FaceUp, a Prague-based SaaS enterprise in anonymous reporting solutions, has secured $3 million in seed funding. The round was led by Reflex Capital, with participation from Tilia Impact Ventures and backing from the European Investment Fund and Lighthouse Ventures.
The investment will support FaceUp’s international expansion across the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East. The company also plans to develop new features, including an AI assistant, survey solution extension, anonymous Q&A feature for meetings, and team temperature check functionality.
Anti-bullying initiative that has a global impact
What began as a non-profit anti-bullying tool for schools has evolved into a worldwide platform to transform institutional communication. Founded in 2017, FaceUp has facilitated nearly 20,000 reports through its comprehensive reporting system, earning its founders recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and the European Crime Prevention Award in 2021.
FaceUp’s encrypted platform stands out from traditional HR whistleblowing systems through its innovative approach to workplace communication. The platform combines encrypted reporting channels through chat, voice messages, mobile applications, and phone lines with comprehensive case management tools. Jan Sláma, Co-Founder and CEO of FaceUp, elaborated: “FaceUp was born out of a drive to create social impact and cultural change. We have kept this a core value even as we pivoted to a SaaS offering now used by thousands of companies worldwide.”
FaceUp’s recently developed AI system plays a crucial role in the platform, analysing reports and survey responses to identify patterns and root causes that might escape human observation. Speaking to TFN, Sláma explained: “This helps large companies identify context and root issues that HR might miss at first glance. It also advises administrators on what to ask whistleblowers, how to address situations, what questions to add to questionnaires, and how to create forms for specific use cases. Additionally, it provides guidance on how these issues can be prevented.”
Investors are backing the cultural transformation
Ondřej Fryc, Founder of Reflex Capital, said: “The FaceUp team figured out how to transform a non-profit initiative for schools into a profitable business without sacrificing that founding mission of social impact. We believe this is not a nice-to-have product but an essential tool of major importance for corporate and government entities, so the potential for growth across markets is enormous. This is a team that can do it. We’re proud to support it.”
Petr Vítek, Partner at Tilia Impact Ventures, said: “Professional environments should be fundamentally productive and safe, but they turn toxic due to bullying, politicking, corruption, and fraud. FaceUp is addressing this problem head-on by protecting whistleblowers and creating tools that broadly foster speak-up culture. The innovation they’ve already done on the platform is extremely promising for further growth.”
The corporate change is now
While impressive, the company’s rapid expansion from an anti-bullying tool to a comprehensive corporate platform raises questions about scalability and focus. As FaceUp moves into diverse international markets, each with distinct regulatory environments and cultural norms around workplace communication, its ability to adapt while maintaining effectiveness will be tested.
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