London’s buzzing tech scene recently celebrated a milestone acquisition: Klipboard, a field service management software company, was snapped up by Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS).
For most, it’s just another successful deal. But for Klipboard’s founder, Draven McConville, it’s the culmination of an extraordinary journey—one that began with homelessness and ended with entrepreneurial triumph.
McConville’s story is as compelling as it is unconventional, offering a masterclass in grit, leadership, and the art of building a business with purpose.
How it all started
At just 18, McConville found himself homeless in Northern Ireland with nothing but £200 and a bus ticket. He took whatever work he could find, starting as a glass collector in pubs. By 19, he was managing a nightclub, overseeing a 110-strong team and a weekly turnover of £250,000.
“Running a nightclub at that age teaches you real leadership fast,” McConville recalls. “You don’t manage burly doormen with a title—you earn their respect through action.”
That early baptism by fire forged the leadership style he would carry into the tech world: grounded, action-oriented, and deeply empathetic.
Starting his fintech startup
After years in software development, McConville saw an untapped market in field service management—a space ignored by flashier tech trends like AI and blockchain. In 2015, he founded Klipboard with a singular focus: to solve real-world problems for businesses managing mobile workforces.
“We weren’t chasing buzzwords or rapid growth,” he says. “We focused on understanding our customers and delivering exactly what they needed.”
That customer-first ethos extended to every part of Klipboard’s culture. While many CEOs adopt a hands-off approach, McConville stayed embedded in the business. Whether joining sales calls or troubleshooting directly with clients, he made sure to stay connected.
“Customers are often shocked when they realise I’m the CEO,” he says. “But leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about listening and learning.”
Draven’s path to success
Klipboard also defied the startup playbook by rejecting traditional venture capital in favour of patient funding from a family office. This allowed McConville to build a company on solid fundamentals rather than chasing short-term growth metrics.
In an era where startups burn bright and flame out fast, this steady, disciplined approach paid off. Klipboard’s acquisition by KCS in 2024 validates a strategy centred on sustainable growth and real customer value.
Lessons for London’s next generation of entrepreneurs
Now firmly established as a tech success story, McConville is eager to share what he’s learned. His advice for aspiring founders is refreshingly straightforward:
“People buy from people. Your product matters, but relationships matter more. I’ve seen terrible software thrive because the team behind it knew how to build trust.”
He also emphasises transparency and accountability within teams. “Mistakes don’t bother me. What matters is how quickly you own them and what you’ve learned.”
With Klipboard’s future secure under KCS, McConville shows no signs of slowing down. His journey from homelessness to tech success is not just a personal victory but a testament to what’s possible when grit, empathy, and smart strategy converge.
In a startup ecosystem often obsessed with flashy innovations and rapid exits, McConville’s story is a powerful reminder that authenticity, strong leadership, and a commitment to customers can still lead the way.
