When Draven McConville started his entrepreneurial journey, he had just £200 and a bus ticket. The Northern Ireland-born founder experienced homelessness as a teenager, relying on hustle and determination to survive.
Today, he’s the founder of Klipboard, a field service management software company that was acquired by Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) in July 2024 and has itself recently acquired Ram Tracking to expand its capabilities. His story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. “This early experience taught me the importance of resilience and self-development,” he reflects on his time without stable housing. “I’ve always emphasised how important it is to stay humble and never forget the lessons learned along the way.”
A Vision for Field Service
Klipboard started with a clear vision: to help field service businesses operate more efficiently. The platform enables businesses to schedule and manage jobs, improve customer experience, and streamline operations through an all-in-one cloud-based solution. The company serves a diverse range of industries, from FTSE-listed companies to SMEs in sectors including fire safety, HVAC, water treatment, plumbing, facilities management, and healthcare equipment servicing.
This versatility has positioned Klipboard as a leader in the field service management space.
From Hustler to CEO
McConville’s path from bartender to CEO required learning entirely new skills. “As I transitioned from a bartender to a CEO, I had to learn how to delegate and lead,” he explains. “I realised the importance of surrounding myself with talented individuals who complemented my skills and were smarter than me in certain areas.”
His leadership philosophy centers on leading by example and empathy. “I believe in leading by example and being willing to do any task I ask of my team. I also emphasise the importance of empathy and understanding the perspectives of my team members.” This meant building a culture where challenge and dialogue were welcomed, not feared.
At Klipboard, McConville built a culture centered on open communication and accountability. Transparency and accountability is important to him. “By surrounding myself with people who challenge me and encourage open dialogue, I tried to foster a culture of continuous improvement and growth.” This approach extends to how he thinks about mental wellbeing in the workplace.
“Growth requires a balanced mind,” McConville says. “The startup world can be all-consuming. Long hours, tough decisions, and constant challenges are par for the course, but without mental resilience, it’s easy to burn out.”
Securing Investment
For McConville, securing the right funding meant finding investors who could offer more than just money.
“When it comes to securing funding, I advise founders to carefully select their investors,” he says. He recommends looking beyond the capital and considering the additional value an investor can bring to the table, which includes their network, industry expertise, and ability to open doors for recruitment and revenue generation.
The Power of Brand
Coming from a background in brand and creative agencies, McConville has strong views on the importance of brand for tech companies.
“A true brand goes beyond appearances. It creates an emotional and cultural bond that resonates deeply with both customers and employees.”
He believes this is becoming more critical as AI commoditises technical capabilities. “Brand is more critical than ever,” he says. “With so much choice in tech, consumers gravitate toward brands they trust.”
This philosophy shaped how Klipboard approached its market. Rather than competing solely on features, the company built trust through consistent delivery and genuine relationships with customers.
The Road Ahead
McConville’s journey from £200 and a bus ticket to a successful exit is evidence that success isn’t just about the product or technology. And for aspiring entrepreneurs facing their own challenges, McConville’s story offers hope and practical wisdom: stay humble, build strong relationships, focus on your customers, and never give up.
