Engage PEO: Profile and What to Verify
Engage PEO is a fast-growing national PEO founded in 2011 and headquartered in Hollywood, Florida - IRS-certified since January 1, 2017, ESAC-accredited since 2012, SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II examined, past 100,000 employees served, and taken private under a Lightyear Capital agreement announced April 2025.
At a glance
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011, by CEO Jay Starkman |
| Headquarters | Hollywood (Fort Lauderdale area), Florida |
| IRS CPEO status | Certified; first effective date January 1, 2017 - among the first cohort |
| ESAC accreditation | Accredited since 2012; reports being the first PEO accredited from inception |
| Security examinations | SOC 1 Type II and SOC 2 Type II completed |
| Scale | Past 100,000 employees served (2025); clients in all 50 states |
| Ownership | Lightyear Capital purchase agreement announced April 2025; later reported alongside Kohlberg & Co. |
| Model notes | Legal-driven HR delivery; broker- and agent-friendly channel |
| Recent M&A | Zamp HR, SynchronyHR, HRi (2024); Axios HR, Aspen HR (2025) |
| Published pricing | None found; quote-based |
Checked 2026-08-25 primarily against engagepeo.com (about page and press releases) with ownership corroborated by Mergr.
What they offer
Two things differentiate Engage. First, its HR delivery mixes attorneys with HR professionals - compliance answers come with legal footing, unusual in the category. Second, it built its distribution with insurance brokers rather than around them, similar to PrestigePEO. The acquisition sprint (six deals in four years) means buyers should ask which entity signs their agreement after any integration.
Who fits
Compliance-sensitive SMBs - healthcare, staffing, multi-state services - and broker-led buyers who want their agent compensated inside the arrangement.
Verify before signing
- The contracting entity's CPEO effective date applies to you - see why certification matters.
- Benefits carrier lineup and renewal mechanics in writing.
- Exit data format and timing - exit data clause.
- Fee change caps at renewal - negotiation guide.
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Frequently asked
Is Engage PEO IRS-certified?
Yes - CPEO with a first effective date of January 1, 2017, per the company, which places it in the first certification cohort.
Who owns Engage PEO?
A Lightyear Capital purchase agreement was announced in April 2025; Mergr subsequently listed Kohlberg & Company alongside Lightyear as owners.
How large is Engage?
Past 100,000 employees served as of 2025, with clients in all 50 states.
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