Scottish tech start-up BuildBuddy has secured £1 million in seed funding to transform construction material purchasing. Co-founded by Jamie Menzies and Alix Baldwin, BuildBuddy is a web platform that leverages advanced technology and AI to help SME builders find the best deals on materials, akin to Skyscanner’s flight comparison.
The platform aims to save builders up to 14% on orders by scouring the web for optimal deals and delivery terms. Menzies, inspired by his own frustrations with material costs while managing Zebra Property Group, teamed up with Baldwin, a former Funeral Choice managing director, to create BuildBuddy.
The new funding will support the platform’s expansion, with former Skyscanner executive Shane Corstorphine joining as a board advisor. Menzies and Baldwin believe BuildBuddy’s approach will streamline material procurement for the UK’s 330,000 SME builders and tap into the £72 billion UK construction materials market.
BuildBuddy’s £1 million seed funding marks a pivotal moment for the construction industry. By harnessing AI to optimize material purchasing, the platform promises significant savings and efficiency for SME builders. With the addition of Shane Corstorphine to their board, BuildBuddy is poised for rapid expansion and aims to revolutionize procurement in the £72 billion UK construction market. Co-founders Jamie Menzies and Alix Baldwin’s vision addresses a critical need within the industry, positioning BuildBuddy to become an indispensable tool for builders seeking cost-effective solutions. This innovative approach could reshape material purchasing and drive substantial improvements across the sector.
