Seso is building software to fix farm workforces and solve agriculture’s HR woes

Migrant workers play a crucial role in the workforce of American farms, yet obtaining proper H-2A visas for them can be a complex process, and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding these employees can be burdensome for farms. Seso was established five years ago with the aim of simplifying this process, and now it aims to evolve into a comprehensive HR platform tailored for the agriculture sector.

The startup was founded by Michael Guirguis, prompted by a conversation with his cousin who sought advice on expanding her organic farm amidst labor shortages. Recognizing the need to address this challenge, Guirguis launched Seso to automate the H-2A visa process and assist farms in remaining compliant. However, upon engaging with potential farm clients, he discovered a broader need for HR support beyond labor recruitment.

Guirguis observed that many farms struggled with antiquated administrative systems, leading to a revelation about the opportunity to modernize the industry’s operations comprehensively. Seso recently secured $26 million in funding to enhance its platform capabilities, with notable investors recognizing its potential to transform the sector.

Despite the vast potential for technological innovation in agriculture, Guirguis notes a reluctance within the industry to adopt new technologies. Seso’s success in penetrating this market, he believes, lies in its focus on supporting back-office functions rather than altering core farming practices, aligning with farmers’ current readiness levels.

Direct feedback from farmers has been instrumental in shaping Seso’s development trajectory. This customer-centric approach convinced investors like Nina Achadjian of Index Ventures, who were initially hesitant but were swayed by Seso’s commitment to understanding and addressing farmers’ needs firsthand.

Seso’s next focus area is automating payroll processes, recognizing the complexities of agricultural employment laws, where workers are compensated based on the crops they harvest. Guirguis anticipates further expansion opportunities beyond payroll automation as the company continues to innovate in the agriculture sector.