The Skedulo team. (M12 Photo)

Microsoft is investing in a startup that aims to simplify managing a mobile workforce and scheduling jobs for groups like field technicians and caregivers.

Microsoft’s venture capital arm M12 led a $28 million funding round for Skedulo, bringing the company’s total funding to more than $40 million. The cash infusion will help Skedulo increase headcount by 118 percent across its four offices in San Francisco, Vietnam, Australia and the U.K., including adding 60 new employees in Australia.

M12 tends to invest in startups that are tackling areas Microsoft is interested in, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and internet of things. Skedulo certainly checks that box with a focus on tools for what Microsoft calls “first-line workers,” the more than 2 billion people who aren’t bound to a desk and work in areas like retail, construction, manufacturing, healthcare and more.

In addition to ramping up hiring, Skedulo will use the funds to beef up its engine for matching workers to jobs. The company also plans to add more integrations with enterprise systems such as human resources, health records and payroll.

“Skedulo makes it easier than ever for modern businesses to manage a mobile workforce, providing customers the tools and resources needed to empower their employees on the go,” Priya Saiprasad, principal at M12, said in a statement. “We’re excited to support the Skedulo team in its efforts to better serve customers by enhancing the way employers engage with their employees.”

As part of the deal, Saiprasad, whose other investments at M12 include Pixvana, Workboard and Bonsai AI, will join Skedulo’s board. Other investors in the round include Blackbird and Costanoa Ventures.

M12 is made up of veteran Microsoft employees and venture capitalists. In addition to making traditional VC investments, it is tasked with strengthening ties between the tech giant and startup communities. M12, which has offices in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, London and Tel Aviv, has invested in more than 70 startups, and it recently expanded its footprint to India.

Other M12 portfolio companies that recently received investment include Workboard, GO1, Contrast Security, SpyCloud, nsKnox, and Zipwhip.

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