• 14 June 2022
• Stella Smith at pirkx
• 2 minutes read

A very proud day for me and my team at pirkx

I am so pleased to announce that we have raised £3 million in a pre-Series A funding round

I am so pleased to announce that we have raised £3 million in a pre-Series A funding round. Our mission is to make affordable wellbeing benefits accessible to all and these funds will help us reach our ambitious goal of 1 million people across the world by 2025.

When we launched pirkx back in 2019 we knew we were on to something special. That conviction that we’re fixing a far-reaching and unjustly ignored societal issue has never once waned.

Having previously founded several small businesses supported by a network of freelance and contract workers, I know from first-hand experience that there were simply no wellbeing packages I could offer to them that came close to the expensive private healthcare and other benefits I enjoyed while working at large corporates with big budgets.

This issue doesn’t stop at the so-called ‘gig economy’. In fact, a shocking 91% of the 3.2 billion workers globally don’t have access to a workplace wellness programme at all. Self-employed, small business employees, and indeed contractors at big companies, are all chronically underserved.

We believe that every worker, no matter their profession or status, should have access to the best healthcare and wellbeing provisions for themselves and their families. But for this to become a reality, it simply has to be affordable and flexible.  

Over the last three years, we have been busy building the most innovative, cost effective and comprehensive service out there. We have unlocked over 40 benefits spanning health, financial wellbeing and education for just £4.50 per month. 24/7 GP services, mental health support, shopping discounts and skills workshops are just a few of the pirkx available for our customers and their families.

The last few years have been incredibly tough for so many of us, and with the current cost of living crisis taking its toll on day-to-day living once again, there isn’t much sign of a let up. I believe passionately that freelance and contract workers in hospitality and other service industries who suffered so much at the hands of the pandemic, along with small businesses desperately trying to stay afloat in extremely difficult economic circumstances, deserve a much-needed break.

This funding is validation that there is a real need to provide this support and make wellbeing benefits available to all. My team and I are proud to be playing our part in making this happen.

Best wishes,

Stella Smith, CEO and Founder, pirkx

Watch my exclusive interview with Ian King on Sky News to hear more.