Employment Hero Expands with Acquisition of Humi

The acquisition of Toronto-based Humi by Australian HR software company Employment Hero represents a major milestone in the global HR tech industry. This strategic move positions Employment Hero to establish a strong presence in the Canadian market while providing Humi with the resources, expertise, and tools needed to accelerate its growth and enhance its offerings. The deal, estimated to be worth more than $100 million CAD, and potentially up to $155 million CAD, was completed with a mix of cash and equity. Humi will continue to operate under its own brand for the foreseeable future while becoming Employment Hero’s central hub in Canada.

Humi’s co-founder and CEO, Kevin Kliman, described the acquisition as a transformative opportunity for the company, likening it to an enhanced Series C funding round. “We get the funding that we otherwise would have gotten to grow the next stage of our company, incredible mentorship from a team that has just done what we want to do, and all the leadership within Humi is staying in place,” Kliman said. This arrangement ensures Humi retains its leadership, brand identity, and company culture while benefiting from Employment Hero’s established global experience and advanced technologies.

Founded in 2016, Humi has grown from a cloud-based platform for storing employee data to a comprehensive HR management system that includes payroll and benefits support. With over 150,000 Canadian workers currently using its platform and more than $7 billion in wages processed, Humi has become a trusted solution for businesses across Canada. The company raised $46 million CAD across its Series A and B funding rounds, and its acquisition by Employment Hero signals a new chapter of growth and opportunity.

Employment Hero, on the other hand, brings to the table five years of additional experience in the HR tech space and a robust portfolio of features. This partnership allows Humi to leapfrog ahead in areas like onboarding, recruiting, and payroll technology, which Employment Hero has already refined. Conversely, Employment Hero benefits from Humi’s local expertise and tailored solutions for the Canadian market, making the acquisition a win-win scenario for both parties. Kliman emphasized the cultural and strategic alignment between the two companies, describing it as an ideal fit. “Humi’s mission is to become the largest employment platform in Canada, while Employment Hero’s mission has become the biggest employment platform in the world,” he said. “So the two are very well matched in mission and in culture.”

The acquisition reflects the shared vision of both companies to enhance the HR experience for businesses and employees alike. Employment Hero’s CEO, Ben Thompson, has long spoken about the company’s ambitions to expand globally, and this move cements its position as a serious player in the international HR tech market. Importantly, both companies have committed to retaining Humi’s existing employees and significantly growing their presence in Canada. This commitment to preserving jobs and fostering growth demonstrates a shared dedication to supporting not only their customers but also their teams.

Looking ahead, this partnership has the potential to reshape the HR tech landscape in Canada and beyond. By combining Humi’s local insights with Employment Hero’s global expertise, the two companies are poised to set new standards for innovation, customer service, and scalability in the HR technology sector. This acquisition is not only a significant moment for Humi and Employment Hero but also a reflection of the broader trend toward consolidation and innovation within the rapidly evolving HR tech industry.