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Grupa Pracuj SAGrupa Pracuj wants to increase focus on growth in DACH region (interview)
Listed HR firm Grupa Pracuj wants to maintain double-digit growth for its softgarden platform in the coming years, with a stronger focus on expansion in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), CEO Przemyslaw Gacek told an interview with PAP Biznes. He highlighted the significant growth potential in the German HR software market, estimating it to be ten times larger than in Poland.
"Three years ago, we acquired softgarden, a key player in the German and broader DACH markets. We are growing faster than the market and aim to maintain this momentum," CEO Gacek said.
"This year, we anticipate softgarden's revenue growth of several percent, with a long-term goal of returning to over 20 percent growth," he added.
Gacek continued that the growth potential in the area of HR Software is about ten times greater in Germany than in Poland. The group also plans to increase its presence in Austria and Switzerland, seeing the DACH region as a priority for future investments.
Grupa Pracuj operates in two main areas: recruitment platforms and HR software, including the SaaS-based systems eRecruiter in Poland and softgarden in Germany. By 2025, the company aims to increase the share of HR software revenue to 30 percent of total revenue, with a long-term target of 50 percent.
In 2024, softgarden’s net revenue reached over PLN 146 million (EUR 34.9 mln), a 9 percent year on year increase, with monthly recurring revenue (MRR) growing by 14.1 percent in annual terms.
Gacek stressed the platform’s international potential, noting its existing clients in France and Spain, and its openness to integrating with other market players.
While organic growth remains a priority, the company is also evaluating further acquisitions in the DACH region.
"The acquisition of softgarden was a significant step forward, and being in this market makes future acquisitions more feasible," Gacek told PAP Biznes.
The CEO acknowledged, however, the limited number of attractive targets due to recent market consolidation.
He also addressed challenges in the German labour market, including demographic shifts and bureaucratic inefficiencies, which could impact long-term growth.
"An ageing population and labour shortages are persistent issues, even with immigration. Deregulation could help, but the workforce deficit will remain," the CEO of Grupa Pracuj concluded.
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