Humu (software)
Humu is a software company that uses machine learning to send "nudges", small recommendations based in nudge theory, to employees at work. Since August 2023, it is a subsidiary of Perceptyx.
 | This article may be written from a fan's point of view, rather than a neutral point of view. (November 2021) |
| Founded | May 2017 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Laszlo Bock, Wayne Crosby, Jessie Wisdom |
| Type | Software company |
| Legal status | Subsidiary |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Employee engagement software |
Parent organization | Perceptyx |
Humu is a software company that uses machine learning to send "nudges", small recommendations based in nudge theory, to employees at work.[1][2] Since August 2023, it is a subsidiary of Perceptyx.
History
[edit]Humu was founded in May 2017 by former Google executives Laszlo Bock,[3] Wayne Crosby, and Jessie Wisdom. Before founding Humu, Laszlo Bock served as Google's original Head of People Operations.[4] Humu exited stealth mode in October 2018 with $40 million in funding.[5]
Humu analyzes company data and employee feedback to identify changes likely to improve employees' happiness, performance, and retention.[6][2] The platform then delivers "nudges", short messages urging users to change their behavior.[7]
The company holds a trademark on "Nudge Engine", based on the behavioral economics concept of nudge theory from Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler and popularized in Thaler's 2008 book Nudge, co-authored with legal scholar Cass R. Sunstein. The book argues that small cues can help people make better choices.[1]
Notable customers include Fidelity Investments, Silicon Valley Bank, Lumen, Farfetch,[7] and American fast casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen.[4]
A 2019 trademark dispute between Humu and American video streaming service Hulu[8] was settled in federal court.[9]
On June 24, 2021, Humu announced Humu Business Edition, a personal coach for mid-sized businesses.[10]
In August 2023, Humu was acquired by Perceptyx.[11][12]
Funding
[edit]In May 2019, Humu announced it had raised $40 million in series A and B funding led by Index Ventures and IVP.[13]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Can the Occasional 'Nudge' Make You Better at Your Job?". Yale Insights. 12 April 2019. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ a b Winkler, Elizabeth (2020-01-31). "Laszlo Bock Thinks Machine Learning Can Make Work Better". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ Dawn Kawamoto (2024-09-05). "Former Google CHRO describes what makes a strong HR executive". HR Executive. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
- ^ a b Wakabayashi, Daisuke (2018-12-31). "Firm Led by Google Veterans Uses A.I. to 'Nudge' Workers Toward Happiness". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ Stolzoff, Simone (8 October 2018). "After two years in stealth mode, the former head of HR at Google reveals his new startup". Quartz. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ "Analysis | Google's former head of HR wants to help people act more human at work". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ a b Shellenbarger, Sue (2019-04-15). "The Robots That Manage the Managers". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ "Humu v. Hulu: Trademark to-do leads to new lawsuit". The Mercury News. 2019-01-23. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ "Hulu Says Something Smells Fishy About HR Startup Humu's Name". The Recorder. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ "Humu Launches Business Edition, Making Effective Teamwork a Habit For Mid-Sized Businesses". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
- ^ "Perceptyx Acquires Behavioral Science Pioneer Humu". blog.perceptyx.com. 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ Lucas, Emmy. "Former Google Exec's Startup Humu Acquired By HR Platform Perceptyx". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ "Laszlo Bock's new HR startup: machine learning, science and a 'little bit of love'". The Mercury News. 2018-05-01. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
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