Local startup Envoy Global, previously known as VisaNow, which helps companies recruit, hire and manage an international workforce, has raised $21 million in a Series C round, the company announced Tuesday morning.
The round was led by New York-based growth equity firm Catalyst Investors, with participation from General Catalyst Partners. The company says it will use the funds to grow its team, and improve its technology and software.
Envoy, founded in 1998, received its first investment of $16 million from General Catalyst in 2014. Since then, Envoy has added more than 1,000 customers and assisted 24,000 people. Just within the last year, the company has launched an updated platform with “expanded global capabilities,” which the company says has contributed to its growth. Envoy’s clients include Grubhub, Enova and CBS Interactive.
Though immigration has been hot-button-topic in the political sphere, it’s proving that it might be good for business. Back in February, after President Donald Trump’s immigration ban went into effect, Envoy said they saw a 33 percent increase in website activity and a 32 percent increase in visits and questions to their communication center.
“We’ve made great progress in the past year,” said Dick Burke, president and CEO of Envoy, in a statement. “Some of the world’s biggest companies rely on Envoy, not only because our platform helps to navigate the complex immigration process, but because they see tremendous value in our dedication to continued innovation and customer satisfaction.”
Additionally, the company announced today the addition of Susan Bihler, a principal at Catalyst Investors, to its board of directors.
“Envoy is simplifying an outdated and cumbersome process with a robust software product that enables the delivery of more efficient, cost-effective and transparent services for Envoy’s clients,” Bihler said in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with Envoy’s talented management team to help the company continue its notable growth trajectory.”
