Tech watchdog Warden wins investor backing

An artificial intelligence compliance start-up is scaling to meet global demand for HR technology.

Warden AI has secured new investment to expand its auditing platform across North America and Europe. 

The funding round was led by the founders of Onfido and supported by early-stage venture capital firm Playfair.

Founded in 2023 by Jeffrey Pole and Eduard Schikurski, Warden helps vendors and employers audit hiring algorithms for fairness and compliance.

Its services are already used by major HR tech platforms including Greenhouse, Sense and Beamery.

Interest in artificial intelligence accountability has surged following a high-profile US lawsuit, Mobley v. Workday, a landmark lawsuit alleging that a hiring algorithm resulted in discrimination.

The case has highlighted the legal and reputational risks of unchecked artificial intelligence in recruitment.

Jeffrey, chief executive of Warden, which is based in London and has a US office in Austin, Texas, said: “The Workday case is a wake-up call and highlights why Warden AI exists, to bring independent auditing and oversight to artificial intelligence development and use in HR.

“We built the platform to open up the black box of systems, which in turn builds trust, increases adoption, gives organisations the evidence to deploy and defend systems, and protects the people they impact.” 

Henrik Wetter Sanchez, Playfair general partner, added: “Artificial intelligence is becoming central to high-volume talent decisions like hiring.

“But without proper oversight, it can entrench bias and expose companies to serious consequences. 

“Warden solves this by offering robust, independent auditing.”

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