Impact tech firm Culture Shift has raised £1.5 million to help UK organisations proactively improve their culture post-COVID-19.
The funding round into the Manchester-based business was led by Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures.
Founded in 2018, Culture Shift has created a platform for people to confidentially and safely report workplace harassment.
According to Culture Shift’s own research, 37% of employees said they feel more likely to experience something they would describe as bullying or harassment while in the workplace following COVID-19.
The new funding will allow Culture Shift to make a significant number of new hires in Manchester, and expand into new markets across the UK, helping it support more UK organisations in proactively improving culture.
Its platform is now employed by more than 70 of the UK’s top universities, while the business is working with a number of other organisations.
The software provides individuals a safe environment to report an event and then offers direction to appropriate emotional or practical support. The system also provides the organisation with data to manage and address any particular issues or a growing pattern of misconduct that may have been occurring, as well as a case management tool to effectively manage communication with the involved parties.
“We’re extremely proud that over one million people in the UK now have access to our reporting platform,” said co-founder and CEO Gemma McCall.
“This investment and the continued support from Praetura and Blackfinch will help us now continue our mission to help organisations better manage their own workplace culture with the right tools.”
This latest investment follows a funding round in March 2020 which saw Culture Shift secure £1.35m investment from Praetura Ventures and GC Angels.
David Foreman, MD at Praetura Ventures, said: “The work Culture Shift is doing is so important. Everyone wants to work in a place where they feel safe. Gemma and her team work tirelessly to make this a reality for so many people.
“We’re so pleased to be supporting them on their journey and excited to see them continue to improve the lives of workers in a variety of industries.”