UKG, a global AI platform specializing in HR, pay, and workforce management, has announced the launch of UKG Ventures, a strategic investment arm. This new initiative is designed to support the next generation of worktech disruptors by investing in early to growth-stage companies, aiming to provide UKG customers with early access to emerging solutions that address evolving business, labor, and people needs.

UKG Ventures has completed its initial three investments. These include Financial Wellness Labs, formerly known as Questis, an AI-first financial wellness platform offering personalized coaching and financial management tools. Another investment is Intermezzo.ai, an AI-native global payroll platform that automates payroll calculations, compliance, tax calculations, and filings worldwide via a single API. The third investment is in Acadian Ventures, an early-stage venture fund focused on worktech startups, which grants UKG expanded access to a global network of innovators that can complement the UKG Workforce Operating Platform.

Arlen Shenkman, President and Chief Financial Officer at UKG, stated, “As the world’s Workforce Operating Platform, we’re focused on investing in the innovations that will power tomorrow’s workforce.” Shenkman further explained that UKG Ventures, alongside UKG Labs, the company’s M&A strategy, and organic development, represents a multi-faceted approach to delivering solutions that help customers attract, manage, and empower their employees.

UKG Ventures will concentrate on both early-stage startups and growth-stage companies. It complements the existing UKG Labs program, which connects pre-seed and seed-stage startups with UKG experts and customers to cultivate, test, and refine breakthrough concepts. To date, 19 startups, including Financial Wellness Labs, have participated in UKG Labs.