Khosla’s Keith Rabois backs Comp, which wants to bolster HR teams with AI

Christophe Gerlach, a Cornell University graduate, has made a significant shift from investing in HR tech startups to launching his own venture. After nearly two years of working with General Atlantic, Gerlach felt the entrepreneurial itch again. During his time at Cornell, he co-founded a food delivery startup with Pedro Bobrow, who later became a product manager at Lyft. In late 2022, Gerlach and Bobrow united once more to establish Comp, a startup dedicated to enhancing HR operations in Brazil. Comp is developing AI-driven HR software designed to streamline various processes, including recruitment, compensation strategy, and performance evaluations. The company also offers experienced HR professionals, referred to as “forward-deployed” experts, who collaborate directly with clients to refine their HR strategies. Gerlach emphasizes that these HR executives should be seen not as consultants but as integral parts of the clients' HR teams. They play a pivotal role in fine-tuning Comp's technology, initially performing tasks manually to train the AI in best practices. The ultimate vision is for Comp’s AI to evolve into a fully autonomous system capable of handling conventional HR duties. Currently, Comp blends human expertise with advanced AI solutions, positioning itself as a disruptive alternative to traditional HR consultancies and software providers. Gerlach compares Comp to companies like Rippling, asserting, “We become the HR team,” aiming to eliminate the need for standard consultancy services. Recently, Comp secured $17.25 million in Series A funding led by Khosla Ventures, marking the venture capital firm’s inaugural investment in a Brazilian startup. Khosla's Keith Rabois has joined the company’s board, strengthening its leadership. Comp aspires to position itself against established compensation consultancies such as Mercer, Korn Ferry, and Willis Towers Watson, as well as competing with established global platforms like Rippling and Workday. The startup chose Brazil as its launchpad due to the gap in traditional HR software, allowing it to introduce an innovative, automated model without directly competing with long-standing systems. The initial response has been promising; Comp's clientele includes notable Brazilian unicorns such as Nubank, QuintoAndar, and Creditas. With a successful foundation in Brazil, the startup is now looking to extend its reach into the U.S. and other international markets. Additional investors in the Series A round include existing supporters Kaszek and Canary, along with new backers Abstract Ventures and Endeavor Catalyst.