What is Handshake?
Handshake operates as the leading online destination for college students seeking employment. The company's core mission is to level the playing field, ensuring that all students have access to resources and opportunities for securing fulfilling jobs and initiating successful career paths. Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in Denver and London, Handshake has established a significant presence in facilitating student-to-career transitions. Its platform connects students with employers, offering tools and support to navigate the job market effectively.
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 Lowercase Capital, Annox Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins, 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 Reach Capital, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Omidyar Network, and EQT Ventures
Series D (2020): $80M featuring The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Emerson Collective, Kleiner Perkins, GGV Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Spark Capital, EQT Ventures, and True Ventures
Series E (2021): $80M backed by The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Valiant Peregrine Fund, EQT Group, Kleiner Perkins, GGV Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Emerson Collective, True Ventures, Coatue, and Spark Capital
Series F (2022): $200M with participation from Coatue, Base10 Advancement Initiative, and Valiant Peregrine Fund
Key Investors in Handshake
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, founded in 2015, is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing human potential and promoting equality, focusing on areas like education and scientific research.
Emerson Collective
Emerson Collective is a purpose-driven organization that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators aiming to create a world that honors talent and expands opportunity, with a focus on education, economic mobility, and environmental issues.
Kleiner Perkins
Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm that invests in early and growth-stage technology and life science companies, providing capital and operational support from seed through IPO or acquisition.
What's next for Handshake?
The recent major strategic investment in Handshake signals a robust trajectory for expansion and innovation. With significant backing, the company is poised to further enhance its platform capabilities, broaden its reach to more educational institutions and employers, and deepen its impact on student career development. This capital infusion will likely fuel advancements in technology, data analytics, and user experience, reinforcing Handshake's commitment to its mission of democratizing opportunity. The company's strategic focus on empowering students suggests continued investment in features that bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, potentially exploring new verticals or partnerships to solidify its market leadership.
See full Handshake company page
