A modern approach to hiring in the construction industry with mobile technology.
1848 Ventures has invested $3 million in Propel People, a mobile-first hiring platform aimed at addressing labor shortages in the construction industry. The platform, designed to streamline the recruitment of skilled tradespeople, features AI-driven tools that enhance hiring efficiency. Propel People aims to tackle the ongoing labor deficit affecting the industry by providing innovative solutions for contractors to enhance their hiring practices. With dual-language support and a mobile-friendly interface, this investment is poised to transform how construction firms recruit and retain talent.
1848 Ventures has taken the lead in a significant $3 million seed funding round for Propel People, an innovative mobile-first hiring platform designed specifically for the construction industry. This new solution aims to assist contractors in locating skilled tradespeople swiftly and efficiently, addressing an urgent need amidst a persistent labor shortage that costs the sector over $20 billion annually.
In a strategic move, Propel People has appointed Dexter Bachelder as its Chief Executive Officer. With over 25 years of experience in construction technology, Bachelder brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company. His previous roles in major firms like Aconex and Command Alkon pave the way for Propel People’s growth and market impact.
Developed within the 1848V Venture Studio, Propel People addresses some of the most significant hiring challenges faced by contractors. The platform is tailored for users primarily in the field, ensuring that it caters to the unique requirements of construction workers. By leveraging an AI-driven platform, Propel People incorporates intelligent candidate ranking, instant screening, and two-way SMS communication features that enhance the recruitment process.
The centerpiece of Propel People’s technology is the ProScore engine, which estimates and ranks applicants quickly, streamlining the hiring operations. This advanced feature is particularly helpful in an industry grappling with a shortage of skilled labor. Alongside effective ranking, the platform’s ability to enable two-way texting significantly improves response rates, facilitating a more engaging communication process for both contractors and candidates. Additionally, the platform supports communication in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse workforce within the construction sector.
The construction industry currently faces a dual challenge: an aging workforce and a persistent labor shortage. Propel People not only helps contractors find skilled labor but also innovates traditional recruitment practices to equip them with efficient tools for team-building. By simplifying the often tedious aspects of hiring, the platform allows HR teams to focus more on achieving results rather than becoming mired in extensive screening processes.
Early feedback from industry professionals has been overwhelmingly positive. HR Manager at Design Electric, Inc., Cassandra Roop, noted the significant improvements Propel People brings to the recruiting process. With a focus on enhancing their operations, contractors can now build effective teams more adeptly and manage the ongoing challenges posed by project delays and workforce shortages.
The funding from 1848 Ventures is expected to enable Propel People to enhance its product development further and expand its engineering and marketing teams. The goal is to penetrate key contractor markets across the United States, positioning Propel People as a transformative solution for human resources within the construction industry.
1848 Ventures aims to continue scaling AI-native software companies that meet the specific needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This funding round emphasizes the critical need for innovative solutions to combat labor shortages in the construction sector. Propel People stands as a testament to the opportunities available for innovation in recruitment, providing contractors with the tools necessary to overcome longstanding hurdles in hiring and team-building.
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