Die 8 besten HR-Software für Startups im Jahr 2025

Die Leitung der Personalabteilung in einem Startup ist mit einzigartigen Herausforderungen verbunden. Während größere Unternehmen eigene Personalabteilungen haben, verlassen sich Startups oft auf ein kleines Team — manchmal nur eine Person —, um alles von der Rekrutierung bis hin zur Einhaltung der Vorschriften abzuwickeln. Knappe Budgets und steigende Anforderungen erhöhen den Druck nur. *
Ohne die richtigen Tools kann die Personalabteilung überfordert werden, was zu geringer Produktivität, Einstellungsengpässen und rechtlichen Risiken führt. Angesichts der Tatsache, dass 90% der Startups scheitern, ist ein effektives Personalmanagement entscheidend für den Erfolg (und die Überwindung aller Widrigkeiten) . **
Die richtige HR-Software kann Arbeitsabläufe vereinfachen, Prozesse zentralisieren und wertvolle Zeit sparen. Aber welche ist bei so vielen verfügbaren Optionen die beste für Ihr Startup? Wir haben es auf acht Top-Lösungen eingegrenzt und Funktionen, Preise und Nutzerfeedback verglichen, damit du eine fundierte Entscheidung treffen kannst.
✨ Skalieren Sie Ihr Team mit Leapsome
Unsere integrierte Suite von HR- und Personalmanagement-Tools unterstützt die nächste Generation von Startups.
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*Bericht über die Belegschaftstrends von Leapsome, 2024
**Startup Genome, 2022
Die folgenden Informationen basieren auf unseren Recherchen im Januar und Februar 2025. Das gesamte Nutzerfeedback, auf das im Text Bezug genommen wird, wurde im Januar und Februar 2025 von unabhängigen Softwarebewertungsplattformen (wie G2 und Capterra) bezogen.

How to choose HR software for startups
Finding the best HR software for small businesses and startups requires balancing features against budget constraints. When evaluating startup HR software, consider these factors:
Scalability: Can the platform grow with your team? Trusted HR software for startups with fewer than 100 employees should still offer room to grow.
Core functionality: At a minimum, look for employee records, time tracking, absence management, and basic reporting. The best HRMS platforms for startups combine these essentials with performance and engagement tools.
Pricing transparency: HR software pricing comparisons for startups reveal significant variation. Some platforms charge per module, while others offer all-in-one packages. Request detailed quotes based on your current headcount and projected growth.
Ease of use: With limited HR resources, you need HR tools for startups that employees can adopt without extensive training.
Integration capabilities: Your HR software should connect with payroll providers, communication tools, and applicant tracking systems you already use.
1. Leapsome

Leapsome bietet erstklassige Tools zur Mitarbeiterförderung und -verwaltung zu einem erschwinglichen Preis. Die integrierten Funktionen unserer Plattform decken eine breite Palette von HR- und Mitarbeiterbindungsprozessen ab, von Abwesenheitsmanagement und Kernaufgaben der Personalabteilung bis hin zu Leistungsbeurteilungen sowie Aus- und Weiterbildung — alle arbeiten zusammen, um strategische Ausrichtung in Ihrem gesamten Unternehmen.
Bei uns dreht sich alles um den Menschen Personalinformationssystem (HRIS) bedeutet, dass selbst kleine, aber leistungsstarke HR-Teams auf eine Vielzahl von Personalverwaltungsfunktionen zugreifen können. Leapsomes Die wichtigsten HR-Tools zentralisieren Mitarbeiterdaten und reduzieren Sie den manuellen Verwaltungsaufwand, sodass sich Ihre Personalfachleute auf das Wesentliche konzentrieren können: Ihr Unternehmen zu einem besseren Arbeitsplatz zu machen und das Wachstum voranzutreiben.
Die Plattform kann dank optimierter Funktionen die Einhaltung von Vorschriften bei der Skalierung unterstützen Führung von Aufzeichnungen, die Lokalisierung der Richtlinien verlassen und sichere Dokumentenverwaltung. Darüber hinaus ermöglichen die Self-Service-Funktionen von Leapsome den Mitarbeitern, auf Dokumente zuzugreifen und diese herunterzuladen, ihre persönlichen Daten zu aktualisieren und Änderungen und Genehmigungen anzufordern, ohne ein Mitglied der Personalabteilung zu fragen.
Top-Funktionen für Startups
- Kern-Personalwesen (einschließlich Abwesenheitsmanagement)
- Zeiterfassung
- Leapsomes KI
- Leistungsbeurteilungen
- Umfragen zu Engagement und Pulse
- Lernen und Onboarding
- Kompetenzrahmen
- Sofortiges Feedback und Lob
- Ziele und OKRs
- Tool für Besprechungen
- Vergütungsmanagement
- Personen-Analytik
- Gehaltsabrechnung
Warum Leapsome eine gute Wahl für Startups ist
Leapsome ist eine modulare Komplettlösung, die sich perfekt für wachsende Unternehmen eignet, die nach einer unkomplizierten, hochgradig anpassbaren Plattform suchen, die einfach zu bedienen ist und die Akzeptanz durch Mitarbeiter unterstützt. Sie bietet die wesentlichen Grundlagen einer umfassendes HR-System mit integrierten Funktionen zur Mitarbeiterförderung, die Personalleitern einen zentralen Blickwinkel für das Mitarbeitermanagement bieten — keine unübersichtlichen und unzusammenhängenden Systeme mehr.
Die Plattform ist ohne Fachkenntnisse einfach zu bedienen und zu bedienen, was für Personalfachleute und Mitarbeiter gleichermaßen eine gute Nachricht ist. Unsere modulare Preisgestaltung bietet Ihnen die Flexibilität, neue Tools hinzuzufügen und Ihren Plan im Laufe der Zeit an Ihre sich ändernden Anforderungen anzupassen (ohne für etwas zu bezahlen, das Sie nicht benötigen).
- Eine umfassende Plattform, die Mitarbeiterförderung und HR-Kernprozesse kombiniert
- Einfache Adoption
- In 38 Sprachen verfügbar
- Unterstützt einen 360°-Ansatz für das Leistungsmanagement
- Individuell anpassbare Umfragen und gebrauchsfertige Vorlagen
- Self-Service-Funktionen für Mitarbeiter
- Es ist möglich, eigene L&D-Materialien zu erstellen oder auf eine integrierte, kuratierte Inhaltsbibliothek zuzugreifen
- Zentralisiertes Daten- und Dokumentenmanagement
- Marktführende KI-Funktionen
- Preisgekrönter Kundensupport
- ISO 27001:2022, DSGVO und CCPA-Konformität
- Einige HRIS-Funktionen befinden sich noch in der Entwicklung
- Leichte Lernkurve aufgrund der breiten Produktpalette
Erfolge unserer Kunden
💪 Leapsome kann mit deinem Startup skalieren
Unsere ganzheitliche Plattform bietet die Funktionen zur Personal- und Personalförderung, die Sie jetzt und in Zukunft benötigen.
Book your demo
2. 15Five

15Five is a performance management platform focused on employee experience and performance. However, due to that focus, it lacks other key HR capabilities, like payroll and time tracking. Startups that want to create a more comprehensive HR hub would need to invest in external software integrations.
Top features for startups
- Engagement surveys
- OKRs and goal management
- Predictive impact model
- Employee recognition
- Feedback insights
- Career paths
- 1:1 meeting agendas
Why 15Five is a good choice for startups
15Five is a good option for startups that want to support employee engagement and performance management but don’t help with admin HR responsibilities, like payroll, time tracking, and absence management. You’ll likely need to integrate your HRIS and collaboration tools from a third party.
- Praised performance management and engagement tools
- Effective for setting and tracking goals
- Manager development and coaching capabilities
- Straightforward setup
- User-friendly interface
- Supports HRIS integrations
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- No built-in HRIS
- Some users find it expensive
- Some users have experienced poor customer service
- Some users find the peer review process confusing
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3. BambooHR

BambooHR has tools that support recruitment, performance management, and reporting, as well as time tracking and payroll. It’s considered easy to use, although some features (including those related to employee engagement and satisfaction) might be too basic for the needs of a rapidly scaling startup.
Top features for startups
- HRIS
- Performance management tools
- Time tracking and PTO management
- Onboarding and offboarding
- Payroll
- Applicant tracking system (ATS)
- Benefits administration
Why BambooHR is a good choice for startups
BambooHR is an interesting HR software for startups looking for a simple interface and features that cover most areas of People management. That said, some users say its lack of customization options means it’s not as useful for growing organizations. It also doesn’t have very robust employee engagement or engagement features.
- Suitable all-around HRIS
- User-friendly interface
- Easy-to-use ATS
- Employee self-service capabilities
- Integrations available
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- Payroll and benefits administration are only available for US employees
- Some users say the reports lack customization options
- Some users feel the platform isn’t scalable for growing organizations
- Some users have issues with its “unreliable” pricing structure
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4. Culture Amp

Culture Amp is an employee experience platform designed to help companies improve engagement, performance, and retention. It provides tools for gathering and analyzing employee feedback, conducting performance reviews, and supporting professional development.
The software solution’s scalability and people analytics make it a good option for startups that are growing fast and want to prioritize engagement. However, it’s worth considering if the platform is too expensive and complex for a smaller team.
Top features for startups
- 360° feedback
- Goal-setting
- Employee development tools
- Good customer support
Why Culture Amp is a good choice for startups
Culture Amp may be a good option for more well-established startups that want to focus on performance and engagement. However, it falls short when it comes to core HR functions, like payroll and time tracking. Culture Amp’s plans are also quite expensive, and the platform includes features that might be excessive for small teams.
- Strong people analytics and insights
- Comprehensive employee engagement surveys
- Ready-to-use survey templates
- Strong employee experience capabilities
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- No built-in HRIS
- Some users say the survey questions lack depth
- Some users find the system inflexible
- Some users note a lack of customization options
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5. Deel

Deel specializes in global payroll, compliance, and tax management for businesses with international teams.
The software solution also includes some HR features. However, given the platform’s first priority of supporting global hiring, we’d strongly recommend it to businesses with strong international expansion on their agenda.
Top features for startups
- Global payroll and tax compliance
- Contract management and payments
- Localized benefits and compliance support
- Integrated HR and onboarding tools
- Employer-of-Record (EOR) services
- Expense reimbursement
- Multicurrency support
Why Deel is a good choice for startups
Deel is best suited for businesses that need to hire, manage, and pay employees or contractors across multiple countries without dealing with the complexities of local compliance.
- Solutions for global payroll, tax, and benefits management
- Ideal for international hiring
- Localized benefits and contract templates
- Intuitive user interface
- Automated onboarding and offboarding
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- Some users have noted high fees for services and transfers in specific countries
- Some users report slow loading times
- Some users have experienced payment or transfer delays
- Some features aren’t available in all countries
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6. HiBob

HiBob is a human resources information system (HRIS) that supports HR functions from onboarding to performance management.
However, HiBob’s features come with a steep learning curve and a higher price point for smaller businesses — so it may not be the best choice for early-stage startups.
Top features for startups
- Performance reviews
- Goal management and tracking
- PTO and attendance tracking
- Survey templates
- Analytics and reporting
- Compensation management
- Automated onboarding workflows
- Employee recognition tools
Why HiBob is a good choice for startups
Like Leapsome, HiBob tackles both HR admin and employee enablement within the same platform, which makes it interesting for startups with smaller People teams and limited HR resources. However, some early-stage startups may find that HiBob is too expensive and complex to meet their needs.
- Built-in HRIS
- Advanced people analytics and reporting
- Employee self-service capabilities
- Efficient customer support
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- Some users say the platform is “not worth the price tag”
- Some modules aren’t as developed as others
- Some features and functionalities are missing or limited
- Some users feel the leave accrual options are rigid
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7. Personio

Personio’s HR platform is best known for centralizing core HR, talent management, and employee experience features.
The software solution is most popular in Europe, specifically among small to mid-sized businesses that need a comprehensive HR solution tailored to European regulations.
Top features for startups
- Performance and development
- Employee surveys
- Reporting and analytics
- Compensation management
- Time tracking
- Absence management
- Recruitment and workforce planning
- Workflow automation
Why Personio is a good choice for startups
Personio offers reliable HR and employee experience features for startups operating in Europe. However, the pricing may be high for early-stage startups.
- Comprehensive HR solution
- Automated and customizable workflows
- Single source of truth for employee data
- User-friendly interface
- Employee self-service capabilities
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- “Would require improvement to make it scalable for multiple locations”
- Some users find there’s a constant learning curve due to tool updates
- Some users say the platform frequently has bugs
- Some users have had bad experiences with customer support
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8. Rippling

Rippling’s platform for HR, IT, payroll, and spend management is used by a range of companies, including small businesses and startups. It has a workforce management platform and a human capital management (HCM) solution to cover many elements of HR. However, smaller organizations and startups may find it to be overly complex for their needs.
Top features for startups
- Global payroll
- IT management
- Finance automations
- Built-in HRIS
- Benefits administration
- Time tracking
- Global workforce support
- Custom reporting and analytics
Why Rippling’s a good choice for startups
Though Rippling may have a wider breadth of features than some startups need (and this comes at a higher price point), it may be interesting for companies that want to streamline HR, IT, and finance.
- Unifies HR, finance, and IT
- Supports payroll compliance at a global scale
- Robust security
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- “It feels outdated and like it was designed years ago”
- Some users say that platform navigation could be more intuitive
- Steep learning curve at the outset
- Customer support can be “hit or miss”
- Not ideal for small businesses that only need basic HR functions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Provides clarity on work expectations by providing a centralized location for answers;Gives employees a place to provide open and constructive feedback on the workplace;Cuts down on the amount of physical paperwork employees need to sign and keep track of.
Provides clarity on work expectations by providing a centralized location for answers;Gives employees a place to provide open and constructive feedback on the workplace;Cuts down on the amount of physical paperwork employees need to sign and keep track of.
Provides clarity on work expectations by providing a centralized location for answers;Gives employees a place to provide open and constructive feedback on the workplace;Cuts down on the amount of physical paperwork employees need to sign and keep track of.
Provides clarity on work expectations by providing a centralized location for answers;Gives employees a place to provide open and constructive feedback on the workplace;Cuts down on the amount of physical paperwork employees need to sign and keep track of.
Common Pricing questions
Our Customer Success team will help you get up and running and guide you to customize Leapsome to your organization’s needs. To learn more about the services we offer, head to our customer experience page.
Please note: Our customer success team’s services are only available to customers who implement Leapsome with an annual contract of €6,000 (or US$6,000) or more. However, ongoing email support and our Success Center of articles, videos, and best-practice resources are always available for all customers.
Yes, absolutely! You can test out Leapsome free of charge for a full 14 days — no credit card required.
Pricing depends on the number of employees, modules used, and contract length. You can use the calculator above to see an estimate of the price per employee per month by selecting the modules that you are interested in but please reach out to get a quote.
Continuous feedback is essential for employee development. To facilitate this, the Competency Framework, Instant Feedback, and Meetings modules are included in all plans, for all customers, at no extra cost.
These features are tightly integrated with the other parts of the platform. You can think of these as the glue that binds your processes together, giving your employees the tools to establish a culture of regular feedback and recognition.
Thanks to our best practice frameworks, Leapsome is ready to use from day 1. The setup is made easy with integrations with major HRIS platforms. Full implementation is usually done in 1–4 weeks.
There’s no setup fee and no additional or hidden costs!
The Leapsome platform — including all email notifications — is available in 13 languages: Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. Our sales team, customer support team, and our Success Center are available in English and German.
Our Customer Success team will help you get up and running and guide you to customize Leapsome to your organization’s needs. To learn more about the services we offer, head to our customer experience page.
Please note: Our customer success team’s services are only available to customers who implement Leapsome with an annual contract of €6,000 (or US$6,000) or more. However, ongoing email support and our Success Center of articles, videos, and best-practice resources are always available for all customers.
Yes, absolutely! You can test out Leapsome free of charge for a full 14 days — no credit card required.
Pricing depends on the number of employees, modules used, and contract length. You can use the calculator above to see an estimate of the price per employee per month by selecting the modules that you are interested in but please reach out to get a quote.
Continuous feedback is essential for employee development. To facilitate this, the Competency Framework, Instant Feedback, and Meetings modules are included in all plans, for all customers, at no extra cost.
These features are tightly integrated with the other parts of the platform. You can think of these as the glue that binds your processes together, giving your employees the tools to establish a culture of regular feedback and recognition.
Thanks to our best practice frameworks, Leapsome is ready to use from day 1. The setup is made easy with integrations with major HRIS platforms. Full implementation is usually done in 1–4 weeks.
There’s no setup fee and no additional or hidden costs!
The Leapsome platform — including all email notifications — is available in 13 languages: Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. Our sales team, customer support team, and our Success Center are available in English and German.
HR software implementation timelines range from a few days to several weeks, depending on platform complexity and data migration requirements. Simple HRIS setup for a small team can take as little as one to two weeks, while comprehensive platforms with payroll, integrations, and custom workflows may require four to eight weeks. Key factors affecting your HR platform rollout include data quality, integration needs, and internal resources dedicated to the project. Most vendors provide implementation support, and startups with clean data and straightforward requirements often complete startup onboarding faster than established companies with legacy systems to migrate.
The best HR software for small businesses covers essential HR features without unnecessary complexity. Prioritize employee records management, time tracking, absence management, and document storage as your foundation. Onboarding software capabilities help you scale hiring efficiently, while basic reporting keeps leadership informed. As you grow, payroll integration, performance management, and engagement tools become increasingly valuable. Avoid over-investing in enterprise features you will not use for years. The right platform balances current needs with room to expand, ideally through modular pricing that lets you add capabilities as your team matures.
Several vendors offer free HR software tiers or startup programs for small teams. These freemium HR platforms typically include basic employee records, time-off tracking, and limited reporting. However, free options often lack critical features such as payroll, performance reviews, and compliance tools. Trusted HR software for startups with under 100 employees usually requires a paid plan to access the functionality growing companies need. Many vendors offer significant startup discounts, extended trials, or flexible pricing for companies with a small team HR budget. Evaluate whether free tools will scale with your growth or create migration headaches later.
Most startups benefit from implementing HR software once they reach 10 to 15 employees, though the right timing depends on your growth trajectory and HR complexity. Signs you need startup HR software include spending excessive time on manual HR tasks, struggling to maintain accurate employee records, facing compliance concerns, or scaling HR processes across multiple locations. Early-stage companies with aggressive hiring plans should consider investing sooner. The cost of delayed implementation often exceeds the subscription price when you factor in errors, inefficiencies, and compliance risks.
HRIS (human resource information system) and HRMS (human resource management system) are often used interchangeably, though HRMS traditionally refers to a broader feature set. An HRIS typically handles core HR functions like employee records, absence management, and benefits administration. HRMS platforms may include additional capabilities such as recruiting, performance management, and learning. For startups evaluating the best HRMS platforms, the distinction matters less than ensuring the platform meets your specific needs. Focus on which HR software features you need today and what you will need as you scale.
HR software pricing varies widely depending on features, company size, and vendor. Most platforms use per-employee pricing, ranging from $5 to $25 per user per month for basic plans. Comprehensive solutions that include payroll, performance management, and analytics can cost $15 to $40+ per employee per month. Some vendors offer free HR tools for very small teams or freemium tiers with limited functionality. When evaluating startup HR software cost, factor in implementation fees, add-on modules, and potential price increases as your headcount grows. Many vendors offer startup discounts or flexible monthly subscriptions without long-term contracts.
HR software is a digital platform that helps businesses manage employee-related processes, from hiring and onboarding to payroll, time tracking, and performance management. For startups, HR software consolidates people operations into a single system, replacing spreadsheets and manual workflows. Most modern platforms fall into categories such as HRIS (human resource information system), which focuses on employee data and core HR tasks, or more comprehensive solutions that include people enablement features such as engagement surveys, goal tracking, and learning management.
The leading HR software for startups depends on your specific needs. For comprehensive HRIS functionality combined with people strategy tools, Leapsome offers a modular platform that scales with growth. For performance-focused teams, 15Five excels at engagement and goal tracking. For companies with international teams, Deel provides specialized global payroll and compliance features.
Startups profitieren von HR-Software, indem sie den Betrieb rationalisieren, das Engagement der Mitarbeiter verbessern und die Einhaltung der Vorschriften sicherstellen. Diese Plattformen bieten auch Einblicke in Echtzeit für eine bessere Entscheidungsfindung und helfen Startups dabei, effizient und nachhaltig zu skalieren.
HR-Software für Startups bezieht sich auf Plattformen, die darauf ausgelegt sind, die täglichen Kernaufgaben der Personalabteilung zu unterstützen — denken Sie nach administrative Aufgaben, Abwesenheitsmanagement, Zeiterfassung, Lohn- und Gehaltsabrechnung, und Leistungsbeurteilungen.
Obwohl jede Plattform anders ist, zentralisieren diese Lösungen HR-Prozesse und automatisieren Routineaufgaben, um vielbeschäftigte Personenteams zu entlasten. Durch die Implementierung einer zweckmäßigen Software können Personalleiter aufhören, in isolierten Systemen zu arbeiten, die Einhaltung von Vorschriften optimieren und einfach auf aktuelle Informationen zugreifen, um Berichte zu erstellen und fundierte Entscheidungen zu treffen, wenn das Unternehmen wächst.
💪 Leapsome kann mit deinem Startup skalieren
Unsere ganzheitliche Plattform bietet die Funktionen zur Personal- und Personalförderung, die Sie jetzt und in Zukunft benötigen.
Book your demo
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