What is Handshake?
Handshake is a leading digital platform dedicated to connecting college students with career opportunities. The company's core mission is to democratize access to employment, ensuring that students from all backgrounds and academic disciplines can secure meaningful employment and launch successful careers. Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in Denver and London, Handshake leverages its technology to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, providing essential support for job seekers and employers alike.
How much funding has Handshake raised?
Handshake has raised a total of $430.5M across 6 funding rounds:
Series A
$10.5M
Series B
$20M
Series C
$40M
Series D
$80M
Series E
$80M
Series F
$200M
Series A (2016): $10.5M with participation from Annox Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Lowercase Capital, and True Ventures
Series B (2016): $20M led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Spark Capital, Kleiner Perkins, and True Ventures
Series C (2018): $40M supported by Omidyar Network, Reach Capital, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and EQT Ventures
Series D (2020): $80M featuring EQT Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Spark Capital, True Ventures, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Emerson Collective, Kleiner Perkins, and GGV Capital
Series E (2021): $80M backed by Kleiner Perkins, GGV Capital, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Valiant Peregrine Fund, Spark Capital, Emerson Collective, EQT Group, Lightspeed Venture Partners, True Ventures, and Coatue
Series F (2022): $200M with participation from Base10 Advancement Initiative, Valiant Peregrine Fund, and Coatue
Key Investors in Handshake
Base10 Advancement Initiative
Base10 Advancement Initiative is an investment firm focused on supporting companies that leverage technology to create a more equitable future. Their backing of Handshake aligns with a mission to democratize opportunity.
Valiant Peregrine Fund
Valiant Peregrine Fund is an investment entity that has participated in Handshake's significant funding rounds, contributing to the company's growth and expansion efforts.
Coatue
Coatue is a prominent hedge fund sponsor that invests in both public and private equity markets globally, known for its strategic investments in technology and growth-stage companies.
What's next for Handshake?
The recent major strategic investment signals Handshake's readiness for its next phase of expansion and innovation. This capital infusion is expected to fuel further development of its platform, enhance its employer network, and potentially broaden its reach into new markets or service offerings. As Handshake continues to scale, its focus will likely remain on empowering college students and simplifying the recruitment process for companies seeking emerging talent, solidifying its role as a critical player in the future of work.
See full Handshake company page
