AI auditing platform Warden AI today announces a new funding round led by the founders of Onfido, the digital identity verification company acquired by Entrust in 2024. The round also includes participation from Playfair, a leading early-stage VC firm, and will support Warden’s geographic expansion and product development.
The announcement comes as the HR industry grapples with the impact of Mobley v. Workday, a landmark lawsuit alleging that a hiring algorithm resulted in discrimination. The case has brought long-simmering concerns about algorithmic bias in HR and recruitment into sharp focus, and accelerated demand for independent oversight of AI systems.
Founded in 2023 by Jeffrey Pole (CEO) and Eduard Schikurski (CTO), Warden AI enables vendors and enterprises to audit and certify AI systems for fairness and compliance. Warden’s platform uses proprietary datasets, fairness benchmarks, and real-time dashboards to make AI risks like bias measurable and manageable. This empowers vendors and employers to comply with regulations like the EU AI Act and NYC Local Law 144, and to build trust with customers, users, and regulators.
Leading HR tech platforms, including Greenhouse, Sense, and Beamery, are already using Warden.
The company’s momentum reflects broader industry demand. With 75% of HR leaders citing AI bias as a top concern when evaluating vendors, and 46% stating that a vendor’s approach to Responsible AI directly influences procurement decisions, the market is seeking ways to address both reputational and legal risks.
Looking ahead, Warden will continue expanding across North America and Europe, helping millions of employers and employees benefit from AI that is fair, transparent, and defensible.
