Lattice Expands AI Capabilities with Pando Acquisition
Lattice, a leading HR software company, has announced the acquisition of Pando, a startup recognized for its innovative approach to employee performance management and competency rubrics. This strategic move underscores the growing influence of AI in HR software, as companies look to transform traditional talent management with advanced technology.
The Rise of AI in HR Software
The integration of AI in HR software is rapidly changing how organizations manage employee growth and performance. Lattice’s acquisition of Pando marks its second major purchase this year, signaling an industry-wide shift toward AI-powered solutions. The HR software market is seeing increased consolidation as companies seek to offer comprehensive, intelligence-driven platforms for talent management.
Pando, founded in 2020 by Barbra Gago—former CMO at Miro, with previous roles at Culture Amp and Greenhouse—was created out of frustration with the opaque and subjective nature of promotion decisions. The platform leverages AI to provide clear, evidence-based career progression pathways, reducing bias and increasing transparency for employees seeking advancement.
Transforming Career Development
At the heart of Pando’s offering is a competency rubric system, which ties role expectations to specific levels and delivers ongoing, short-form assessments throughout the year. This approach replaces annual reviews with real-time feedback and calibration, ensuring employees have visibility into what’s required to progress. The focus on fairness and evidence-based calibration aligns with Lattice’s broader mission to unlock human potential using technology.
With the acquisition, Barbra Gago joins Lattice as Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer. Although the companies have not disclosed financial details or the future of the Pando brand, the integration is expected to enhance Lattice’s suite of AI-driven HR tools, particularly its Lattice Habits AI agents, which help employees build better work habits and prepare for career advancement.
Industry Impact and Customer Adoption
Pando’s innovative model quickly gained traction, serving over 2,000 enterprise users and landing clients such as OysterHR, SHIPWELL, Codility, and casai. The company raised $6.9 million in venture funding from prominent investors like Craft Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, GFC, and others in the HR tech ecosystem.
According to Gago, legacy HR processes often left employee potential untapped, leading to inefficiency and inequity across organizations. Writing on LinkedIn, she emphasized the importance of using AI in HR software to ensure smarter, fairer decisions about people, and questioned whether the billions invested in AI are truly driving better employee outcomes: “Is AI helping people become higher performing and capable of creating value for the business?”
By embedding Pando’s evidence-based tools into its platform, Lattice aims to offer clients a more transparent and effective way to manage performance and career progression. This shift from cyclical, annual reviews to real-time, habit-forming feedback is designed to support employees in developing the behaviors and skills needed for promotion and success.
Lattice’s Broader AI-Driven Strategy
The move follows Lattice’s earlier acquisition of Mandala Technology, a company specializing in AI-native coaching technology. These acquisitions position Lattice at the forefront of HR software innovation, combining AI-driven people intelligence with a focus on employee development and engagement. CEO Sarah Franklin highlighted this in her statement: “The next era won’t be defined by which companies deploy the most AI. It will be defined by which companies invest in the performance of their people and use AI to multiply human impact.”
Lattice’s strategy reflects a growing recognition that technology should empower, rather than replace, human talent. By focusing on AI in HR software, the company is betting that the real competitive advantage lies in helping employees reach their full potential through smarter tools and actionable insights.
The Future of AI in HR Software
The acquisition of Pando cements Lattice’s role as a leader in the evolution of HR technology. As organizations continue to navigate the challenges of workforce development, the demand for transparent, data-driven, and AI-enhanced HR solutions is set to grow. Companies looking to stay ahead will need to invest in platforms that prioritize both performance and fairness.
In conclusion, Lattice’s acquisition of Pando is more than a business transaction; it’s a reflection of the broader shift toward AI in HR software that promises to redefine how companies nurture, evaluate, and promote their talent for years to come.
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