Montréal-based AI startup Nurau has raised $1.5 million CAD in a seed funding round led by Investissement Québec, with participation from ACET Capital and angel investor Sylvain Authier. The funding will support the expansion into the US market, improve sales development, and enhance its AI-powered HR coaching platform, eCoach.
Nurau’s eCoach leverages natural language processing (NLP) to guide managers through difficult workplace conversations, offering step-by-step guidance, suggested phrasing, and predictions for employee responses. The platform is designed to reduce workplace escalations, improve employee engagement, and cut turnover costs.
“eCoach doesn’t replace HR—it augments it by helping managers navigate sensitive situations effectively and consistently,” said Justin Lessard-Wajcer, Nurau’s CEO and co-founder.
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Enhancing HR Without Replacing It
The AI platform offers impartiality, 24/7 availability, and alignment with company policies, ensuring HR teams can focus on high-priority cases. The tool is not designed to handle emergencies or mental health crises directly but integrates safety features to flag high-risk situations.
Proven Value and Expanding Reach
The company claims that eCoach saves managers an average of four hours per week in conflict resolution tasks. The platform is already used by notable clients, including Royal Bank of Canada, Ardene, and Bikini Village.
The company plans to expand its revenue model, which currently charges annual per-user subscription fees, to include flat-rate pricing for broader employee adoption.
A Focus on Privacy and Customization
The startup emphasizes data security, processing all information anonymously while using insights to refine its software. The AI platform is customized for each client to align with their internal HR policies, ensuring accurate and context-sensitive guidance.
Scaling in the Growing HR Tech Space
As AI adoption in HR accelerates, Nurau aims to address gaps in employee management with science-backed solutions. With this funding, the company is well-positioned to bring its innovative HR coaching platform to the US market, fostering more effective workplace communication and enhancing employee experiences.
