Introduction
HERO Software’s journey began with a mission to combat climate change, but they ended up revolutionizing the construction industry. By providing essential tools for tradespeople, they’ve not only helped the environment but also improved the efficiency of small businesses across Europe.
The Vision Behind HERO Software
- Founders: Dr. Michael Kessler and Philipp Lyding.
- Established: 2020 in Hanover, Germany.
- Initial Goal: To reduce carbon dioxide emissions by accelerating the energy transition in the building sector.
How It All Started
Dr. Michael Kessler, a member of the Green Party with a PhD in solar energy, shared the inspiration behind HERO Software: “I looked at the best way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, such as via solar.” Realizing the building sector’s significant contribution to emissions, the founders aimed to quicken the energy transition in this sector.
Challenges Faced
Tradespeople were identified as the bottleneck for installing solar cells or heat pumps. To address this, HERO Software began by providing leads for tradespeople to install these systems, thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions from buildings.
Evolution of HERO Software
- Initial Focus: Installation of solar cells and heat pumps.
- Current Focus: A comprehensive platform for various trades including plumbing, carpentry, photovoltaic installation, and electrical services.
- Key Features:
- Customer contact management
- Project planning and execution
- Invoicing and payments
Milestones Achieved
- User Base: 20,000 users in the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region.
- Recent Funding: €40 million Series B financing round led by Eight Roads Ventures, with Cusp Capital also participating.
- Expansion Plans: To expand into Poland, France, and the Netherlands.
Market Position
Companies like Jobber and ServiceTitan have made significant strides in North America, but Europe remains a less tapped market. HERO Software stands out as the platform for tradesmen SMEs in the German-speaking DACH region.
Industry Insights
Lucile Cornet, a partner at Eight Roads Ventures, stated: “At Eight Roads, we have witnessed many successful stories in Vertical SaaS, and HERO stands out for its comprehensive product and experienced team. We strongly believe that vertical SaaS will enable entire industries to become more digital and sustainably successful.”
Future Prospects
- Technology Adoption: France and other European markets are a few years behind Germany in terms of technology adoption. HERO Software aims to bridge this gap.
- Sustainable Growth: By enabling tradespeople to manage their businesses more efficiently, HERO Software contributes to the sustainable growth of the industry.
Conclusion
HERO Software’s innovative approach not only addresses climate change but also empowers tradespeople across Europe. Their journey from fighting carbon dioxide emissions to becoming a leading platform for small trade businesses is a testament to their vision and adaptability. As they expand further, HERO Software continues to pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in the construction industry.
