South African recruitment startup JOBJACK has raised ZAR45 million (US$2.5 million) in pre-Series A funding to help it change the narrative of entry-level recruitment in the country. 

Founded in 2018 by Christiaan van den Berg and Heine Bellingan, JOBJACK is a web-based platform that is free to use for job seekers looking for entry-level employment. Job seekers are guided through a CV creation process to apply for opportunities directly from their mobile phones, with JOBJACK currently data-free for MTN and Vodacom network users.

The startup has seen almost two million job seekers register on the platform, with the figure growing by an additional 2,000 each day. The ZAR45 million (US$2.5 million) secured funding will increase operations and expand JOBJACK’s growing network in South Africa, all while connecting job seekers to life-changing job opportunities. The round was led by NEXT176, and includes the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

“These funds allow us to continue our momentum of onboarding employers and, not only streamlining their entry-level recruitment but to drive accessibility and affordability for the job seekers that need it most,” said van den Berg, co-founder and co-CEO at JOBJACK.



Ona Meyer, programme manager for youth employment at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, said the organisation invested in companies that develop innovations providing access to job opportunities for South Africans without work, enabling them to support their family livelihoods.

“This partnership will allow JOBJACK to further scale its current response plan, streamlining the recruitment process and increasing access and affordability for job seekers. We are encouraged by the growth trajectory of JOBJACK’s business model to serve those looking to enter the entry-level job market,” he said.