Capango looks to remake retail hiring

Running task management platform Natural Insight, Stefan Midford helped retailers more efficiently organize workers’ days.

But in talking to customers, he and the Sterling, Va.–based team found that retail company managers also had a pain point in the process of hiring workers, and have high turnover.

To address this area, Midford and team spent two years creating a new product.

Capango, which is launching this month, aims to make the recruiting and hiring process faster for companies and potential employees.

Notably, there’s no resume involved. The mobile app analyzes data based on a candidate’s answers to 15 questions, and a 60-second video. Midford said it’s oriented around identifying a potential employee’s “powers” – or skills – and passions” – or interests. The company then uses the data to find the best match, and the job seekers can then swipe to show interest. Along with the dating app–like features, the startup also drew on game design talent to design the system.

The startup has initial use in D.C., with postings ranging from store associates to brand reps. It’s also looking to offer a variety of schedules. But the focus is specifically on the retail sector, which Midford sees as a differentiator from other job posting services.

In creating a new company, the team isn’t looking to only engage with Natural Insight clients. Midford sees opportunity to grow beyond that company’s client base. Through a partnership with retail association Shop!, the company is extending invitations to 350,000 who used that service.