A Milwaukee startup company has launched a digital marketplace that connects freelance tech professionals with employers along with access to health care benefits.
Talimer, co-founded by Erica Conway, who also owns C2, a staffing company, and Ken Ostermann, who most recently was with Harley-Davidson Inc., launched in August. The two incorporated the company in April.
“It’s time for businesses to be able to consider freelance as a competitive weapon and more easily connect with difficult-to-access, highly skilled and in-demand professionals,” said Conway, also a former Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. “Just as important, Talimer’s platform reduces hiring bias and intentionally increases inclusivity, diversity and access to underrepresented freelancers. These drivers, in addition to our focus on jobs and benefits, propels our freelancer-first mentality.”
Through the platform, freelance professionals can purchase the benefits. Ostermann said the marketplace is starting with developers of all forms, both frontend and backend, along with user experience design, user interface design, project management and quality assurance.
Conway said Milwaukee is an ideal place to launch the platform, given the support behind the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition and efforts at making Milwaukee a tech hub. It's also an ideal time to start the business, given the amount of professionals working remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she said.
“Our focus on fit provides freelancers who are more engaged and dedicated to providing an impact on every project,” she said. “It’s important to understand, especially with the uncertainty of the pandemic, the pace of business and technology is constantly changing. Accessing a highly skilled and flexible workforce helps organizations more efficiently adapt to change.”
