Draven McConville’s journey from homeless to London startup success | London Daily News

London’s tech scene has witnessed another significant success story with the recent acquisition of Klipboard, a field service management software company, by Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS). It’s a deal that marks a remarkable milestone for Draven McConville, the company’s founder, whose journey from homelessness to successful tech entrepreneur embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial resilience.

It’s an unconventional story that began far from London’s tech hub. At 18, Draven found himself homeless in Northern Ireland with just £200 and a bus ticket to his name. Starting as a glass collector in bars, by age 19 he had risen through the ranks, becoming a nightclub manager overseeing 110 staff and £250,000 in weekly turnover.

“Running a nightclub at that age teaches you real leadership fast,” he recalls. “You can’t manage burly doormen with just a title. You need to earn respect through actions.”

Building a Tech Company with a Difference

After successfully running a software development agency for some time, McConville spotted an opportunity. He founded Klipboard to address what he saw as a significant gap in the field service management software market. Unlike many London-based startups that chase rapid growth and quick exits, his approach was more measured.

“We identified that field service was a huge, underserved market,” he explains. “While most tech companies were racing to add AI and blockchain to their pitch decks, we focused on solving real problems for real businesses.”

It’s not uncommon for CEOs to become removed from day-to-day operations. Not so for Draven, who maintained a hands-on approach. He still regularly joins sales calls, often without revealing his position as CEO. It’s an approach that has helped Klipboard build strong customer relationships and maintain high retention rates.

“When customers finally discover I’m the CEO, they’re shocked,” he says. “But that’s exactly how I want it. Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about understanding your customers.”

Many startups fall into the trap of scaling rapidly, which often takes precedence over culture. At Klipboard, it was always about transparency and being accountable for decisions. “We run a very open organisation,” he explains. “I don’t care if you make mistakes. I care if you don’t tell me about them and what you’ve learned.”

And while many startups chased traditional venture capital funding, McConville chose a different path. Instead, he secured patient capital from a family office, allowing Klipboard to focus on building comprehensive solutions rather than chasing short-term metrics.

His plan paid off in 2024. In a climate where many tech companies are struggling to raise funds and find growth, Klipboard was acquired by KCS, validating the focus on sustainable growth and solid business fundamentals.

The acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for Klipboard and for McConville, who remains focused on the fundamentals that drove the company’s success: understanding customer needs, maintaining direct relationships with users, and building a team that challenges conventional wisdom.

As for London’s aspiring entrepreneurs, he has some practical advice. “People buy from people. Your product matters, but relationships matter more. I’ve seen terrible software succeed because they had the right sales engine and culture behind it.”

It’s a reminder that authentic leadership and strong customer relationships remain key to business success, just as ever.