Two Women Build a Construction Tech Startup to Reduce Project Disputes with Better Record Keeping, Raising €523,000 (A$850,000) in Pre-Seed Funding
In an inspiring development in the construction technology sector, Scopey Onsite has successfully secured €523,000 (A$850,000) in pre-seed funding. This funding round was spearheaded by the UK Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) fund SFC Capital, with additional backing from Enterprise Ireland.
At the helm of this innovative startup are CEO Jenna Farrell and COO Gillian Laging, who co-founded Scopey in 2022. They created a transformative software platform aimed at optimizing data management on construction sites in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. The platform helps construction teams efficiently capture and manage critical project information, utilizing AI to convert informal communications—like WhatsApp messages and voice notes—into well-structured records that facilitate smoother office operations.
After relocating to Ireland with her family and Irish-born husband, Farrell established the company’s headquarters there, allowing them access to various supports from Enterprise Ireland alongside UK funding. Meanwhile, Laging continues to operate from Melbourne, enabling a transcontinental approach to their business.
Farrell emphasized the core mission of their platform: to significantly minimize disputes in commercial construction projects while saving time and lowering risks. “Scopey Onsite will enable teams to swiftly and accurately capture site events, reducing disputes stemming from incomplete information, all while providing the tools for effective substantiation,” she stated.
The innovative nature of Scopey Onsite lies in its ability to allow construction crews to document events in real-time, empowering office staff with easy access to searchable, structured evidence. This approach not only streamlines operations but also enhances accountability within teams.
Laging highlighted the importance of implementing technology in the construction space without causing disruption. “Technology can drive efficiency, but deploying it can be challenging, especially in an industry where work is continuous,” she explained. “It’s impractical to halt operations to train crews on new software, leaving the success reliant on a few ‘tech champions’ who may not stay long.”
To combat this, Scopey Onsite leverages existing communication habits for efficient data capture. By integrating chat-based workflows with intelligent AI, they transform typical text exchanges into structured information, ensuring that crucial details are shared promptly and effectively. This approach directly addresses long-standing issues related to documentation, accountability, and commercial risks inherent in construction projects.
Enterprise Ireland’s senior market adviser for ANZ, Niall Casey, recognized the relevance of Scopey’s solution in today’s construction environment. “With disputes and claims consuming significant commercial resources on Australian projects, there’s mounting pressure on contractors to enhance how evidence is sourced at the ground level,” he remarked. “Scopey helps them manage this process effortlessly, preventing cost and schedule overruns.”
