Randstad : launches Innovation Fund: first investment in Gigwalk

Randstad Holding nv launches the Randstad Innovation Fund, a strategic corporate venture fund to invest in HR technology companies. HR technologies ensure future, innovative solutions to make HR processes more efficient and bring fresh answers to HR challenges.

"Our ambition is to shape the world of work, and technology is a crucial element to achieve this", says Linda Galipeau, Executive Board member of Randstad Holding nv. "The Randstad Innovation Fund can play an important role in accelerating the understanding of technology innovations in our industry and will be able to give input for our future strategy and contribute to innovative solutions for our clients."

The Randstad Innovation Fund intends to build a portfolio of multiple smaller investments over the next couple of years. The fund will invest in the following areas: social sourcing, online platforms, mobile solutions, virtual solutions, gamification and big data analytics. The Randstad Innovation Fund will be managed by Ilonka Jankovich and Paul Jacquin.

The fund's first investment is in Gigwalk, an online platform that enables leading consumer brands and retailers to track and improve retail execution by using the world's largest network of mobile-enabled independent contractors. Gigwalk's mobile crowdsourcing and online enterprise platform complements Randstad's capability in managing workforces and offering solutions to our clients. Randstad is joining investors, such as Nokia Growth Partners, August Capital, Harrison Metal, and SoftTech.

Visit www.randstad.com/innovationfund for more information.

More information on Gigwalk
Since launching in 2011, over 500,000 Gigwalkers have completed more than 4 million Gigs for businesses across North America. Based in San Francisco, California, Gigwalk is backed by August Capital, Harrison Metal, Nokia Growth Partners, Randstad Holding, SoftTech, Greylock Discovery, Accelerator Ventures, and Founder Collective. For more information, visit gigwalk.com.

Randstad profile
Randstad specializes in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services. Our services range from regular temporary staffing and permanent placements to inhouse, professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions. The Randstad Group is one of the leading HR services providers in the world, with top-three positions in Argentina, Belgium & Luxembourg, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Greece, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the United States as well as major positions in Australia and Japan. In 2013, Randstad had approximately 28,000 corporate employees and around 4,600 branches and Inhouse locations in 39 countries around the world. Randstad generated revenue of € 16.6 billion in 2013. Randstad was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands. Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam, where options for stocks in Randstad are also traded. For more information see www.randstad.com.

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