Fernando Gadotti, the former co-founder and CEO of DogHero, faced challenges with running payroll in Brazil due to constantly changing laws and powerful unions. This struggle led him to start working on Tako, an employee life cycle platform based in São Paulo. Tako automates tasks like onboarding and payroll to save companies time and centralize employee information.
Unlike U.S. legacy payroll companies, Tako focuses on Brazil’s unique payment system and complex labor laws. With over 10,000 unions that frequently update their rules, Tako uses a large language model (LLM) to stay up-to-date with these changes. By combining technology with human oversight, Tako aims to provide accurate and efficient payroll services.
Since its launch in 2023, Tako has processed tens of millions of dollars in payroll for mid-market companies with 100 to 500 employees. The company recently secured a $13.2 million seed round led by Ribbit Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, signaling investor confidence in its growth potential. Tako plans to invest heavily in research and development to enhance its platform and expand its features.
Looking ahead, Tako envisions expanding into areas like employee benefits and instant payments to meet the evolving needs of its customers. While facing competition from other HR tech startups in Brazil, Tako sets itself apart by focusing on the entire employee life cycle and actively listening to customer feedback. The name “Tako,” meaning “octopus” in Japanese, reflects the company’s goal of being the central hub for employee data with tentacles reaching into various aspects of employee management.
As Tako continues to innovate and grow, it aims to simplify payroll processes for companies in Brazil and beyond. By staying agile and responsive to market demands, Tako strives to become a leading player in the HR tech industry, offering comprehensive solutions for modern workplaces.
