Warden AI, a London-based startup focused on AI compliance, is accelerating its expansion across North America and Europe following new investment. Founded in 2023 by Jeffrey Pole and Eduard Schikurski, the company specialises in auditing hiring algorithms for fairness and regulatory compliance. Its platform, which combines proprietary data with live dashboards, is already used by major HR tech providers including Greenhouse, Sense and Beamery.
The latest funding round, led by the founders of Onfido and venture firm Playfair, comes amid mounting global scrutiny of AI in recruitment. Investor interest reflects growing pressure on organisations to prove responsible AI use, particularly in sectors like HR where automated systems influence high-volume hiring decisions.
This momentum is underpinned by a landmark legal case in the US. In Mobley v. Workday, Derek Mobley—a Black man over 40 with mental health conditions—alleges that Workday’s AI-driven recruitment software repeatedly rejected his applications for over 100 jobs. On 12 July 2024, a federal judge in California ruled that key claims could proceed, including that Workday may be liable as an “employer” under agency theory. The ruling marks a significant reinterpretation of existing anti-discrimination laws to include AI vendors.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed an amicus brief supporting Mobley’s claims, signalling a regulatory shift. The EEOC argues that companies offering algorithmic hiring tools may be covered by anti-bias laws, given their influence over employment outcomes. The case has amplified concerns that AI systems, without oversight, risk reinforcing discrimination rather than reducing it.
Warden AI’s CEO Jeffrey Pole described the ruling as a “wake-up call,” calling for greater transparency in AI development and use. “Our platform opens up the black box of algorithmic decision-making,” said Pole. “We’re helping organisations defend their systems and, more importantly, protect the people affected by them.” Playfair general partner Henrik Wetter Sanchez praised Warden’s blend of technical depth and regulatory focus. He said the company is well-positioned to lead in a compliance niche that is becoming increasingly essential for businesses deploying AI.
As regulatory frameworks evolve and HR leaders seek clear benchmarks for fairness, Warden’s growth reflects broader efforts to embed ethics into AI. The startup’s work aligns with the UK’s ambition to lead in safe, trustworthy technology—supporting innovation while safeguarding against harm.
The Mobley v. Workday case continues to develop, with wider legal arguments and collective actions underway. It provides a stark reminder of the accountability challenges AI presents and the growing importance of third-party auditing. For employers and AI vendors alike, monitoring and mitigating bias is no longer optional—it is fast becoming a legal requirement.
Warden AI’s rise highlights how independent oversight can support responsible AI adoption. As recruitment technologies evolve, the UK’s leadership in ethical compliance may help shape global standards for fairness in the age of automation.
Created by Amplify: AI-augmented, human-curated content.
