Witty Works

Overview

Witty Works is a specialized DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) platform that unifies inclusive language guidelines with real-time writing assistance. Its core product, Witty, uses AI to detect unconscious bias and stereotypes in communication—from job descriptions to social media posts. It provides instant suggestions for inclusive alternatives, helping teams shift company culture through better daily interactions.

Founder story

Founded in 2018 by Nadia Fischer and Lukas Kahwe Smith in Zurich, Switzerland. Nadia, after 12 years in tech, realized that many groups were being left out because of how businesses communicate. She teamed up with Lukas to build software that moves inclusion from a 'box-checking exercise' to an operational superpower.

What it does

• Detects unconscious bias and non-inclusive language in text in real-time
• Provides inclusive alternatives and micro-learning explanations for every suggestion
• Includes a browser extension that works across LinkedIn, Gmail, and Slack
• Features 'Corporate Language Rules' to standardize brand voice across an entire team
• Provides analytics on team engagement with inclusive writing practices.

Who it's for

• HR & Recruitment Teams
• Marketing Managers
• Diversity & Inclusion Officers
• Corporate Communications

Why it works

• Immediate Impact: Unlike once-a-year DEI workshops, Witty provides constant, real-time feedback that changes behavior
• Efficiency: Reduces the time to write inclusive job descriptions by up to 60%
• Learning Loop: The micro-learning component educates employees on why certain words are biased, not just that they are
• Cultural Shift: Proven to increase candidate applications from underrepresented groups by using inclusive job ads.

Growth strategies

• Targeted the high- growth 'HR Tech' niche during the global corporate shift toward DEI.
• Leveraged a 'Case Study' approach showing ROI for recruitment— specifically more diverse candidates.
• Raised $787k in Seed funding to fund the development of their de- biased language AI.
• Positioned the tool as a 'Language Assistant' to reduce resistance to DEI training.

Alternatives

• Textio
• Grammarly Business
• Develop Diverse
• Gender Decoder

Comparison overview

• Textio: Focuses primarily on high-end enterprise recruitment; Witty is the more agile, multi-channel choice for all communications.
• Grammarly: Focused on general writing; Witty is the deep specialist for diversity and inclusion logic.
• Witty Works is the best choice for teams that want to operationalize inclusion at all organizational levels.