This article may be written from a fan's point of view, rather than a neutral point of view .(November 2021) |
Humu is a software company that uses machine learning to send "nudges," small recommendations based in nudge theory, to employees at work. [1] [2] Since August 2023, it is a subsidiary of Perceptyx.
Humu was founded in May 2017 by former Google executives Laszlo Bock, Wayne Crosby, and Jessie Wisdom. Before founding Humu, Laszlo Bock served as Google's original Head of People Operations. [3] Humu exited stealth mode in October 2018 with $40 million in funding. [4]
Humu analyzes company data and employee feedback to identify changes likely to improve employees' happiness, performance, and retention. [5] [2] The platform then delivers "nudges," short messages urging users to change their behavior. [6]
The company holds a trademark on "Nudge Engine," based on the behavioral economics concept of nudge theory from Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler and popularized in Thaler's 2008 book Nudge, co-authored with legal scholar Cass R. Sunstein. The book argues that small cues can help people make better choices. [1]
Notable customers include Fidelity Investments, Silicon Valley Bank, Lumen, Farfetch, [6] and American fast casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen. [3]
A 2019 trademark dispute between Humu and American video streaming service Hulu [7] was settled in federal court. [8]
On June 24, 2021, Humu announced Humu Business Edition, a personal coach for mid-sized businesses. [9]
In May 2019, Humu announced it had raised $40 million in series A and B funding led by Index Ventures and IVP. [12]
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Behavioral economics is the study of the psychological, cognitive, emotional, cultural and social factors involved in the decisions of individuals or institutions, and how these decisions deviate from those implied by classical economic theory.
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Nudge theory is a concept in behavioral economics, decision making, behavioral policy, social psychology, consumer behavior, and related behavioral sciences that proposes adaptive designs of the decision environment as ways to influence the behavior and decision-making of groups or individuals. Nudging contrasts with other ways to achieve compliance, such as education, legislation or enforcement.
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Laszlo Bock is a Romanian-born Hungarian American businessman, who is co-founder and former CEO of Humu. He was formerly the Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google, Inc.
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