Following his studies in economics and finance, he worked with startups in South Africa, guiding them through their growth phases. Now an entrepreneur himself, he's using technology to empower businesses with more efficient workforce management solutions.

Niven Poleman (photo) is a South African economist and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of WorkWeek, an innovative startup helping businesses optimize workforce management.

Founded in 2023, WorkWeek offers a digital platform tailored to businesses employing salaried workers. Using data analytics, the platform streamlines payroll management, rewards top-performing employees, and simplifies time tracking, attendance management, and compliance with labor laws—particularly in labor-intensive industries like construction.

WorkWeek’s mission is to simplify workforce management, empower workers, and strengthen employer-employee relationships. “I’ve always believed that people deserve a fair chance to rise above their circumstances. WorkWeek is our way of helping wage-earning workers build great careers and giving businesses the tools to invest in their people,” says Poleman.

A graduate of the University of Cape Town, Poleman earned a bachelor’s degree in management and economics in 2018, followed by a bachelor’s in financial market economic analysis in 2022.

He began his professional journey in 2019 as a digital marketing manager and studio manager at YogaSpirit, a yoga studio. In 2020, he joined WeAreMonsters Innovative Venture Development, focusing on research and UX (user experience) design. From 2021 to 2023, he served as venture manager at The Delta, an entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting founders in creating groundbreaking ventures.

By Melchior Koba

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji