Simpplr Raises $32M to Enhance Intranet Platform

Simpplr Secures $32 Million in Series C Funding

Simpplr, a contemporary platform designed for the creation of intranet sites – often referred to as employee communications and enablement platforms – has announced the successful completion of a $32 million Series C funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Tola Capital, with participation from Norwest Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, and George Still Ventures. This latest funding elevates Simpplr’s total raised capital to over $61 million.

Accelerated Growth and Product Development

According to Simpplr’s CEO and founder, Dhiraj Sharma, the previous Series B round was strategically intended to bolster product innovation and accelerate development efforts. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrably amplified the demand for digital workplace solutions, such as those offered by Simpplr.

Sharma emphasized that the company’s core belief centered on the increasing trend toward remote and hybrid work models. The pandemic served to expedite this transition, creating a heightened sense of urgency among customers to modernize their employee communication platforms. Consequently, the company has doubled its workforce since last August, although Sharma acknowledges the growing challenges in attracting qualified talent.

Expanding Customer Base

Over the past year, Simpplr has successfully onboarded 100 new enterprise clients. Its current customer roster includes early adopters like Splunk and Nutanix, organizations that were already geared towards a globally distributed workforce and recognized the value of a platform like Simpplr.

However, the pandemic also prompted more conventional businesses, including Fox, AAA insurance, and Renewal by Andersen, to rapidly implement solutions for supporting their newly remote employees.

Addressing a Critical Need

“The pandemic forced many traditional companies to embrace remote work far sooner than anticipated,” Sharma explained. “These organizations quickly discovered a lack of effective formal employee communication channels and a deficient digital employee experience.”

Differentiating Factors

While numerous intranet solutions are available, Sharma asserts that Simpplr distinguishes itself through consistently high customer ratings and recognition from industry analysts like Gartner and Forrester. A primary driver of this success is the platform’s strong emphasis on user experience.

“Our top priority is UX, and we’ve been pushing the boundaries of intranet technology for the last five years,” Sharma stated, highlighting features like the company’s auto-governance engine, which he described as a “Roomba for your intranet.”

Image Credits: Simpplr

The Importance of Analytics

Simpplr also focuses on providing robust analytics capabilities. “Our mission is to empower companies to create superior workplaces, and that requires identifying areas for improvement and offering actionable insights,” Sharma said.

“Simply communicating isn’t enough; we aim to help our customers understand what’s effective, what isn’t, the impact of their communications, and how their employees are responding.”

Future Developments: AI Integration

Looking forward, Simpplr is actively integrating more artificial intelligence into its tools, including its analytics features, to enhance employee communication and provide a deeper understanding of message impact.

Responsible Growth and Sustainable Business

Sharma, having previously bootstrapped two companies, has adopted a measured approach to fundraising. “I’ve always struggled with the notion that investors expect growth at any cost,” he admitted. “Even as a venture-funded company, I’m committed to responsible financial management and building a sustainable business. Any significant investment must have a clear purpose and deliver tangible results.”

New Board Member

Eddie Kang, principal at Tola Capital, will be joining Simpplr’s board of directors. “Simpplr is vital for companies navigating the hybrid work landscape and effectively engaging their employees,” Kang commented. “As enterprise software investors, we are impressed by Simpplr’s ability to streamline communications and deliver rapid value to customers. We look forward to partnering with Simpplr to accelerate its roadmap and meet the evolving needs of global business leaders.”