News Summary
Propel People, a new hiring platform based in Ohio, has raised $3 million in seed funding to transform how construction contractors hire skilled workers. Led by 1848 Ventures, the funding aims to enhance product development and marketing efforts. With features like smart candidate ranking and bilingual SMS engagement, Propel People addresses the pressing labor shortages in the construction industry, empowering contractors to efficiently find and hire qualified talent.
Propel People Gains $3 Million in Seed Funding to Transform Construction Hiring
A newly established hiring platform, Propel People, has successfully raised $3 million in seed funding to revolutionize the way contractors in the construction industry hire skilled workers. Based in Westfield Center, Ohio, this innovative company focuses on addressing the significant challenges that contractors face in finding qualified personnel.
Funding Details
The funding round, which concluded in July 2025, was primarily led by 1848 Ventures, an investment firm that specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The backing from 1848 Ventures underscores its commitment to supporting technology-driven startups that target operational improvements in traditional sectors. The firm, also based in Westfield, finds itself well-positioned to assist Propel People in its growth journey.
Strategic Plans for Expansion
Propel People intends to utilize the funds raised to accelerate product development and bolster its teams dedicated to engineering and marketing efforts. The company is focused on penetrating key contractor markets across the United States, aiming to streamline the hiring process within the construction field significantly.
Leadership and Expertise
At the helm of Propel People is CEO Dexter Bachelder, who brings over 25 years of experience in software as a service (SaaS) and construction technology to the role. His expertise will be crucial as the company embarks on its mission to enhance recruitment practices in the construction sector.
Tackling Labor Shortages
The construction industry grapples with a critical skilled labor shortage, with a staggering 94% of contractors reporting difficulties in recruiting qualified workers. This shortfall results in an estimated loss of $20 billion annually for the industry. Propel People is strategically positioned to combat this issue by simplifying the hiring process, allowing contractors to efficiently build capable teams.
Innovative Features of Propel People’s Platform
The platform incorporates cutting-edge features that cater specifically to the needs of contractors. Among its offerings are smart candidate ranking, instant candidate screening, and bilingual SMS engagement. These features aim to enhance the overall efficiency of the hiring process. The bilingual capability is of particular importance, as the platform is designed to serve both Spanish-speaking candidates and field-based contractors, addressing a diverse workforce.
One of the key functionalities of Propel People’s platform is the utilization of a proprietary technology called the ProScore engine. This advanced tool ranks job applicants instantly, ensuring that contractors can assess candidates quickly and effectively. Additionally, the platform includes high-engagement SMS tools that boost response rates and facilitate the pre-screening of potential hires.
A Vision for the Future
The recent round of funding symbolizes 1848 Ventures’ dedication to fostering innovation within SMB-centric industries by providing AI-native SaaS solutions. Propel People stands at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating that technology can bring about significant enhancements in traditional hiring practices. The platform aims not only to simplify recruitment for contractors but also to ultimately contribute toward a more robust and skilled workforce in the construction industry.
As Propel People prepares to roll out its services more widely, it aims to reshape the hiring landscape for contractors, making it easier to find and hire the qualified talent essential for their projects. With its innovative approach, Propel People could become a game-changer in the construction sector’s ongoing efforts to overcome labor challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- The SaaS News: Propel People Secures $3 Million in Seed Round
- PR Newswire: 1848 Ventures Leads $3M Seed Round for Propel People
- ESPN: Truth-Telling Loss to Michigan Continues to Fuel Ohio State
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
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