Shyft co-founders Chris Pitchford, Daniel Chen, Brett Patrontasch and Kyle Liu. (Shyft Photo)

Shyft Technologies, a Seattle startup that helps workers in the service and retail industries communicate and swap shifts, has raised $6.5 million.

The Series A round was led by Ignition Partners and Madrona Venture Group, and it brings Shyft to a lifetime total of $8 million raised. As part of the deal, Bob Kelly, managing partner at Ignition Partners, and S. Somasegar, managing director at Madrona Venture Group, will join Shyft’s Board of Directors.

Shyft says thousands of locations are using its app to help workers communicate with each other better and simplify the scheduling process. Shyft disclosed one notable customer: Gap Inc., which includes brands such as Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta.

“Shyft’s mobile platform is in high demand from global brands and associates to solve their scheduling challenges,” Shyft co-founder and CEO Brett Patrontasch said in a statement. “Antiquated methods such as social media groups, text messages, and phone lists aren’t keeping up with today’s hyper-connected workforce.”

Patrontasch founded the the three-year-old company with three others: CTO Daniel Chen, Vice President of Product Development Kyle Liu and Vice President of Workforce Solutions Chris Pitchford. The company was a member of the 2016 Seattle TechStars class.

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