Founder, CEO,
Tech Entrepreneur & Angel Investor.
£200, a bag full of clothes and a bus ticket. My journey to entrepreneurship was not really typical but is any entry into entrepreneurship typical? I was an 18 year old kid, with a top school education and one day the rug was pulled from under my feet - this was the day my journey began.
I've taken that £200 and applied myself in various businesses, culminating in starting, building and exiting two tech companies. I started a software development company at 26 years old and built it into a successful business that created software products for brands such as KIA Motors, Coca Cola, Terex Corp, Jaguar Land Rover and many more.
After successfully exiting that business I then identified a gap in the market for cloud-based tools to manage field service operations more effectively. Drawing on my previous experience, I launched Klipboard with a vision to simplify the complexities of managing teams in the field. Under my leadership, I formulated a strategy for seeking investment which resulted in securing $3 million from a Seattle based Private Equity fund and a range of Angels in the UK.
I executed the business plan ensuring growth in customer acquisition and delivering on key milestones enabling Klipboard to quickly gain traction and work with many companies in the UK, Ireland, Australia and US. Customers such as Caterpillar, TUI and Oxford Instruments rely on Klipboard for seamless job scheduling and real-time communication between office and field staff.
Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), a portfolio company of CapVest, a leading private equity investor acquired Klipboard in July 2024. I currently sit on the Executive Leadership team, collaborating on driving the growth strategy and vision for Kerridge Commercial Systems whilst also leading the newly created Field Services software division.
I have gone on to achieve things I never dreamt were possible, I was a Chamber of Commerce winner of Young Person in Business and more recently I received the Freedom of The City of London. I got to sign my name in the book alongside many great people such as Nelson Mandela, an incredible experience.
In addition to my corporate ventures, I do speaking engagements and bring my tech knowledge to charitable causes. Close to my heart is homelessness due to my own experience. I developed an app that helps citizens report people sleeping rough through mobile geo-location and winning a Tech4Good Award.
Draven McConville shares his journey from being homeless at 18 to becoming the CEO of Klipboard. He emphasises the importance of hustle, determination, resilience, and self-development in his success. Draven provides valuable insights into securing funding, including the importance of finding the right investors who can bring more than just capital to the table. He also highlights the need for a robust financial plan and the importance of building a strong culture within a company.
At the ICA Conference, Draven McConville delivered an inspiring speech focused on shaping the future workforce. He shared his vision of how companies must adapt to a rapidly evolving work environment. Draven discussed how leaders can cultivate resilient, adaptable teams capable of thriving in a digital-first landscape. He emphasized the need for businesses to invest in technologies that enable flexibility, foster collaboration, and empower employees, no matter where they are located.
What's the difference between 'smart money' and 'capital? Draven McConville, the CEO and founder of Klipboard, dives into this important distinction for entrepreneurs and business leaders. In this explanation, Draven offers valuable insights to those considering investment from a US-based fund and incubator, highlighting how 'smart money' goes beyond just providing funds. He elaborates on how it can bring strategic advice, industry expertise, and valuable networks - more than just capital.
