FEBRUARY 10 2025

Published in Smart Company

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Australian volunteer management startup Rosterfy has revealed $5.5 million in new investment, on the same day its software oversees the volunteer workforce at Super Bowl LIX.

The new funding injection comes from OIF Ventures, closely following a $3 million investment from Bailador Technology Investors in October last year.

That was a repeat investment from Bailador Technology Investors, which contributed $9.8 million to Rosterfy in April 2023.

Rosterfy provides not-for-profits, local governments, and major event organisers with technology that streamlines volunteer screening, onboarding, and deployment.

The startup this year released its volunteer app, which it says will change how volunteers find opportunities to donate their time and effort.

Its technology has facilitated more than 100 million volunteer hours to date, covering day-to-day charity operations to sporting events as large as the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans marks Rosterfy’s ninth involvement in the NFL final, and the startup will support the city as it hosts approximately 7,000 volunteers across 13,000 shifts.

Speaking to SmartCompany on Monday morning — moments after the game’s first snap — co-founder and CEO Bennett Merriman said the funding will help Rosterfy expand in key markets.

That includes new international markets while doubling down in APAC, Europe, and the UK, “where we’re seeing really good traction at the moment”.

“Growth capital helps us expand our reach and invest into the product roadmap, and continue to build out innovative features that we know the sectors we operate in really need.”

While Rosterfy is proud of its volunteer hours to date, the startup is aiming to facilitate 500 million volunteer hours in the next three years.

The Super Bowl itself is a strong customer acquisition too, Merriman said.

“In over half the cities that have hosted Super Bowls, we’ve actually then gone on to continue to provide a central portal and the platform volunteering in that city,” Merriman said.

“So we see the major events as a great stepping stone to help the wider communities that we work in as well.

“But in addition to that, we certainly are focusing on NFPs, local government, and higher education.”

In a statement, OIF Ventures partner Kevin Wilson said Rosterfy has shown its utility and point of difference compared to other workplace management platforms.

“We are excited to be backing this incredible team to continue enhancing their platform and executing on their growth in both Australia and internationally,” said Wilson.

But what incredible team is Merriman backing?

“I have to go for the underdog, so probably the [Philadelphia] Eagles,” he said.