Revolutionizing Recruitment: How Dex's AI Talent Agent is Transforming Job Matching

Storied Silicon Valley VC firm Andreessen Horowitz is backing a fledgling U.K. startup that’s setting out to “redefine” how AI is used to match companies with talent.

Dex, as the startup is called, targets candidates and companies with various AI-powered recruitment capabilities, including matchmaking and coaching, with a view toward improving retention in the long run.

Dex is the handiwork of CTO Harry Uglow and CEO Paddy Lambros, who recently left their positions at European VC firm Atomico. The platform currently boasts support from two dozen U.K. tech firms, including two high-profile unicorns, and is in closed beta as they prepare for a broader launch later this year.

Funding Announcement

On Tuesday, the London-based startup announced it has raised $3.1 million in a pre-seed round of funding led by a16z’s Speedrun fund and Concept Ventures, with participation from notable angels across the tech and VC landscape.

Entering a Busy Recruitment Space

With AI becoming increasingly intertwined in recruitment, Dex is entering a competitive landscape that includes fledgling startups and well-funded unicorns. However, Dex sees a gap for a platform that focuses on truly understanding candidates.

Dex functions as an “AI voice talent agent,” engaging candidates in conversations to understand their experiences, skills, ambitions, and more. It aids candidates in planning their next career moves, presenting relevant opportunities, preparing for interviews, and even negotiating offers.

Dex caters to both passive candidates and those actively seeking new roles, keeping tabs on open positions and alerting candidates when suitable opportunities arise. For active job seekers, Dex streamlines the entire process from search to application, eliminating the need for traditional CVs and cover letters.

A Personalized Approach

“Dex talks through what you want — your preferences and needs — and asks questions to deeply understand your experience and skills,” Lambros explained. Using this data, Dex maps the market for the most appropriate opportunities and handles the application process.

Dex also provides coaching for interviews and critical market data on average compensation for roles. The startup has learned from over 50 of the U.K.’s most experienced recruitment leaders, incorporating their insights into the platform.

Built on multiple LLM providers, including OpenAI, Google (Gemini), and Meta (Llama), Dex is constantly evaluating and adapting to leverage the latest advancements in AI technology.

Future Plans

With $3.1 million in funding, Dex is ramping up hiring across engineering and marketing, aiming for a public launch in the U.K. before expanding internationally.

“Hiring isn’t about filling seats — it’s about creating lasting partnerships that benefit employees and companies,” Lambros stated. With this funding, they aim to help companies retain top talent and empower employees to find work they love.