Budapest based staffing platform Giggle has secured a new funding round to accelerate its regional expansion, starting with entry into the Romanian market. The investment reflects growing demand for flexible workforce solutions across Central and Eastern Europe, where businesses continue to face labour shortages and unpredictable staffing needs. While the size of the round was not disclosed, the capital will be used to deepen Giggle’s operational footprint and scale its technology beyond Hungary.
Addressing Labour Gaps with On Demand Shifts
Founded in April 2022 by Ádám Birizdó and Ádám Sebestyén, Giggle operates a mobile first platform that connects companies with pre screened blue collar workers for short term, shift based roles. The platform is designed to help employers quickly fill staffing gaps while offering workers greater control over their schedules and income.
Giggle focuses on industries where workforce demand fluctuates significantly, including hospitality, retail, logistics, and event services. Instead of hiring workers for fixed roles, employers can post individual shifts with transparent information on pay, timing, and requirements. Workers browse available shifts in the app and can apply within minutes, reducing friction on both sides of the labour market.
A New Model for Temporary Staffing
At the core of Giggle’s approach is the idea of breaking traditional jobs into discrete, on demand shifts. This model allows companies to respond faster to changes in demand while avoiding lengthy recruitment processes and fixed employment costs. For workers, it creates access to short term income opportunities that can fit around other jobs, studies, or personal commitments.
The platform includes profile verification, performance ratings, and full administrative support, helping businesses manage temporary workers more efficiently. By combining marketplace functionality with workforce management tools, Giggle aims to modernise temporary staffing in a region where the sector has historically relied on manual processes and intermediaries.
Strong Growth Across Central Europe
Since launch, Giggle has seen steady adoption. The company reports that more than 180,000 workers have registered on the platform within three years, with transactions reaching nearly €5 million in 2025 alone. According to internal data, around 70 per cent of workers using Giggle are looking for supplementary income, reflecting broader economic trends and the growing appeal of flexible work models.
The platform has also gained traction among employers seeking rapid access to additional labour capacity, particularly during peak periods. The founders note that when operational disruptions occur, such as delays in logistics or understaffed retail locations, the ability to source workers within hours rather than weeks becomes critical.
Backing from Regional Investors
The latest funding round was led by OXO Labs, part of O3 Partners and the family fund of Romania’s Catalyst NXT Ventures, headed by former Hungarian finance minister Peter Oszkó. Three additional investors also participated, bringing regional expertise and cross border experience to support Giggle’s expansion strategy.
The investment signals confidence in Giggle’s model as demand for flexible staffing solutions continues to rise across Central and Eastern Europe.
Preparing for the Next Phase of Expansion
With Romania as its next market, Giggle plans to strengthen its presence in existing countries while laying the groundwork for broader regional growth over the coming years. The company intends to continue investing in product development, employer partnerships, and worker acquisition to support scaling across multiple markets.
As labour market dynamics shift and flexibility becomes a priority for both employers and workers, Giggle is positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of shift based employment across the region.
