AISoftwareStartups

Cercli Secures $12M in Oversubscribed Series A to Expand AI-First HR Platform Across MENA Region

Cercli, an AI-powered HR and payroll platform designed for MENA businesses, has raised an oversubscribed $12 million Series A. The startup reports scaling revenue over 10x and processing $100M+ in annual payroll, leveraging AI-native architecture to challenge legacy systems.

Oversubscribed Funding Round

Cercli, a Dubai-based HR technology startup, has reportedly raised $12 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round led by European venture capital firm Picus Capital. According to reports, the round saw participation from Knollwood Investment Advisory and existing investors Y Combinator, Afore Capital, and COTU Ventures. This investment marks Picus Capital’s first venture into the MENA region, with the firm having previously backed global HR companies such as Personio and Deel.

BusinessRemotework

Remote Work Firms See Talent Surge as Office Mandates Drive Applicant Flood

Remote-first companies are experiencing a dramatic surge in job applications as organizations implementing return-to-office policies create a talent migration. Industry data reveals remote positions attract disproportionate interest despite representing a small fraction of job postings, creating what executives describe as a significant competitive advantage.

Remote Work Becomes Recruitment Magnet

Companies maintaining remote work arrangements are seeing unprecedented demand for their positions as return-to-office mandates at other firms redirect talent flow, according to industry reports. The trend highlights a growing divide in workplace strategies, with remote work transitioning from pandemic necessity to competitive recruitment advantage.