Waypave

Industries are challenged with finding hourly talent to fill job openings. In addition, tools for recruiting professionals have not changed much in the past decade (think Indeed, Careerbuilder, LinkedIn.) For many hourly employers, employment needs change frequently, and the recruitment process is inefficient. Time feels wasted reviewing hundreds of potential candidates online, partnering with an overloaded or disconnected corporate recruiting team, or relying on a sign on the door to bring in candidates who may not be fit for their needs. 

With over 82 million hourly jobs nationwide, an average turnover rate of over 60%, and an average spend of over $3,000 to replace an hourly employee, Waypave seeks to solve hourly hiring challenges across industries from food & beverage, retail, manufacturing, construction, transportation, healthcare, and others. It is an interactive application allowing employers to match qualified job seekers using swipe-right and AI technology. Job seekers create a profile, and their personality attributes and skills match with the right job postings in their location. The interface is efficient and user-friendly, with a focus on attracting Gen Z job seekers, allowing businesses access to available hourly talent, in a swipe, right from their phones. Waypave also offers in-app interview scheduling, video interview hosting, background checking and payrolling. Waypave is revolutionizing hourly hiring, making the process smarter and faster than ever before. 

Waypave will benefit job seekers in all indigenous communities that employ hourly workers. Of the tribes who are employers, they will also benefit from having access to these workers to fill their available hourly jobs.

I live in Bentonville, Arkansas, and am about an hour in proximity to the Cherokee Nation. I recently went through an accelerator program with the Cherokee Nation so I have established contacts there that are helpful. I intend to pilot the application with the Cherokee Nation and any other tribes who would like to participate.

I have built a version of the app but I am not confident with its architecture to release it. I need capital to fund a new version of the app that I can release nationwide.

I was referred by Garry McBerryhill. I am facing substantial barriers to capital. I have met with many VC's who like the idea but say I am too early for funding. I am needing funding to build the app to be able to release it for beta testing. Once I am able to gather beta data, I will be in a much better position to obtain further funding.

I have worked for Walmart for 9 years and then the Walton Family for the past 4 years. All in Bentonville, where I have built an exceptional network in the area. I have support from individuals and corporations and feel confident in my network to expand Waypave once it is ready.

The app utilizes “swipe-right” and AI matching technology to match profiles of job postings to profiles of qualified candidates, and will offer a high-powered search and match solution, providing an ultra-quick and easy review and filtering system by candidate. This is meant to be incredibly valuable for the individuals responsible for hiring within businesses who have limited time to devote to recruiting. This product allows for an instant connection to qualified and available hourly talent.

Our website will allow employers and HR teams to create an account and post available jobs online. Candidates will have the opportunity to apply directly. There will not be the swiping capability online, but they will “match” based on specific search criteria. And, employers will only see job seekers who have already chosen them. The primary value is a tool that is targeted towards hourly talent, matched to fit your specific needs.

I expect the pay transparency requirement of the app will drive economic mobility and allow hourly job seekers autonomy in choosing a job that will meet their financial needs.

Impact goals will be increase in pay, as well as increase in filling jobs, and retaining that talent once they are hired.

Swipe right and AI matching technology

We are pre-launch

Hoping for all of the US

3

1.5 years

Founder and CEO: Andrea (Native American and Female)

Financial Advisor: Nick Smith 

Tech Advisor: Riley Shearin

Subscription Model: $149/month for employers per location

Free to job seekers

I am currently raising capital and have also applied for government grants