Homebase
By Pioneer Works, Inc.
Homebase is a cloud-based workforce management platform built specifically for small businesses with hourly employees. It provides an all-in-one solution for scheduling, time tracking, payroll, hiring, onboarding, HR compliance, and team communication. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Homebase has become a trusted partner for over 100,000 small businesses and 2 million hourly workers, helping them streamline operations and improve workplace experiences.
Homebase was founded in 2014 by John Waldmann, inspired by his sister and friends who struggled with managing local restaurant teams using outdated tools. The company began with a mission to make work easier for small business teams and has since grown into a leading platform in the hourly workforce space. Over the past decade, Homebase has tracked over 8 billion hours, processed 4 million paychecks, and facilitated 275 million shifts in 2024 alone.
Its growth has been driven by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in industries like food service, retail, entertainment, and wellness. Homebase has consistently expanded its feature set to meet evolving needs, including launching payroll services across all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C., and introducing early wage access through its “Cash Out” feature.
Homebase has raised significant venture capital to fuel its growth and innovation. In 2024, the company announced a $71 million Series C funding round led by GGV Capital, with participation from existing investors like L Catterton Growth and Emerson Collective. While its exact valuation has not been publicly disclosed, the scale of funding and customer base suggests a strong market position and investor confidence.
Homebase offers a robust suite of tools designed to simplify workforce management for small businesses:
Homebase has embraced AI to enhance its platform. In 2024, it introduced AI-powered assistants for hiring, scheduling, and payroll, helping managers save time and reduce errors. These tools automate repetitive tasks, surface top candidates, and optimize shift planning based on availability and labor forecasts.
The company also launched Cash Out, a financial wellness feature that allows employees to access earned wages before payday, addressing the volatility of income in hourly work environments.
Homebase is deeply committed to supporting small businesses, which it views as the backbone of local communities. Its mission is to make local business teams “unstoppable” by giving them access to the same level of technology and support that large corporations enjoy. The company culture emphasizes urgency, creativity, service, and community impact.
Homebase has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in North America (2025), highlighting its forward-thinking use of AI and dedication to improving work experiences.
Homebase serves a vibrant and diverse user base of over 100,000 small businesses and 2 million hourly workers. Its customers span industries such as restaurants, retail, childcare, auto repair, and wellness. The platform has become a central hub for team coordination, with over 60 million messages sent in 2024 alone.
The Homebase community is active and engaged, with users praising its ease of use, mobile accessibility, and impact on team productivity. The company also publishes monthly Main Street Health Reports, offering insights into small business trends, hiring patterns, and wage growth across the U.S..
