Menlo79: SaaS start-up secures 2.1 million euros

After five years of bootstrapping, Menlo79 receives external capital for the first time. With a total of 2.1 million euros and additional funding, the startup aims to further develop its leading software for personnel management.

Berlin, January 29, 2025 - Berlin-based SaaS startup Menlo79 has successfully completed its first financing round, raising 2.1 million euros. The fresh capital will be invested in the further development of the cloud-based software WILSON, an intelligent workforce management platform for the rail and logistics sector. In addition, the company was able to secure funding of 1.8 million euros until the end of 2026.

Investors and vision

The investors include Scalehouse Capital from Osnabrück, the D2 Fund from London, Ventis Capital from Ingolstadt and Frankenbergs Ventures from Hanover. Menlo79 intends to use the capital to drive forward its ambitious vision: To sustainably improve profitability and employee satisfaction in the demanding environment of rail and logistics - precisely where conventional shift planning tools often reach their limits.

We are delighted to have found partners who believe in the need for modern digital workforce management to counteract the global shortage of skilled workers

Fabian Stöffler, Co-Founder and CEO of Menlo79

Bootstrapping and the future

Since its foundation in 2019, the company has relied on bootstrapping and financed itself before bringing external investors on board for the first time. The WILSON software, which has been on the market since the beginning of 2022, is already used by 65 customers with over 2,300 users every day. Customers include well-known companies such as Flixtrain, Havelländische Eisenbahn, ČD Cargo and Furrer+Frey.

The new funds will be used to further develop the software, particularly in functions for cross-company personnel deployment and qualification management. The focus is also on professionalization and the expansion of marketing and sales in order to support growth ambitions.

The Menlo79 team has made impressive progress. We see enormous potential in the area of modern personnel management and look forward to helping shape the company's future path.

Manuel Böhringer, Partner Scalehouse Capital

Founded in 2019 by former Deutsche Bahn executives, Menlo79 has developed WILSON, an innovative solution that efficiently organizes shift planning, scheduling, qualification management and automated payroll. With a 35-strong team, the company is working to actively combat the shortage of skilled workers in the rail and logistics sector with digital solutions.