“I’ve never been this open with a colleague before.”
It’s exactly these kinds of reactions that continue to show Ruben Treurniet, co-founder of Civinc, why their work truly matters. And it’s those reactions, small, human, but incredibly powerful, that earned him and his team last year’s HR Technology Award for startups. It was a milestone in their journey toward HR startup success.
But how are things going one year later? And why should a young HR tech startup consider entering the next edition of the awards? It marked a key moment in their HR startup’s success.
From Mission to Impact
Civinc aims to bring people with differing opinions into constructive conversations. Anonymous, honest, and in-depth. Think of colleagues who normally wouldn’t talk about cultural differences or their experience at work.
“We give organizations and their people the tools to go deeper into what really matters,” says Ruben. “Without hierarchy or socially desirable answers.” The approach is catching on, not only in the corporate world, but also in education and even around elections. “Especially in a time of growing polarization, it’s more relevant than ever for people to really listen to each other.”
The Award as an Accelerator
Winning was great. But even more important: it brought new recognition, networks, and momentum. “It gave us a platform and a push to keep going,” Ruben shares. Still, he noticed expectations also grew. “People don’t just want to hear that you’re doing something with AI, they want to see that it works and truly adds value.” And it does. Ruben describes how participants are often surprised by how open they dared to be after a Civinc session. “They’re small moments, but they show the power of good HR technology.”
Ruben’s Advice for Future Participants
When asked what he would like to share with the next wave of candidates, his answer is clear: “Seize the opportunity to tell your story. The jury, the organization, the other participants, everyone is approachable and curious. It feels like a community of people who genuinely want HR tech to grow and thrive.” His second piece of advice: stay close to your core. “Technology is a means, not an end. Show what it does for people. That’s what makes an impression.”
Ready to Show Your Impact?
Are you the next startup transforming HR from the inside out?
Do you want to showcase your technology to an audience that truly matters?
