Zinc, an all-in-one, global background and reference-checking software that supercharges the capabilities of ambitious HR and hiring teams, has secured $6.4 million (£5 million) in its Series A round led by AVP (AXA Venture Partners) with participation from existing investor Seedcamp. With this investment round, the UK-based company Plans to expand its global presence and accelerate product innovation.
Founded in 2017, Zinc believes in transparency for candidates and true respect for privacy in background checking. The platform delivers exceptional candidate and employer experiences with fast, reliable checks completed in days, not weeks. Through its modern, tech-enabled product, Zinc streamlines the verification process, enhancing efficiency. The firm supports 12+ reviews in over 190 countries. Its mobile-optimized solution seamlessly integrates with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), ensuring a secure data flow without manual checks or PDF downloads.
Speaking on the fundraising, Co-founder of Zinc, Luke Shipley, said:
We’re delighted to partner with AVP. We work heavily in the finance sector and are proud to partner with a household financial services brand. AVP is a perfect partner for us to grow within other regulated domains and geographies with AVP’s global reach.
The startup’s latest feature, a global right-to-work check, leverages automation technology, enabling companies to refine their talent acquisition strategies and ensuring conformity with international employment regulations. Since Zinc supports many routes to proving the right to work, this check enhances recruitment capabilities and promotes workplace diversity worldwide.
Adding about the investment, François Robinet, Managing Partner, AVP, said:
Today, the global background check market is huge and will continue to grow at a +10% CAGR over the next five years. It started in the US, and so far, in Europe, it has been driven mostly by the UK. We think the Continental Europe market is still largely untapped and that background checking will also become the norm in European recruitment processes. Zinc is perfectly positioned to take a leading position in this market, focusing on the most regulated industries and using technology as a key differentiator in a market largely occupied by low-tech incumbents.
Robinet further commented:
Zinc has developed unique product features to offer the best-in-class user experience and the shortest time to check to both candidates and recruiters. We are very happy and proud to support the team in its next growth stage. Charlotte, Luke, and their team have done an amazing job so far, but this is just the beginning…
Zinc’s value proposition has gained the attention of industry leaders, with its platform being used by hundreds of employers, including Octopus Energy, Bolt, Improbable, HelloFresh, Marshmallow, and many more. It paves the way for reusable work identity data with a pioneering formula that sets efficiency and sustainability benchmarks.
