Profile

Personio is a leading provider of HR software solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. With its comprehensive platform, Personio simplifies and automates HR processes, including recruiting, payroll, employee data management, and performance tracking. Personio was founded in 2015 by Hanno Renner, Roman Schumacher, Arseniy Vershinin, and Jonas Rieke. The founding team has its origins at the Center for Digital Technology & Management (CDTM) in Munich. The company’s mission is to empower HR teams to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and support strategic decision-making.

Personio has experienced rapid growth and expansion. Its user-friendly interface and customizable features make it a popular choice among businesses across various industries. Personio’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its strong customer base, which includes over 8,000 companies in more than 80 countries.

The company’s success is attributed to its focus on customer satisfaction, continuous product development, and dedication to understanding the unique needs of HR professionals. With a team of talented individuals and a culture of innovation, Personio is poised for continued success in the HR software market. As companies increasingly recognize the importance of efficient HR processes, Personio’s comprehensive solutions position it as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to optimize their HR operations and drive organizational growth.

Key Products

HR Management

Personio’s HR Management software offers a comprehensive solution for streamlining and automating various HR processes. It allows businesses to efficiently manage employee data, track time and attendance, and handle vacation and leave requests. With its user-friendly interface and customizable workflows, HR teams can easily onboard new employees, manage performance reviews, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.

Talent Management

The Talent Management software empowers organizations to effectively attract, nurture, and retain top talent. It provides tools for creating and publishing job postings, managing candidate applications, and conducting structured interviews. With performance management features, businesses can set goals, provide continuous feedback, and evaluate employee performance. The system also supports employee development through training and learning management, helping companies cultivate a skilled and engaged workforce.

Payroll

The Payroll solutions simplify and automate the payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payment to employees. The software integrates seamlessly with other HR modules, such as time tracking and employee data management, eliminating manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors. It supports various payment types, tax regulations, and social security systems, making it suitable for businesses operating in different countries. With built-in compliance checks, Personio’s payroll software helps companies stay up-to-date with legal requirements and maintain data security.

Customer Insights

Personio has garnered overwhelmingly positive customer insights, reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. A thorough analysis of customer reviews on platforms like G2 and Capterra highlights the numerous benefits and strengths of Personio’s offerings.

The intuitive interface and user-friendly design are consistently praised for their ease of use, enabling organizations to seamlessly navigate and adopt the platform. Users frequently emphasize the significant time and effort savings achieved through the automation of HR processes, such as employee data management, time tracking, and leave management.

Personio’s talent management functionality also receives high acclaim from customers. The software’s features for candidate sourcing, applicant tracking, and performance management are commended for their effectiveness in streamlining hiring processes, managing candidate pipelines, and facilitating structured interviews. This empowers businesses to attract, nurture, and retain top talent more efficiently. 

Furthermore, customers express their satisfaction with Personio’s payroll solutions. The software’s accuracy, compliance with local tax regulations, and seamless integration with other HR modules stand out as key strengths.

Overall, customer insights for Personio are positive, with users reporting improved HR efficiency, reduced administrative workload, and enhanced talent management as key benefits. 

Statistics

• Customers: 8000+


• Customer Success rate: 95%


• Partners: 130


• Company Size: 1700 employees


• Number of offices across Europe: 7


• Customer Growth: 3X 


• Team Growth: 2X

Rating and Commentary

Personio has demonstrated exceptional performance in the HR software market. Under the leadership of CEO Hanno Renner, Personio has thrived and gained recognition for his strong leadership skills and vision. Renner’s strategic decisions and commitment to customer success have played a pivotal role in establishing Personio as a leading provider of HR software solutions.

Customers have provided positive reviews, highlighting the effectiveness of Personio’s solutions and emphasizing improved HR efficiency, reduced administrative workload, and enhanced talent management as key benefits. These high ratings and positive feedback serve as strong indicators of customer satisfaction and the company’s ability to meet the needs of its clients.

Despite facing competition in the market from BambooHR and Zoho People, Personio has managed to distinguish itself by focusing on comprehensive HR solutions, user-friendly interfaces, and customization options. Personio is backed by renowned investors, including Index Ventures, Accel, Meritech, and Altimeter Capital. Their investments, totaling over $515 million, demonstrate their confidence in Personio’s continuous growth and potential to transform HR management for SMBs, enabling expansion, product development, and international market penetration.

Personio’s strength lies in its market size, capital backing, and unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products. While competitive threats persist, Personio’s strong market position, coupled with its ability to innovate and adapt, positions the company favorably for sustained growth and continued success.

Personio's Video

Key Executives

Hanno Renner, Co-Founder & CEO

With his strong leadership and strategic direction, he has guided the company to become a leading HR software provider in Europe, driving innovation and growth.

Jonas Rieke, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer

Jonas Rieke, as a co-founder and COO, plays a crucial role in overseeing the operational aspects of Personio’s business. His focus on scalability and efficiency ensures smooth operations and enables the company to effectively meet the needs of its expanding customer base.

Geraldine MacCarthy, Chief Revenue Officer

As the CRO, Geraldine leads Personio’s revenue generation efforts. With her extensive experience in sales and business development, she drives the company’s revenue growth strategies, fosters strategic partnerships, and ensures customer success.

Birgit Haderer, Chief Financial Officer

Birgit brings her financial expertise to Personio, overseeing the company’s financial operations and driving its financial strategy. Her role includes financial planning, budgeting, and optimizing financial processes to support the company’s continued growth.

Maria Angelidou-Smith, Chief Product & Technology Officer

Maria spearheads Personio’s product and technology initiatives. With her deep understanding of customer needs and technology trends, she leads the development of innovative HR solutions that empower businesses and streamline HR processes.

Organizational Insights

At Personio, organizational insights and culture are at the heart of the company’s operations. The company prides itself on fostering a work environment that values individuality, collaboration, and growth. By promoting a strong organizational culture, Personio aims to attract top talent, encourage innovation, and cultivate a sense of belonging among its employees. 

Personio’s culture is centered around the principle of “You Bring You. We’ll Bring the Benefits.” This approach acknowledges the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual brings to the table. It encourages employees to be authentic, embrace diversity, and contribute their unique ideas and experiences to the organization. Personio believes that by fostering an inclusive culture, employees feel empowered and motivated to perform at their best. 

The company places a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. Cross-functional collaboration is encouraged, enabling employees to work together across departments and leverage their diverse skill sets to drive innovation and achieve shared goals. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge sharing initiatives further enhance collaboration and foster a sense of unity within the organization.  

According to Glassdoor reviews, Personio’s organizational culture is highly regarded by employees. It is described as supportive, collaborative, and driven by a strong sense of purpose. By prioritizing personal and professional growth, fostering teamwork, and emphasizing the significance of their work, Personio has established a culture that drives excellence and innovation in the HR software industry.

Board Members

The company has a strong and experienced board of directors that provides strategic guidance and oversight. Here is the list of some board members of Personio:

Katarina Berg

Katarina Berg is a board member at Personio, bringing a wealth of experience in scaling and leading global tech companies. As the former Chief Human Resources Officer at Spotify, Berg brings valuable insights into HR strategy and organizational development, contributing to Personio’s mission of transforming HR management. Her expertise in building high-performing teams and driving cultural transformation is an asset to the company.

Harry Nelis

Harry Nelis is a board member at Personio and a partner at Accel, a prominent venture capital firm. With his extensive experience in the technology investment landscape, Nelis provides strategic guidance and supports Personio’s growth initiatives. His deep understanding of market trends and scaling strategies strengthens the company’s position in the HR software market.

Martin Mignot

Martin Mignot is a board member at Personio and a partner at Index Ventures, a leading venture capital firm. With a strong background in investing in high-growth technology companies, Mignot brings valuable expertise in scaling businesses and navigating international markets. His strategic insights and network contribute to Personio’s global expansion and product development.

Brian Crofts

Brian Crofts is a board member at Personio and a partner at Meritech Capital, a growth-stage investment firm. Crofts’ experience in financing and supporting high-growth companies bolsters Personio’s financial strategies and expansion plans. His knowledge of the technology landscape and investment trends strengthens the board’s decision-making process.

Alex Clayton

Alex Clayton is a board member at Personio and a partner at Altimeter Capital, an investment firm focused on technology companies. With a deep understanding of the software industry, Clayton’s insights contribute to Personio’s product innovation and market positioning. His experience in supporting disruptive companies adds value to the board’s strategic discussions.

These board members bring a diverse range of expertise and industry knowledge to Personio. Their collective insights, networks, and experiences play a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, driving growth, and maintaining its position as a leader in the HR software market.

Investors

The investor analysis showcases the confidence and support received by Personio from notable firms such as Index Ventures, Accel, Meritech, and Altimeter Capital. The funding received from these investors, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, has provided Personio with the necessary resources to accelerate its growth, enhance its product offerings, and expand its market presence.

Index Ventures

Index Ventures, a renowned venture capital firm, has been a key investor in Personio. They participated in the company’s Series C funding round in January 2021, where Personio raised $125 million. Index Ventures’ investment is a testament to their belief in Personio’s potential to transform HR management for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The funding has enabled Personio to expand its product offerings, strengthen its market presence, and pursue international growth opportunities.

Accel

Accel, a prominent global venture capital firm, has also invested in Personio. They joined the company’s Series C funding round and contributed $40 million. Accel’s investment signifies their confidence in Personio’s vision of simplifying and digitizing HR processes for SMBs. With Accel’s support, Personio has been able to further develop its platform, enhance its customer experience, and accelerate its expansion into new markets.

Meritech

Meritech, a growth-stage investment firm, has shown strong support for Personio. They participated in the company’s Series D funding round in March 2022, raising $175 million. Meritech’s investment reflects their recognition of Personio’s market leadership and potential for long-term success. The funding has empowered Personio to invest in research and development, strengthen its talent pool, and drive innovation in HR technology.

Altimeter Capital

Altimeter Capital, a leading investment firm focused on technology companies, has made a significant investment in Personio. They participated in the company’s Series D funding round, contributing $175 million alongside Meritech. Altimeter Capital’s investment underlines their confidence in Personio’s ability to disrupt the HR software market. With this capital infusion, Personio can further expand its market reach, invest in product innovation, and scale its operations globally.

Key Milestones

• In April 2023, Personio established the Personio Foundation, aiming to make a positive social impact by supporting non-profit organizations and projects. The foundation focuses on three main areas: education, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable employment. 


• Personio partners with Mastercard to help European SMEs digitise HR and unlock growth (2023)


• Personio Foundation announces new non-profit organizations joining its Impact Portfolio to tackle climate action and education (2023)


• Personio hires Maria Angelidou-Smith as new Chief Product and Technology Officer from Meta in 2022


• In May 2022, Personio acquired Back, a leading Barcelona-based HR analytics and recruiting automation platform. This strategic acquisition strengthens Personio’s position in the HR software market and expands its capabilities in data analytics and recruitment. 


• In May 2022, Personio opened new offices in Berlin and Barcelona. 


• In 2022, Personio was the named #1 Momentum Leader by G2.

News and Press Releases

• May 16, 2023: Personio: These startups were founded by former employees (Read)


• January 17, 2023: Personio converts to a Societas Europaea (SE) as it prepares for continued growth across Europe (Read)


• September 15, 2022: Imfarr Leases 40,000 Square Metres in Munich’s Elementum to Personio Software Company (Read)


• June 22, 2022:  Personio raises $200M in second Series E to drive expansion and further its vision for HR software (Read)


• May 24, 2022: Personio acquires employee experience solution Back to drive productivity for customers (Read)

Competitor Analysis

BambooHR

BambooHR is a popular HR software platform known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. With over 19,000 customers worldwide, BambooHR competes with Personio by offering efficient HR management solutions, including applicant tracking, onboarding, and performance management. According to G2, BambooHR has a 94% user satisfaction rating and is often praised for its ease of use and excellent customer support.

Workday

Workday is a major competitor to Personio, targeting larger enterprises with its robust HR and finance management solutions. With a market presence in over 200 countries, Workday serves organizations of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies. The platform provides a unified system for HR, payroll, and talent management. Workday’s revenue for fiscal year 2022 was $4.32 billion, indicating its strong market position and customer adoption.

ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now offers a comprehensive suite of HR solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. With over 860,000 clients worldwide and 33 million employees serviced, ADP Workforce Now competes directly with Personio in the SMB market segment. The platform provides functionalities such as payroll, benefits administration, time and attendance, and talent management. ADP Workforce Now’s vast customer base reflects its industry experience and reliability.

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a prominent HR software provider, serving both small businesses and large enterprises. With a focus on talent management, employee engagement, and analytics, SuccessFactors competes with Personio by offering a comprehensive suite of HR solutions integrated with SAP’s broader enterprise software ecosystem. SAP SuccessFactors boasts a global customer base of over 7,000 companies, demonstrating its wide industry reach and influence.

Zoho People

Zoho People is a cloud-based HR software designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Competing directly with Personio in the SMB market, Zoho People offers modules for employee onboarding, attendance management, leave tracking, and performance appraisal. With over 45,000 customers worldwide, Zoho People provides an affordable and easy-to-use HR management solution, often attracting businesses with simpler HR requirements.

Corporate Responsibility

Personio is a company that places great importance on corporate responsibility and actively engages in initiatives related to diversity, sustainability, and social impact. Through their commitment to these areas, Personio aims to create a positive impact on their employees, the environment, and the wider community.

Diversity and Inclusion

Personio understands the value of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and driving success. They strive to create an inclusive work environment that embraces and celebrates differences. Through various programs and initiatives, they promote equal opportunities, diversity in leadership, and a culture of belonging.

Sustainability

Personio is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices. They prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible resource management across their operations. By adopting sustainable policies and encouraging employee engagement, Personio contributes to a greener future.

Green Office Initiative

Personio’s Green Office Initiative focuses on creating eco-friendly workspaces. Through sustainable procurement, waste management, and energy-saving measures, they aim to minimize their environmental impact. By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness among employees, Personio strives for continuous improvement in its sustainability efforts.

Personio Foundation

The Personio Foundation is committed to making a positive social impact. Through partnerships with charitable organizations, they support initiatives in education, diversity, and inclusion. By leveraging their resources and expertise, Personio aims to drive meaningful change and empower underrepresented communities.

Personio’s dedication to corporate responsibility is evident through its initiatives in diversity, sustainability, and social impact. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, implementing sustainable practices, and supporting charitable endeavors, Personio demonstrates its commitment to creating a better workplace, environment, and society as a whole.