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 Secures $3 Million in Seed Funding to Transform Construction Hiring
Propel People, a cutting-edge AI-powered hiring platform, has successfully raised $3 million in seed funding as of July 2025. This investment marks a significant boost for the Westfield Center, Ohio-based company, which is specifically catering to the hiring needs of contractors within the construction industry. The funding round was spearheaded by 1848 Ventures, a venture studio that specializes in AI and supports smaller businesses focusing on Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.
Addressing Labor Shortages in Construction
With the construction sector facing a severe skilled labor shortage—where a staggering 94% of contractors struggle to find qualified workers—Propel People aims to alleviate some of the complications that come with hiring in this field. Labor shortages in the industry contribute to an estimated $20 billion lost each year, highlighting a critical need for efficient and effective hiring solutions.
Innovative Features of the Platform
Propel People’s platform is designed with a focus on enhancing the hiring process. It includes several innovative features such as smart candidate ranking, instant screening, and bilingual SMS engagement to optimize the recruitment workflow. The platform is inherently bilingual, ensuring accessibility for both Spanish-speaking users and field-based contractors, a crucial feature given the diverse workforce in the construction industry.
Strategic Use of Seed Funding
The newly acquired funds will be strategically utilized to accelerate product development, add to the engineering and go-to-market teams, and expand into key U.S. contractor markets. By focusing on these areas, Propel People aims to not only improve their product offerings but also to make a mark in high-demand regions across the country.
Leadership Expansion
In addition to the funding, Propel People has appointed Dexter Bachelder as CEO. With over 25 years of experience in SaaS and construction technology, Bachelder’s leadership is expected to steer the company toward its goal of revolutionizing hiring within the construction sector. His background includes leadership roles at prominent companies such as Aconex, Command Alkon, and Togal.AI, which have equipped him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise relevant to Propel People’s mission.
Elevating the Hiring Experience
The platform also incorporates high-engagement SMS tools to boost response rates, allowing contractors to connect more effectively with prospective candidates and streamline pre-screening processes. These features are designed to simplify the hiring process, enabling contractors to build effective teams more quickly and efficiently.
Investment Impact
This funding round reflects 1848 Ventures’ commitment to transforming industries focused on small and medium-sized businesses through innovative, AI-native SaaS solutions. Propel People was developed within the 1848 Ventures studio, which provides a supportive environment for startups to cultivate their ideas and business models. With their emphasis on utilizing advanced technology in recruitment, Propel People is poised to make a lasting impact on how construction companies hire talent in this challenging labor market.
The Future of Construction Hiring
As Propel People continues to evolve, its focus on improving the hiring landscape in construction stands as a critical step toward overcoming industry challenges. By providing contractors with the tools they need to successfully navigate the labor market, Propel People is not just gearing up to simplify hiring; they aim to foster growth, efficiency, and ultimately, success within the construction industry.
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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
