Deel acquires Zavvy to enhance payroll, HR services

Deel, the global payroll and HR company, has announced its acquisition of German-based people enablement platform Zavvy, introducing new performance management and learning and development (L&D) functionalities to its offering. Furthermore, the firm is extending the free use of its Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Deel HR, to organisations of all sizes, surpassing the previous limit of 200 users.

Zavvy, launched by Mehmet Yilmaz and Joshua Cornelius in Munich in 2021, provides a centralised platform for career development, performance management, and training programmes, accumulating clients such as Moss, Primer, LoveBonito and TypeForm. Its unique proposition lies within its AI technology which suggests performance reviews and customised career development plans to managers.

With the integration of Zavvy, HR leaders will be able to conduct performance and compensation analysis for top performers, design customised career paths and planning modules and offer a library of AI-supported L&D courses. These services will be included as part of a new product suite named 'Deel Engage' being offered at the cost of $20 per user per month.

Removing the number cap on Deel HR marks a ground-breaking shift, offering learning management, performance, HRIS, and compliance knowledge under one company at a singular price. This could potentially reduce the number of different HR and payroll systems that businesses usually amalgamate with performance, benefits and equity measures. The integration of Zavvy into Deel's payroll and HRIS system offers an all-inclusive system for employers to effectively manage and stimulate their global team's performance and efficiency.

Mehmet Yilmaz, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Zavvy, shared his perspective on the acquisition, stating, "We started Zavvy to help unlock people's work potential. Joining Deel - the leading HR platform for tomorrow's workforce - will greatly accelerate this mission. Both companies are passionate about driving innovation in the HR sector, with a focus on hiring and nurturing great talent around the world."

Deel Co-founder and CEO Alex Bouaziz expressed that Zavvy's AI technology compliments Deel's aim to assist companies in maximising their global teams' capabilities. He said, "Deel is all about helping companies get the best out of their global teams, and Zavvy's AI technology is at the forefront of people management and talent development. It's a perfect fit - our customers are looking for a one-stop-shop for all things HR, and Zavvy's people management tools now fill in that missing piece of our global HR offering."

Pete Tiliakos, HR analyst and Managing Partner of 3SixtyInsights, also weighed in on the development, saying, "Zavvy's people enablement technology is a perfect complement to the broader Deel ecosystem of global employment solutions. The addition is well-timed in enabling employers to develop and retain skills and talent through highly personalised learning and development experiences, while providing employers with a single platform for compliant global employment and talent enrichment."