Khosla's Keith Rabois backs Comp, which wants to bolster HR teams with AI | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Marina Temkin

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Comp, an AI-powered HR technology startup, has secured a $17.25 million Series A funding round led by Khosla Ventures, marking the venture capital firm's first investment in a Brazilian company. Founded by Christophe Gerlach and Pedro Bobrow, who previously worked at General Atlantic and Lyft, Comp aims to revolutionize HR functions in Brazil by combining AI with human expertise. The startup provides AI-driven tools for recruiting, compensation policies, and performance reviews, alongside forward-deployed HR professionals who work closely with companies to refine these systems. These experts manually handle tasks initially before training the AI, ensuring it learns best practices over time. Comp's goal is to eventually make its AI fully autonomous, displacing traditional consultancies and HR software. The startup chose Brazil as its initial market due to the country's limited adoption of traditional HR software, allowing Comp to introduce a new model without direct competition. This strategy has already gained traction, with notable clients like Nubank, QuintoAndar, and Creditas. Gerlach, who co-founded Comp after selling a food delivery startup during his time at Cornell University, emphasized that the company aims to "become the HR team" by integrating seamlessly into businesses. With this Series A funding, Comp is now exploring expansion into the U.S. and other global markets. Khosla Ventures' general partner Keith Rabois has joined Comp's board of directors as part of the deal. This investment underscores the growing interest in AI-driven solutions for HR, particularly in emerging markets where traditional systems are underdeveloped. Comp's unique blend of human expertise and advanced AI technology positions it as a strong competitor to established players like Mercer and Workday. The startup's success could set a precedent for similar innovations in other regions, highlighting the potential of AI to transform HR functions worldwide. For tech enthusiasts and investors, Comp's story is compelling due to its innovative approach to HR automation and its strategic focus on underserved markets. By leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and reduce

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/25/2026