Lattice Acquires Performance Startup Pando, Appoints Gago as CMO

What Happened

Lattice, a people management platform, acquired performance management startup Pando on 12 November. The financial terms of the acquisition were undisclosed. Concurrently, Lattice appointed Pando founder and CEO Barbra Gago as Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer. This move highlights Lattice’s strategy to enhance its offerings by integrating Pando’s capabilities and leadership.

Background and Context

Lattice provides tools designed to improve workplace communications, focusing on feedback, goal-setting, one-on-one meetings, and employee development. Pando, on the other hand, is known for its strengths in employee progression, evidence-based calibrations, and real-time performance signals. These offerings align with Lattice’s strategic direction, emphasizing AI’s role in understanding and enhancing workforce capabilities.

Gago, before establishing Pando, contributed to scaling several notable companies, including Culture Amp, Greenhouse, and Miro. This background positions her well to lead Lattice’s marketing and strategy as the company continues to expand its reach and influence in the HR software market.

Why It Matters

Lattice underscores the rapid pace at which job roles and necessary skills evolve due to AI advancements. The company asserts that while businesses are investing significantly in AI, many struggle to connect this investment to actual employee performance improvements. The integration of Pando’s capabilities is seen as a critical step in enhancing Lattice’s delivery of “trusted talent intelligence,” which aims to connect AI investment strategies to tangible business outcomes.

The broader industry context reveals a trend where HR software vendors are increasingly incorporating AI into their offerings to remain competitive. By acquiring Pando, Lattice aims to differentiate itself by offering comprehensive performance management solutions that not only track but also enhance employee performance through AI-driven insights.

What to Watch Next

Going forward, Lattice plans to further develop its AI strategies and offerings. Pando's acquisition is a part of Lattice's continuing efforts to integrate AI comprehensively within its product lineup, evidenced by previous acquisitions such as Mandala’s coaching technology and the development of Lattice MCP. Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, has articulated a vision where the deployment of AI serves to amplify human performance, suggesting that future developments from Lattice will likely focus on maximizing employee impact through innovative AI applications.

This acquisition also signals potential collaborations and partnerships that might arise as Lattice seeks to expand its footprint in the performance management sector. Observers and stakeholders alike will be keen to see how Lattice leverages Pando’s technologies and team to achieve its strategic ambitions.