DMZ has always been more than just a workspace for Kevin Kliman, co-founder of Humi – it’s where transformative connections happen. As DMZ emerged as Toronto’s entrepreneurial hotspot in 2014, Kevin crossed paths with his future co-founder Matt Loszak. And that new connection would lead to the creation of one of Canada’s leading HR tech companies.
Today, Humi is giving back to the ecosystem where it all began – becoming a Partner-in-Residence at DMZ and offering comprehensive payroll, HR, and tech solutions to local startups.
“DMZ is a leader in Canada when it comes to building community for early-stage tech entrepreneurs,” says Kevin. “Our ambition is to bring this type of partnership to communities across Canada, so starting with DMZ made perfect sense.”
Humi’s platform enables founders to focus on growth
For early-stage startups, managing HR and payroll processes can be a significant drain on resources. That’s why Humi launched their Innovation Partner Program at DMZ – helping to eliminate HR issues so founders can focus on what matters most: building their business.
“In the early stages of building a company, there are certain things that you should spend time on and certain things that you shouldn’t have to,” Kevin explains. “The regulatory nuances around employing people is not where a company should be spending their time. And so we provide them with our platform for free to start, giving them the ability to spend their time on other things.”
Humi offers DMZ companies free access to their platform for the first year. Startups that take advantage of Humi’s additional services, such as health benefits or SR&ED tax credit support, can continue using the platform at no cost.
Beyond HR Software: Humi’s Comprehensive Support System
Humi’s services extend beyond just providing HR software. The company has integrated additional features into its platform that are crucial for startups, including:
- SR&ED tax credit support, leveraging the employment data already in their system to streamline the application process
- Health benefits administration that integrates seamlessly with their platform
- Comprehensive payroll management tools
- Employee onboarding and documentation systems
“A lot of startups tend to accrue organizational debt early on because they accidentally run things in ineffective ways, like sidestepping contracts or not tracking vacation time,” Kevin notes. “So if we can help entrepreneurs to reduce the risk and hardship of employing individuals, I think that’s a massive win.”
Our Mutual Commitment to Canadian Innovation
Humi focuses on serving small and medium-sized businesses in Canada, which aligns perfectly with DMZ’s mission of amplifying the success of startups. Humi’s platform is designed for businesses with up to 500 employees, specifically targeting companies that form the backbone of local communities.
“What makes Humi particularly awesome is that our customers are part of our community,” says Kevin. “We work with businesses that have an impact in the cities and towns where we live. Making employment better for people across Canada. I love it.”
This enthusiasm was on full display during Kevin’s recent visit to DMZ Innisfil, where a brief visit evolved into an impromptu “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session with regional entrepreneurs. The mix of businesses in attendance – from tech startups to local restaurants – highlighted just how diverse the entrepreneurial spirit is in smaller Canadian communities.
“There were so many startups that weren’t standard tech businesses,” reflects Kevin. “You could see common themes emerging across different experiences and challenges, and the entrepreneurial energy was so positive. It doesn’t matter whether you’re building an app or running a burger joint – at the end of the day, it’s about the culture of people building something meaningful.”
How You Can Connect with Humi through DMZ’s Community
Beyond providing their platform, Humi actively engages with the DMZ community through:
- Regular office hours with founders
- Event sponsorships, including DMZ’s annual Women Innovation Summit
- Mentorship sessions across Canada, including DMZ Innisfil
- Partnerships and founder support initiatives
For Kevin, this involvement is about giving back to the type of community that supported his own growth: “I’ve spent a ton of time with early-stage entrepreneurs. For years, I’ve wanted to give back to the communities that have supported my success in the ecosystem. We’re at a scale now where we can activate these types of partnerships, which is really amazing.”
DMZ companies interested in learning more about Humi’s platform and services can reach out to their DMZ Program Lead for more information about accessing these benefits.
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