Cologne-based Ordio has raised €12 million (US$13 million) in a series A funding round to develop “Payroll Plus,” an automated payroll solution for deskless workers.

The funding was led by 3VC, with participation from Wecken & Cie., Capnamic, and Simon Capital.

Founded in 2021 by David Keuenhof and Gregor Pilz, Ordio aims to digitize operations in industries including hospitality, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

The company’s platform automates tasks such as shift planning and payroll management.

Ordio currently serves over 1,500 businesses across various sectors.

🔗 Source: EU-Startups

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ The overlooked majority: Deskless workers represent an underserved tech market

Despite comprising 80% of the global workforce, deskless workers have historically received minimal technological investment compared to their office counterparts1.

High turnover rates, reaching 37% within six months in deskless sectors, significantly impact operational stability and business profitability2.

This underinvestment persists despite research showing companies could lose a projected $8 trillion by 2030 if they continue neglecting deskless worker efficiency and retention2.

Ordio’s focus on the hospitality, retail, and service industries addresses a critical gap, as these sectors remain heavily dependent on manual processes despite representing a €20 billion market for digital solutions in Europe alone.

The significant closure of 48,000 gastronomic businesses in Germany between 2020-2023 highlights the urgent need for operational efficiency tools in these struggling sectors.

2️⃣ Payroll automation emerges as a critical frontier in workforce management

Payroll processing for deskless workers presents unique challenges due to complex calculations involving shifts, overtime, bonuses, and absences, making it significantly more resource-intensive than standard office payroll3.

Effective payroll automation can reduce processing costs by up to 80%, delivering substantial operational savings while minimizing compliance risks3.