Empower Iceland’s € 2.2 million to help correct workplace bias

Reykjavik-based specialist in diversity, equality and inclusion Empowerment has raised 2.2m euros in a circle for initial funding. The capital is expected to be used to help the startup further expand its DE&I methodologies, including enhanced benchmarking, training and analysis services offered through the SaaS Empower NOW offering.

Founded in 2020 by serial entrepreneurs D. Thomsen and Tori Wilhalmsdottir PropeEmpower lists both government and private sector organizations among its client base, including the Icelandic Parliament, police organizations, universities and international companies.

At its core, Empower helps these clients discover, address and correct workplace bias and toxic cultural traits. The aim is not only to improve the working lives of all employees, but also to help the employer attract and retain a diverse range of talents.

“As we have seen with Iceland’s continuing top ranking in the Gender Equality Indicators, LBGTQIA +, Peace and Happiness, the path to equality begins with the recognition of bias within the workplace, systems and society and the desire to change these jobs,” systems and society “, commented Wilhelmsdottir Prope. “Empower addresses the same challenges within government and private organizations by creating solutions that address the significant market gap in the human resources software sector by providing an integrated solution focused specifically on DE&I.”

Empower’s initial € 2.2 million round was led by Frumtak Ventures and saw Tennin’s involvement.

“We are proud of the positive social impact of this endeavor. It is imperative that organizations identify and address the challenges of equality that limit their success and the career success of their employees, both in terms of human health and organizational health, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements, ”added Frumtak. Schwan Gunarsdottir. “Empower’s founders have a deep understanding of the needs of HR and DE&I managers, as well as the employees they hire in these organizations, and use this range of experience to inform the dashboards and toolkits provided by their solution, such as help promote more equal and inclusive organizations worldwide “