Milwaukee-based workplace connection software company Like|Minded has new angel investment backing from the co-authors of a Wall Street Journal bestselling book about loneliness.
Ryan Jenkins and Steven Van Cohen, workplace loneliness experts and the authors of "Connectable: How leaders can move teams from isolated to all-in," have made a six-figure investment in Like|Minded as active owners, they said via email.
Jenkins and Van Cohen are also joining the Like|Minded team to help with its global distribution, Jenkins said. As the co-founders of LessLonely.com, they've provided speaking, consulting and training services to clients including Coca-Cola, Salesforce, State Farm and Komatsu.
Having Jenkins and Van Cohen on board will help distribute Like|Minded's software to more customers, Like|Minded CEO Jeremy Fojut said. The startup's roughly 35 existing customers include Kohl's Corp., Advocate Aurora Health and the nonprofit organization Artificial Intelligence Los Angeles, Fojut said.
Like|Minded, one of Wisconsin Inno's 2022 startups to watch, was founded in 2021 by a group including Fojut, who also co-founded the Milwaukee engagement agency NEWaukee, known for hosting events like Milwaukee's popular Night Market. Like|Minded has 10 employees including Jenkins and Van Cohen, Fojut said.
The startup's software leverages artificial intelligence and a unique algorithm to help organizations match individuals to foster relationships within remote, hybrid and in-person work environments. Like|Minded currently has six-figure annual recurring revenue, Fojut said.
Jenkins and Van Cohen will be the head of partnerships and head of business development at Like|Minded, respectively. The pair was in Milwaukee this week for a Wednesday event about workplace loneliness.
