OUR MISSION

Build The Ultimate HR System For Deskless Workforces

G

80% of the world's workforce does not sit at a desk. They’re referred to as deskless or frontline workers, and they’re 2.7 billion strong across industries like manufacturing, agriculture, retail, hospitality, logistics and more. Despite being the majority, they have been overlooked by technology providers, with only 1% of enterprise tech being built for the deskless worker.

These frontline workers demand new technology that recognizes their unique needs and, at the very least, equals the experience of their office counterparts.

Their employers desperately need a better way to connect and engage with their deskless workforce. We founded Jem to meet those very specific needs, and built an HR system for the world’s deskless workers. 

The Story So Far

We've come a long way since 2020, and our story is just beginning.

  • EARNED WAGE ACCESS

    In May 2020 we set out to break the payday debt cycle and change the way employees accessed their earnings

  • VIVATECH

    In Dec 2020, we won the top start-up in Africa in the Future Of Work category

  • GROWING AMBITIONS

    In Sep 2021, we realised that there was an opportunity to build products far beyond earned wage access

  • HR & COMMUNICATIONS

    In Dec 2021, we took the leap and began building HR and Communications products. It was no longer just about earned wage access

  • FUNDING OUR FUTURE

    In March 2022, we closed our $2m seed funding round

  • PAYSLIPS

    In June 2022, we formally launched our new Payslips system

  • A WHOLE NEW BRAND

    In November 2022, we launched our rebrand with a fresh new name and look, and a renewed focus on our vision. SmartWage was no more: we became Jem
  • ACCEPTED INTO GOOGLE STARTUPS ACCELERATOR

    In March 2023, Jem was accepted into Google's three-month accelerator program for highest-potential tech startups based in Africa. We were the only South African startup in the cohort.
Why-Jem

How Did We Get Our Name?

When we started our journey, we had major ambitions. Our business started by focusing on on-demand pay products, which is why we gave ourselves the literal name 'SmartWage'. But our range of products - and ambitions - have grown far beyond wages, and we needed a new name that would reflect that.

We also thought about the brand's greater purpose and our renewed focus on frontline workers. Connecting the office with these faraway deskless employees is really at the heart of what we do, and it's essentially a form of long-distance communication. When you look at recorded human history, one of the oldest forms of long-distance communication is through drums. The most well-known 'talking drum' of them all is the Djembe

Our name, Jem, was taken from the middle of that word. It helps us encapsulate our new direction and commitment to helping employers connect with their faraway teams.

Our Offices

Cape Town: 17 Queens Park Avenue, Salt River

Johannesburg: 25 Minerva Ave, Glenadrienne, Sandton

London: 2 Mexfield Road, London, United Kingdom


EMAIL: info@jemhr.com

Meet The Team

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Simon Ellis CEO & Co-Founder View LinkedIn
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Caroline van der Merwe COO & Co-Founder View LinkedIn
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Adam Duxbury Head of Strategy View LinkedIn
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Thamsanqa Moyo Chief Technology Officer View LinkedIn
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Sinta Reynolds Product Manager View LinkedIn
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Thandoluhle Dlamini Associate Product Owner View LinkedIn
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Unamandla Mjo Product Designer View LinkedIn
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Richard O'Brien Tech Lead View LinkedIn
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Andrew van Rensburg Senior Software Engineer View LinkedIn
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Ian Manda Intermediate Software Engineer View LinkedIn
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Gustavo Mendes Intermediate Software Engineer View LinkedIn
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Moroa Matshubeni Senior Software Engineer View LinkedIn
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Sandisiwe Gxaba QA Intern View LinkedIn
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Siphiwe Zungu QA Lead View LinkedIn
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Thapelo Mothapo Front End Engineer View LinkedIn
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Tshepiso Mogapi Intermediate Software Engineer View LinkedIn
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Nonsuku Mthimkhulu Customer Success Manager View LinkedIn
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Abigail Sylvester Customer Success Coordinator View LinkedIn
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Abongile Makaula Customer Success Coordinator View LinkedIn
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Katlego Kgolane Customer Success Coordinator View LinkedIn
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Patrick Makhele Customer Success Coordinator View LinkedIn
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Joshua Stubbs Founder's Associate View LinkedIn
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Evan Anderson Finance Manager View LinkedIn
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Sarah Odendaal Senior Account Manager View LinkedIn
Nabeelah Allie Account Manager
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Nthabiseng Mokoto Account Manager View LinkedIn
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Danielle Lifschitz Talent Acquisition & People Ops Associate View LinkedIn
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Chris Hellmann Head of Growth View LinkedIn
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Mark Burman Business Development View LinkedIn
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Katlego Mzangwe Business Development Representative View LinkedIn

Our Team Is Growing

We’re on a mission to build systems for the
frontline workers of the world, and we’re looking
for brave and bright people to join our team.
Check out the openings below.