Checkr, Inc. is an American software company specializing in background checks used during recruitment. Available at checkr.com, its platform enables organizations to order these checks, track their progress and integrate the results into their internal processes. It operates in a market that is particularly well developed in the United States, where employers may examine certain aspects of a candidate’s background, subject to compliance with applicable rules.
French founders, an American market
Checkr was founded in 2014 by Daniel Yanisse and Jonathan Perichon, two French engineers based in the United States. After going through the Y Combinator accelerator, the company set out to tackle an industry still characterized by fragmented processes and manual exchanges. Its approach involves turning background screening into a software service that can be integrated directly into customers’ applications.
The growth of mobility, delivery and on-demand work platforms provides fertile ground: these businesses need to process large numbers of applications while minimizing the time it takes for people to start working. Checkr subsequently broadened its focus to include more traditional employers. In 2022, it acquired GoodHire, another American specialist in the sector, notably strengthening its presence among small and medium-sized businesses.
Screening infrastructure for recruitment
Checkr’s service portfolio covers several types of checks, depending on the requirements of the role and what is legally permitted: criminal background searches, driving history checks, and verification of previous employment or educational qualifications. The company also offers drug screening and occupational health services. The checks available and how they are conducted depend on the jurisdiction concerned.
Its added value lies in coordinating these operations. Application programming interfaces, or APIs, along with connections to recruitment software, make it possible to initiate requests without multiplying the number of tools used. Automation facilitates the processing and tracking of applications, while dedicated portals allow candidates to check the progress of their screening.
This activity remains subject to regulation, particularly under the Fair Credit Reporting Act in the United States. Candidate notification and authorization, report accuracy, the ability to dispute findings and procedures preceding certain adverse decisions are central concerns. Checkr provides tools to support these steps without taking over the employer’s responsibility for hiring decisions.
What next?
For Checkr, the challenge is to combine technical integration, shorter turnaround times and high-quality information. Automation eliminates neither errors in source data nor the risk of misinterpretation. The ability to explain results, correct records and account for local regulations will therefore be crucial. Its growth will also depend on its ability to serve businesses of varying sizes, beyond digital platforms alone, while safeguarding the rights of the individuals concerned.