Handshake

Handshake envisions a future where access to career opportunities is equitable across all educational institutions. We exist to break down barriers that historically limited students from smaller or less-resourced universities, ensuring every student and young professional can connect to meaningful early career experiences through technology.

By building a dynamic and integrated platform connecting students, universities, and employers, we amplify opportunity through intelligent matchmaking, deeper data insights, and engaging digital recruitment experiences. Our technology fosters a global community that reshapes the pathways from education to employment with transparency and inclusivity.

We are more than a platform—we are a movement advancing the democratization of career access, driven by innovation and guided by the mission to empower the next generation workforce with tools and connections that unlock their full potential.

When we first looked at Handshake, we weren't sure if the world needed another job platform. But after digging into what these Michigan Tech grads built, we're genuinely impressed by how they've tackled a real problem that most people overlook.

The company has essentially become the infrastructure for early-career recruiting. We're talking about 18 million students across 1,200 institutions — that's not just impressive scale, it's market dominance in the college recruiting space.

What Makes This Different

Unlike LinkedIn or Indeed, Handshake isn't trying to be everything to everyone. They laser-focused on one segment: college students and new grads. This specificity shows in everything from their interface design to their employer tools.

What really caught our attention is how they've flipped the traditional recruiting model. Instead of students hunting for opportunities on generic job boards, employers come directly to campus through Handshake's platform. It's like having a virtual career fair that never ends.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Going from five university partners in 2014 to a $3.5 billion valuation in eight years isn't luck — it's execution. The fact that they raised $200 million in January 2022 (during a tough funding environment) suggests investors see serious staying power here.

We also noticed their international expansion with the Talentspace acquisition. Smart move, considering how the remote work trend has made geographic boundaries less relevant for early-career roles.

Where We See the Real Value

For employers, Handshake solves the "where do we find good early talent?" problem. For students, especially those at smaller schools, it levels the playing field against Ivy League networks. That mission-driven angle isn't just marketing speak — it's baked into their business model.

The platform gives career centers actual tools to track outcomes and manage employer relationships, which means universities have skin in the game. When all three sides of the triangle (students, schools, employers) benefit, that's usually a recipe for sustainable growth.