News in Brief:
– Seso, a US startup, is revolutionising agriculture human resources by streamlining visa processes and offering comprehensive workforce management solutions.
– With a recent $26 million funding round, Seso aims to modernise farm operations, prioritising customer feedback and expanding into payroll automation to address industry challenges.
Seso, a pioneering software startup, has secured a substantial $26 million investment to revolutionise farm workforces and alleviate human resource challenges in the agricultural sector.
Founded five years ago by Michael Guirguis, the company initially aimed to simplify the complex process of acquiring H-2A visas for migrant workers. However, its vision has since expanded to encompass a comprehensive HR platform tailored to the unique needs of farms across the United States.
Guirguis’s journey began when his cousin sought advice on expanding her organic farm. Recognising the industry’s labour shortages, he tried to create solutions to streamline workforce management. Seso’s inception stemmed from this idea, with a mission to automate visa processes and enhance compliance for farms. Yet, discussions with potential clients unveiled a broader demand for HR support beyond mere recruitment.
“The back office of every farm we visited was inundated with paperwork,” Guirguis revealed. “We saw an opportunity to modernize these operations and address the labour shortage simultaneously.”
He observed outdated HR practices prevalent in agriculture, prompting the startup’s evolution into a comprehensive human resource platform. The company’s recent Series B funding round reflect investor confidence in its vision. Seso’s client base has rapidly expanded, boasting partnerships with 27 of the largest US agriculture employers.
Customer-centric innovation
Unlike many tech startups targeting agriculture, Seso claims to prioritise customer feedback. Guirguis’s firsthand experience, including pre-dawn farm visits, resonated with investors and customers alike. Nina Achadjian of Index Ventures highlights Seso’s commitment to understanding farmers’ needs, a rarity in the industry.
Seso’s next frontier is automating payroll—a complex task in agriculture due to diverse employment laws and payment structures. Guirguis envisions further expansion beyond payroll automation, leveraging technology to streamline various farm operations.
For local farmers, Seso offers a lifeline in navigating labor challenges and regulatory complexities. By embracing innovative HR solutions, farms can optimise operations, improve compliance, and focus on sustainable growth.
