Clasp, formerly known as Stride Funding, has announced the successful closure of an oversubscribed venture funding round, securing over $10 million. The round was led by Crosslink Capital, a prominent venture firm with a $4.6 billion portfolio, pushing Clasp’s total funding to more than $30 million. New strategic investors include the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and notable individuals like Marc Weill, recognized for his family’s contributions to the healthcare sector.
Clasp’s innovative platform aims to address pressing workforce shortages and alleviate student debt, focusing specifically on the healthcare industry. The company has developed a model that fosters long-term relationships between employers and employees, providing a solution to the challenges of recruitment and retention in hard-to-fill positions.
With a robust network supporting over 10,000 individuals, Clasp collaborates with a diverse range of healthcare organizations, including academic institutions and home health services, and plans to extend its reach into other industries facing similar talent shortages. By connecting current students with potential employers willing to assist with student loan repayments, Clasp opens doors to sustainable employment and financial relief.
“The healthcare recruitment system is broken,” stated Tess Michaels, CEO of Clasp. “Healthcare institutions are competing for a shrinking talent pool and relying on temporary solutions like signing bonuses that fail to improve retention. Our approach is about creating lasting bonds that benefit both employees and employers.”
Gabby Contro, Partner at Crosslink Capital, shared her enthusiasm for Clasp’s mission: “Clasp is fundamentally reshaping how we solve some of the most pressing workforce challenges of our time. Their ability to align educational investment with career advancement not only addresses the student debt crisis but also creates a sustainable, high-impact solution for industries struggling with chronic talent shortages.”
Editorial Perspective
Clasp’s rebranding and funding success highlight a significant shift in how we view the intersection of education and employment. As the demand for skilled healthcare workers escalates—projected to require an additional 3.2 million new workers by 2026, according to the American Hospital Association—Clasp stands at the forefront of an essential transformation. Their model, which connects educational investments directly to job commitments, offers a dual benefit: it mitigates student debt for graduates while simultaneously delivering a steady pipeline of talent to healthcare institutions.
In an era where workforce shortages are becoming increasingly acute, Clasp’s strategic focus on sustainable recruitment solutions positions it as a leader in workforce innovation. By fostering partnerships between educational institutions and employers, Clasp not only helps individuals secure jobs but also promotes a healthier economic ecosystem in critical sectors.
The potential for Clasp to expand its model beyond healthcare into other industries facing similar challenges—such as technology and engineering—could further enhance its impact. As they refine their approach, Clasp is not just solving immediate hiring issues; they are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and skilled workforce in the years to come. Clasp.
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