Humly

Humly, originally launched as Studentvikarie in 2015, operates as a digital marketplace connecting schools with qualified substitute teachers. The company was founded by Gustav Bild-Tofftin, Kristoffer Persson, and Simon Woldeab, who identified a critical need for a more efficient substitute teacher booking system during their own university studies. Their direct experience with the challenges of finding flexible work that complemented their academic schedules fueled the creation of a platform to address this gap. The initial business, Studentvikarie, focused on the Swedish market, building a network of students and educators to fill temporary vacancies in schools.

The firm's business model centers on its proprietary mobile application, which serves as the core of its operations. Through this platform, schools can post available substitute assignments, and pre-vetted educators can browse and accept jobs that fit their schedules, subject preferences, and grade level expertise. This technological approach streamlines the traditionally cumbersome process of finding and placing substitute teachers. Humly generates revenue by charging the schools for successfully filled assignments, while the service remains free for the educators seeking work. The platform caters to a wide range of needs, from short, single-lesson assignments to long-term, full-time placements.

A significant milestone in the company's trajectory was its rebranding from Studentvikarie to Humly, signaling an ambition to expand its services internationally beyond its initial Swedish market. This expansion has seen the company establish a presence in the United Kingdom, where it is actively building its network of schools and supply teachers. The company has received recognition for its model, including being nominated for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in Sweden in 2018. Humly positions itself as a solution for both the staffing challenges faced by educational institutions and the need for meaningful, flexible employment for individuals with teaching qualifications.

Keywords: edtech, substitute teachers, digital marketplace, teacher recruitment, supply teaching, school staffing, mobile application, gig economy, educational services, flexible work