach/Chesapeake (Virginia), Phoenix/Scottsdale (Arizona), Atlanta (Georgia), Reno (Nevada), and Dallas-Ft. Worth (Texas).

The company aims to triple its geographic reach by the end of the year.

Looking ahead, Wang envisions Landed evolving into a comprehensive “lifestyle stability platform” for blue-collar workers.

This includes offering additional services such as affordable loans and job training programs, fostering both job security and financial well-being.