The AI revolution in the Workforce: how Our Time is shaping the future of work.
In the world of startups, few journeys reflect the powerful intersection of purpose and profit like that of Janet Martin, co-founder of Our Time HQ. Janet’s path to entrepreneurship was born out of personal sacrifice and the desire to solve a deeply entrenched societal issue. Her story speaks to the heart of what it means to invest in impact—a journey that aspiring and experienced angel investors alike can find both compelling and inspiring.
Our Time cofounder Janet Martin
A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience
In a world where time is our most valuable commodity, Janet Martin knows firsthand how caregiving and personal health crises can derail careers and financial stability. Between 2008 and 2015, she left behind a promising career in New York’s music industry to care for her family, taking on the responsibilities of caregiver for loved ones battling dementia and cancer. As a woman of color, these challenges were compounded by systemic inequalities at the intersection of gender and race.
“Caregivers are a lot more likely to reduce their hours, take a lower-paid job, or quit their careers completely, I’ve done all three.”
Her personal experiences led her to a deeper realisation: caregiving responsibilities create an overwhelming burden that impact mental, physical, and financial health. This insight fueled her desire to build a business that could address these challenges at scale.
This sense of purpose led Janet to Zinc VC’s Venture Builder program, where she and her co-founder developed Our Time HQ, an AI-driven workforce management platform designed to help frontline professionals, especially caregivers, reduce their workload and regain balance.
“Our mission is to drive equality through more inclusive workplaces and to use the incredible technology at our disposal to level the playing field”
A Solution That Blends Purpose and Profit
Our Time’s platform is not just a solution for caregivers—it’s a catalyst for broader societal change. Leveraging behavioral science and AI, the platform automates mundane tasks and offers proactive support solutions. Janet envisions a future where Our Time reduces time spent on daily tasks by 30% while freeing up that same amount of time for fulfilling activities, from community engagement to emotional well-being.
“Profit and purpose can co-exist. The profit helps us to grow, scale, and reach more people. I’ve always been ambitious, and the thought of a business that can positively impact generations to come gets me up in the morning.”
For angel investors, this combination of purpose-driven impact and scalable technology can make for an exciting investment opportunity. With an early-stage pilot run through WhatsApp, the startup saw immediate results. Caregivers involved in the pilot reported feeling more supported and less overwhelmed.
“What stood out wasn’t the scrappiness of the pilot,” Janet recalls, “but how much people needed our solution. They wanted it on hand 24/7 to help reduce their mental load.”
The Critical Role of Angel Investors
Janet credits the early involvement of angel investors as crucial to Our Time’s initial success. For her, the value that investors bring goes far beyond capital.
“In the early days of our venture, angel investors believed in me, my co-founder, and our vision to make a positive impact. Having individuals who not only share our vision but have been willing to open up their network to us has been invaluable.”
Our Time coFounders Janet Martin and Charlie Munro
The introductions made by their angel investors have already led to conversations with high-profile brands, giving Our Time the credibility needed to stand out in the marketplace. Janet emphasises that angels bring credibility, validation, and a sense of trust that can shift conversations with other investors.
Janet also underscores the importance of diversity among angel investors, noting that varied perspectives help fuel innovation.
“Diversity in angel investment means that businesses that might not typically get backing have more opportunities to grow and scale”
A Call for Angels to Think Bigger
For investors looking to support visionary founders, Janet offers a piece of advice: think bigger. She admits:
“It took me a while to cultivate the confidence and certainty that I could scale a global business”
She encourages investors to get to know the founder, understand their motivations, and recognize the potential for long-term impact.
“Women of colour, in particular, often bring unique perspectives and resilience that drive innovation and success. Ask the founder about her ‘why’ and what keeps her motivated during the tough days. And be patient—overnight success is a long journey.”
Our Time is positioning itself to become a leader in AI-driven workforce solutions that address one of society’s most pressing needs. As they move toward profitability, they are committed to developing technology that is scalable, defensible, and impactful. Janet’s message to her investors is clear:
“We will ‘wow’ our users with a solution they want to tell their friends about because the impact is so positive. And we will drive healthy revenue that can be reinvested to grow the business”
Interested in learning more about Our Time HQ?
If you’re interested in learning more about Our Time HQ and their mission to drive an AI revolution in the workplace, contact Janet to learn more. You can contact Janet here.
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