Jet HR, an Italian startup, has secured €12 million in Seed funding, bringing its total funding to €16.7 million. Founded by Marco Ogliengo and Francesco Scalambrino, Jet HR aims to simplify payroll and HR processes for businesses in Italy. The company has grown rapidly since its launch a year ago, serving over 300 clients, including prominent companies like HelloFresh and Octopus Energy. Led by Picus Capital, the investment will be used to expand Jet HR’s team and enhance its platform, particularly with new features like contractor management. With its AI-powered approach, Jet HR seeks to transform Italy's €4 billion payroll market.



Jet HR, a rising star in Italy's HR technology landscape, has secured €12 million in a Seed funding round just one year after its launch. This investment, which brings Jet HR’s total funding to €16.7 million, is poised to drive the company’s mission of transforming the payroll and HR processes for businesses in Italy. Led by Picus Capital, a prominent venture capital firm with a track record of backing high-growth HR tech companies, the funding round also saw participation from notable investors such as Exor Ventures, 2100 Ventures, Italian Founders Fund, and industry veterans like Diego Piacentini and David Clarke.

Solving a Persistent Bureaucratic Challenge in Italy

Jet HR was founded by Marco Ogliengo (CEO) and Francesco Scalambrino (CPO) with the clear objective of tackling the notorious bureaucratic inefficiencies plaguing payroll and HR administration in Italy. Businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, often struggle with the country’s complex payroll regulations, cumbersome tax processes, and time-consuming administrative tasks.

Jet HR’s platform offers a solution by automating payroll and simplifying HR management tasks, such as hiring and contract creation. With the additional support of authorized Payroll Advisors, companies gain access to expert guidance on compliance, making it easier to navigate Italy's regulatory landscape. Beyond payroll, Jet HR also streamlines adjacent administrative tasks, such as expense reporting and tax break applications, providing businesses with a clear, unified view of their labor costs and operational efficiency.

Rapid Growth and Commercial Traction

Since its inception, Jet HR has gained impressive traction. In just 12 months, the startup has already attracted over 300 clients, ranging from traditional SMEs to well-established multinationals, including well-known companies such as HelloFresh and Octopus Energy. The platform has also garnered praise from clients for its ability to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with payroll management, while providing transparency and flexibility.

“We’re on the right track,” commented Marco Ogliengo, CEO of Jet HR. “Our ability to rapidly onboard hundreds of satisfied clients, coupled with the backing of an international fund like Picus Capital, demonstrates the enormous potential of our solution. Picus has a deep understanding of the HR and payroll market, having invested in multiple companies that have become unicorns. Their support is invaluable as we continue to innovate and grow.”

Why Investors Are Betting on Jet HR

Picus Capital, the lead investor, expressed strong confidence in Jet HR’s approach. Robin Godenrath, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Picus Capital, highlighted the company’s ability to disrupt Italy’s €4 billion payroll market, which is still dominated by outdated, service-heavy solutions. According to Godenrath, Jet HR’s innovative use of AI-powered automation gives it a clear advantage in simplifying payroll and compliance processes, making it easier for businesses to handle complex labor regulations.

“We are impressed by the rapid product development and the early commercial success of Jet HR. Italy’s payroll and HR landscape, characterized by intricate regulations and antiquated consultant networks, presents a ripe opportunity for disruption. Jet HR’s ability to address these challenges through automation sets them apart, and we are excited to support their vision for a more efficient and accessible payroll system in Italy,” said Godenrath.

Expanding Features and Team Growth

Jet HR plans to use the newly raised capital to scale its team, which currently includes 70 employees, with a strong focus on research and development. The company’s roadmap includes the development of new features, such as contractor management, which will allow companies to handle payments for both full-time employees and contractors within the same platform. This feature aims to provide a comprehensive view of workforce costs, further enhancing the value Jet HR delivers to its customers.

By leveraging AI-driven automation, Jet HR is set to reduce the reliance on manual payroll processing and expensive consultancy services, creating a more agile and scalable HR solution for businesses of all sizes.

Building a Strong Cap Table with Strategic Advisors

Jet HR’s cap table is noteworthy, not just for the financial backing but also for the strategic expertise it brings. In addition to Picus Capital, the company has attracted investment from prominent figures in the tech and HR sectors. These include Diego Piacentini, the former Apple and Amazon executive who also served as Italy’s Commissioner for Digital Transformation, David Clarke, former CTO of Workday, and Tony Jamous, founder of global payroll unicorn Oyster HR.

With this robust backing, Jet HR is well-positioned to accelerate its growth and expand its influence across Italy and beyond. As the company continues to develop its product offerings and refine its platform, it is poised to become a key player in the European HR tech market.

Pioneering the Future of Payroll in Italy

Jet HR’s vision of simplifying payroll and HR processes in Italy aligns with a broader trend of digital transformation in HR operations. By harnessing the power of AI and automation, the startup is empowering businesses to focus more on growth and less on navigating administrative burdens. With the continued support of influential investors and advisors, Jet HR is on a clear path to reshape the payroll landscape in Italy, helping businesses save time, reduce costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.

As Jet HR moves forward with its mission, the company’s impact on Italy’s €4 billion payroll market is set to grow, and its journey toward becoming the next HR tech unicorn is just beginning.