Movers and Shakers: HR tech landscape August 2025
by Silver Cloud
As we head into the final quarter of the year, we're seeing a surge of renewed confidence in the market, with a mix of strategic acquisitions, executive moves, and AI advancements signalling a fresh wave of momentum.
Private equity activity is also ramping up, with investors and operators alike showing growing appetite for digital HR infrastructure and AI-powered workforce solutions. The race to consolidate and innovate is back on and the second half of 2025 is already shaping up to be a busy one.
Here’s what made headlines in August:
Dayforce
Shares in Dayforce jumped 24% following reports of buyout talks with Thoma Bravo, the US-based private equity firm. While discussions are still reportedly in early stages, the potential acquisition has sparked considerable interest and speculation across the HR tech market.
UKG
UKG has appointed Jim Joudrey as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Formerly UKG’s SVP of Engineering, Joudrey will now lead the company’s global tech strategy and innovation roadmap, with a particular focus on AI, data security, and scalable architecture.
SAP
SAP is set to acquire SmartRecruiters, an established talent acquisition platform, in a move that will significantly enhance SAP’s own recruiting capabilities within the SuccessFactors suite. This acquisition is expected to deepen SAP’s appeal among enterprise clients seeking modern, flexible hiring solutions.
Workday
Workday is continuing its AI evolution with the acquisition of Paradox, an AI-powered conversational recruiting platform. The acquisition supports Workday’s strategy to integrate intelligent, automated experiences across the talent lifecycle — while also reinforcing its commitment to branded AI innovation in a competitive landscape.
Oracle
In a major tech announcement, Oracle has deployed OpenAI’s GPT-5 across its database and cloud applications portfolio — including its HCM suite. This rollout brings new generative AI capabilities to Oracle’s customers, focused on improving decision-making, automating tasks, and creating more intelligent, responsive workflows.
Deel
Deel has introduced AI Workforce, an ambitious new feature that allows businesses to onboard and manage AI agents as part of their workforce — alongside human employees. The launch raises big questions (and possibilities) about the future of work, compliance, and organisational design.
ADP
ADP’s Lyric™ HCM platform has been recognised as one of the Top HR Products of 2025 by HR Executive. The award highlights Lyric’s intuitive user experience and next-gen capabilities, including personalised workflows, embedded intelligence, and mobile-first design.
Access
UK-based recruitment software provider Eploy has been acquired by The Access Group, further strengthening Access’ position in the HR software market. Eploy’s talent acquisition platform will complement Access' existing HRIS and workforce solutions, particularly in the mid-market.
Omni HR
Omni HR has acquired MajuHR, a Singapore-based HR software company, as part of its strategy to expand across Asia. The acquisition is expected to enhance Omni HR’s product offerings in payroll and performance management while accelerating its regional growth.
HR Path
HR Path has acquired RKM Consulting, a prominent SAP consultancy based in Australia. The move strengthens HR Path’s implementation and support capabilities across the APAC region, particularly for enterprise clients using SAP SuccessFactors.
Industry recognition for Cezanne
Cezanne has been named a finalist for HR Tech Provider of the Year at the 2025 Personnel Today Awards, in recognition of its innovative HR and payroll solutions. The nomination highlights Cezanne’s mission to become the most loved and trusted provider in the industry.
August has marked a clear return to confidence across the HR tech landscape, with strategic investment, AI rollouts, and M&A activity dominating the headlines. As providers look to strengthen their platforms and expand their reach, it’s an important moment for HR leaders to assess where their own systems stand and to discover how prepared they are for what’s next.
Looking to check in on your own organisation’s digital readiness? Try our Digital HR Maturity Quiz to find out where you stand.
