GV, a corporate venturing vehicle for internet and technology group Alphabet, has led a $13.5m series B round for US-based contractor engagement software developer Sense that included venture capital firm Accel.
Sense offers a group of cloud-based software tools that help recruitment agencies engage temporary workers by building distinct relationships with each candidate. It includes an instant messaging service that can be used to check in with workers at specific points in their assignments.
The capital will help Sense respond to higher demand for its products by investing in sales as well as research and development.
GV and Accel had previously co-led a $10m series A round for the company in June 2017 that included Signia Venture Partners, Ridge Ventures (then known as IDG Ventures) and Khosla Ventures.
Anil Dharni, Sense’s co-founder and chief executive, said: “This funding and our growth to date reflect the accelerating shift in the way that staffing companies approach candidate engagement, talent communication and business performance.
“Human interaction is at the heart of Sense, and through data-driven planning and decision making, we are bringing that to staffing at scale.”