Orka Technology Group, commonly known as Orka in Europe, has announced that it has secured €3.5 million ($3.9 Mn) in funding by Praetura Ventures, a venture capitalist firm based out of Manchester, England. 

Founded in 2016, Orkas’ objective is to cater to the shift toward flexible employment, which is taking place across many industries. The aim is to create an accessible, seamless and integrated experience for shift/gig workers which makes their lives easier and removes existing barriers. 

David Foreman, Managing Director of Praetura Ventures, said, “Our mission has long been to support brilliant Northern businesses with exceptional founders. Orka ticks both boxes and we’re looking forward to working closely with the team as they continue to address many of the pain points that exist within the shift work and labour space, including a lack of transparency when putting candidates forward for roles.

The Manchester-based startup’s platform enables workers to find temporary employment and provides a flexible payment product that allows workers to access 50% of their wages as soon as they’ve earned them. Also a soon-to-be-launched passport system that will eliminate the need for background assessments every time someone sources work through Orka. This is done through Orka’s arms which include Orka Works, Orka Pay and Orka Check respectively.

Tom Pickersgill, co-founder and CEO of Orka said, “We have been growing at pace over the past four years with a vision to transform the sourcing, onboarding and payment experience for both employers and their employees, culminating in the ultimate infrastructure for hourly-paid workforces.”

The latest funding will be used by the company to accelerate product development, target growth in new markets, including in the mechanical and electrical sectors and expand the team.