Seattle-based Avante has raised $30m in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered employee benefits platform internationally, as employers look for ways to manage rising health care costs and reduce administrative workloads.

The round was led by Frist Cressey Ventures, with participation from new investors Sorenson Capital, Hearst Ventures and Morgan Stanley Next Level Fund, alongside existing backer FUSE. The latest investment brings Avante’s total funding to $40m.

The company plans to use the proceeds to expand into international markets and develop its network of AI agents, which help benefits teams evaluate programmes, assess vendors and automate routine processes. Avante also intends to improve the personalised guidance available to employees, helping them identify and access relevant benefits.

The funding comes as employers face mounting pressure to control health care expenditure. Large employers anticipate a median 9.2% increase in health care costs in 2027, placing additional strain on HR and benefits teams tasked with managing spending while maintaining employee support.

Many organisations still rely on manual processes and outdated information to oversee benefits programmes, despite managing multiple providers, insurance plans and regulatory requirements across different markets.

Avante’s platform uses AI agents to carry out benefits-related tasks, including reviewing vendor performance, preparing for contract renewals and identifying gaps in existing programmes. The technology can compare contracts with claims data, flag inconsistencies in plan documents and track important deadlines.

Last week, Avante introduced Ava Agents in beta, enabling teams to delegate recurring tasks to AI agents that return completed work for review. Employees can also use the platform to ask questions about their coverage and available support, receiving personalised guidance around the clock without having to wait for assistance from HR.

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