WAGE

One-third of the American workforce is freelance. In 2020, U.S. members of the “gig” economy generated $1.6 trillion in income.

WAGE is a digital job network connecting these workers to employers.

Despite the boom in the gig economy — more than 1.1 billion people worldwide work freelance, including 55 million in the U.S. — many workers are under-compensated. That’s because the platforms they use to find jobs and connect with employers often take a big cut of the deal.

This is where WAGE is different. Its peer-to-peer marketplace features “transaction transparency.” And no intermediary takes a cut of pay. What the worker charges for work is what they receive.

In addition to this benefit, WAGE also caters to gig workers across a variety of sectors. Unlike apps like Lyft (transportation only) and DoorDash (delivery only), WAGE users can find opportunities in whatever field they specialize in.

Here’s how the platform works:

Gig workers sign up to browse the WAGE marketplace. There are no registration fees to get on the platform (others charge up to $500). User verification includes an ID scan and full background check.

From there, users browse gig-related opportunities. WAGE’s algorithm can also identify a local match between workers and job needs.

If hired, all the paperwork can be done on the platform.

As mentioned, WAGE doesn’t take a commission — workers keep 100% of their earned money. To generate revenue, the company charges hirers a small transaction fee between $5 to $10. Job seekers and job posters can also pay a premium fee to help them find a worker or a job faster. This fee ranges from $1 to $50.

WAGE launched an early version of its platform in February 2020. As of December 2021, the platform featured 25,000 job postings and had 110,000 total users.

WAGE is targeting gig economy workers in 18 major cities, including Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, and San Diego. Its marketing plans include placing ads on streaming platforms and podcasts.

The company’s investors include venture capital firms 8VC, OVO Fund, and Correlation VC. WAGE projects to start generating revenue in Q3 2022.

Team Background

Tim Wright - Co-Founder & COO

Tim has 15 years of experience in operations management, including time with VC-funded startups.

Previously, he was a project manager with SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace company. While there, he led development projects for “Dragon,” a lunar launch vehicle.

Marcin Zgola - Co-Founder & CEO

Marcin has 20 years of software and hardware engineering experience.

Prior to starting WAGE, Marcin was the owner of Nexthop, a professional services consulting business. Prior to that, he spent six years with LaSalle Solutions, an IT services company.

Earlier in his career, he was Vice President of Engineering with 5th Column, a computer and network security company. Before that, he was a software engineer with Netrix, an IT services company.

Marcin studied Computer Science at Triton College.

Madiken Helsel - Product Development

Madiken joined WAGE in January 2021.

Previously, she was a business strategy and marketing consultant with Helsel Works, her own business focused on strategic planning. Before that, she co-founded TipHive, a digital workspace that enables users to create and share information to get their jobs done faster.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology from McGill University.

Co-Investors

Correlation Ventures

$165 million venture fund. Portfolio includes Say Media, Sidecar, and PowerInbox.

8VC

A VC firm whose portfolio includes Deliverr, Asana, and Guardant Health.

OVO Fund

A venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups.