Digital workplace platform tech startup Firstup announces Nicole Alvino, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, as new CEO

Firstup, a San Franciso-based SaaS startup that provides a digital workplace platform, announced that Nicole Alvino, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, has been appointed CEO. The news came after Gary Nakamura stepped down as CEO.

Taking over from Gary Nakamura, Alvino will direct the organization in its mission to transform workforce communications to work for every worker. Nakamura is stepping down after navigating the organization through exceptional growth as SocialChorus and leading the successful merger of SocialChorus and Dynamic Signal to form Firstup.

Founded in 2010, the Boston, MA-based Firstup delivers a digital employee experience that helps companies reach, connect, and engage every worker, everywhere. The startup is redefining the digital employee experience to put people first and lift companies up. Its SaaS software is used by 40% of Fortune 100 companies including Amazon, Boeing, Ford, and Pfizer.

In addition to the CEO appointment, Firstup also announced that Jialin Zhang has joined its Board of Directors. Zhang currently serves as a Vice President at Sumeru Equity Partners and helps lead the firm’s investments across enterprise software sectors, including HCM software and IT/DevOPs. Her current investments include Firstup, 360Learning, and Tasktop. Zhang will bring her extensive financial and SaaS expertise and commitment to DEI to the Board.

Exiting 2021 with record growth, Firstup serves 40 of the Fortune 100 companies, reaching and connecting more than 15 million employees daily. The business will surpass $100M in revenue in 2022 as a leader in the Workforce Communications & Digital Employee Experience (DEX) space. As a founder of Firstup, Alvino will lead as CEO effective immediately, embracing her vision to give every worker the information and access they need to thrive and every leader the insights to mobilize their workforce.

“Gary has been instrumental in helping the business reach key milestones as SocialChorus and now as Firstup,” commented John Brennan, chairman of the board. “We respect his decision and are pleased that Nicole – a founder of the company, visionary in the workforce communications market and outstanding leader – is ready to take Firstup to the next level.”

“People are the foundation to any business, and we’ve always known the importance of reaching every worker, especially the front line,” said Nicole Alvino. “I look forward to continuing to partner with our extraordinary customers and team to deliver the best digital employee experience for every worker.”