Company: Atlas, Chicago, Il
Company Description: Atlas is a service enabled tech organization that enables innovative companies to compete in a global economy. As the largest direct employer of record (EOR) with entities in over 160 countries, Atlas is a technology platform that delivers flexibility for companies to expand, onboard talent, manage compliance, and pay their global workforce without the need for a local entity.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Minority-Owned Business of the Year
 Nomination Title: Atlas
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2021, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 200 words used.
Atlas is a minority-owned service-enabled technology company that supports companies with global expansion and hiring. The business model, known as Employer of Record, was coined and developed by Rick when he worked as Head of HR for an international company. He struggled with managing and paying employees in Saudi Arabia and Japan and dealt with the time-consuming and costly consequences of working with third-party providers.
That was his "aha" moment, and Atlas (formerly Elements Global Services) was born. So, he set up his own entities in the markets he was managing and paying talent to cut costs, communication issues, and lengthy processes.
Today, Atlas supports companies with operations and expertise in over 160 countries and is a platform that makes it simple to hire talent anywhere in the world. Since its founding in 2015, Atlas has raised two funding rounds, increased its global footprint, and grown to 500+ employees speaking 90+ languages.
As a Black and gay founder and CEO, Rick is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and empowering people of all backgrounds. This aligns with the Atlas value to broaden career opportunities for those working in underserved locales, which, until Atlas, didn't have the chance to connect with innovative companies.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
The past two years have been some of the most successful for Atlas. Companies have realized they no longer need to hire talent in their immediate area. Today, they can hire a highly skilled workforce anywhere in the world, opening doors to new talent pools, markets, and customers. Similarly, employees enjoy the benefits of remote work, including improved work-life balance.
The result of this for Atlas was strong growth in 2022, building on recording breaking growth in 2021. Over the last two years, Atlas witnessed a 150% growth in the number of customers and 300% growth in revenue. And our customers were happy with the support and technology provided, resulting in a 99% customer retention rate. Industry analyst groups NelsonHall and the Everest Group have both named Atlas leaders in the Employer of Record industry, both citing technology, global reach, and the direct employer of record model as contributing factors.
The substantial growth during this period didn’t go unnoticed by investors. In September 2022, Atlas raised a successful Series B funding round of $200 million. The funds are being used to enhance the Atlas platform through functions such as automation and self-service, as well as through localization providing even more support to clients and employees around the world.
Supporting this goal is an increased headcount, doubled since January 2021, with significant growth in Atlas’ technology and marketing divisions. Today, Atlas’ headcount stands at 500+ based in 32 countries, speaking 90+ languages. Additionally, 52% of the Atlas workforce is female.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 246 words used.
Rick Hammell has led Atlas to become a leader in the HR tech and employer of record industries. The company’s position as a leader is attributed to innovative technology, the Direct Employer of Record model — coined and developed by Rick, and the mission of creating opportunities for talent in previously underserved communities.
Industry analyst NelsonHall identified Atlas as a Leader in its Global Employer of Record Services NelsonHall Vendor Evaluation and Assessment Tool (NEAT) Report, noting Atlas’ software, direct EOR, and growing market presence among its critical differentiators. It also noted Atlas’ humanitarian focus, promoting diversity and equality for clients and internal employees, which is a significant driver for clients looking for a purpose-driven solution. Overall, the report reflects the market’s demand for flexible solutions when it comes to global expansion and hiring, and highlights Atlas’ significant impact on the growing industry. Similarly, industry analyst Everest Group noted Atlas’ technology and localization efforts, which make it more inclusive for customers worldwide – offering support in-region and in the local language.
As part of Atlas’ commitment to creating equitable opportunities, the company established the Atlas IMPACT program, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. Much of this initiative centers on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), promoting employee wellbeing, charitable giving, and community groups, including the Atlas Women Community, based on shared characteristics and culture to allow employees to connect and collaborate. Atlas’ DEIB is three-prong, with programs focused on individuals, across regions, and globally.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 143 words used.
The below links highlight the industry recognition Atlas (formerly Elements Global Services) has received, the work that has been done over the past few years, and the dedication Rick Hammell has toward creating equitable opportunities.
Atlas recognition and news:
News articles and awards featuring Atlas’ CEO and Founder Rick Hammell:
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