HERO Software

About HERO Software

Based in Hanover, Germany, HERO Software GmbH provides a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed as a comprehensive operating system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the skilled trades sector. The company was established in 2020 by founders Dr. Michael Kessler and Philipp Lyding. Their journey began with a previous startup, energieheld, founded in 2013 to streamline the process of finding tradespeople for homeowners. Through this experience, they identified that the primary operational bottleneck was within the contractors' business management processes, which prompted a pivot to create a dedicated software solution for the trades industry.

HERO Software targets a wide array of trades, including plumbing, carpentry, photovoltaic installation, and electrical services, primarily within the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). The business model is subscription-based, offering cloud software that digitizes and centralizes core workflows for trade businesses. This allows both office staff and field workers to manage every aspect of a project, from initial customer contact and quote preparation to on-site execution, invoicing, and final payment, with all information accessible across various devices. The platform serves over 20,000 tradespeople who collectively generate approximately €3.1 billion in annual sales.

The product is a holistic software solution that integrates project management, invoicing, scheduling, and employee management into a single platform. Key features include document management, time tracking, task management, and communication tools. It provides a cloud-based application that is accessible from both the office and the construction site, aiming to improve project throughput and operational margins for its customers. Significant milestones include securing a €40 million Series B financing round in July 2024, led by Eight Roads Ventures with participation from existing investor Cusp Capital and Federated Hermes. This funding is allocated towards team expansion, market expansion, and further product development, including enhancing financial transaction capabilities and integrating more third-party tools.