Story of Wonolo: streamlines recruiting by connecting businesses and job seekers on one platform
Story of Wonolo:
In 2014, three entrepreneurs Yong Kim, Jeremy Burton, and
A.J. Brustein founded Wonolo with a mission to change the way people find work
and how companies hire. Yong Kim stepped into the role of CEO, leading the
vision to make job opportunities more flexible and accessible for everyone.
What Wonolo Stands For
The name Wonolo comes from the phrase “Work. Now. Locally.”
This short and simple idea captured the essence of the company—making it
possible for people to find nearby jobs instantly and for businesses to fill
urgent staffing needs without delays.
Redefining Staffing
Unlike traditional hiring, which often takes weeks of
resumes and interviews, Wonolo introduced an on-demand staffing platform.
Through its app, businesses could post jobs, and pre-vetted workers—called
“Wonoloers”—could accept them in minutes. This seamless connection cut through
hiring red tape and opened the door to faster, more flexible work.
Serving Many Industries
Wonolo quickly grew into a platform that catered to a wide
range of industries. From warehouse operations, manufacturing, and delivery
driving to event staffing, food production, and administrative roles, the
platform created opportunities across different sectors while helping companies
meet short-term labor needs.
Designed for Flexibility
For workers, Wonolo meant freedom. They could choose when
and where they wanted to work, explore new industries, and pick up extra income
without being locked into rigid schedules. For businesses, it meant filling
urgent roles within hours, keeping operations running smoothly without long
delays.
A Transparent Revenue Model
Wonolo’s business model was simple and transparent. The
company charged a 45% service fee, applied only after a job was completed and
approved by the business. This ensured fairness—businesses paid only for
results, and workers received clear compensation for their efforts.
Story of Wonolo: streamlines recruiting by connecting businesses and job seekers on one platform#startup#age#net worth#Yong Kim, Jeremy Burton#Wonolo
Backing from Big Investors
As the platform grew, Wonolo attracted support from some of
the world’s top investors. Firms like Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital Ventures,
DAG Ventures, PivotNorth, Base10, and AMN Healthcare backed the startup,
fueling its growth and giving it the resources to expand nationwide.
A Human and Tech Blend
Wonolo didn’t rely on technology alone. It combined human
expertise with AI-driven systems, creating a customer-centric staffing
solution. This balance allowed the platform to remain both efficient and
approachable, tackling even complex labor challenges with ease.
Changing the Staffing Game
By providing hyper-localized, mobile-friendly solutions,
Wonolo disrupted the $140 billion contingent labor market. Businesses could now
save money and time, while workers gained the chance to change their lives by
accessing new opportunities, learning skills, and building financial stability.
Building a Community
Beyond just staffing, Wonolo built a community based on
values like accountability, humility, initiative, and transparency. It became a
platform that celebrated diversity, inclusivity, and equitable
opportunities—giving people from all backgrounds a fair chance to work.
Recognition and Culture
Wonolo’s commitment to its people didn’t go unnoticed. The
company earned recognition as a Great Place to Work Certified employer, proving
that its mission extended not only to customers and workers but also to its own
employees. Its culture of respect and growth attracted passionate people who
wanted to make a real difference.
Where Wonolo Stands Today
Now headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Wonolo has grown
into a Series D company with $248 million in funding. It continues to reinvent
staffing with its simple yet powerful vision—connecting people to work
instantly and helping businesses thrive in an ever-changing labor market.
Wonolo Timeline
- 2014
– Wonolo founded by Yong Kim, Jeremy Burton, and A.J. Brustein.
- 2015–2016
– Early growth; launches app to connect businesses and workers instantly.
- 2017–2018
– Expands into multiple industries (warehousing, delivery, food
production, events).
- 2019
– Gains backing from top investors including Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital
Ventures, and DAG Ventures.
- 2020
– Recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified company.
- 2021–2022
– Strengthens focus on hyper-local, mobile-friendly staffing solutions.
- 2023
– Reaches Series D funding, raising $248 million; headquartered in
Beaverton, Oregon.
- 2024–Present
– Serves a wide range of industries nationwide; known as a leader in
on-demand staffing and gig economy transformation.
