- Soil Connect — an innovative digital platform connecting those who have soil with those who need it — announced the launch of version 2.0 of its mobile and web-based apps
Soil Connect — an innovative digital platform connecting those who have soil with those who need it — announced the launch of version 2.0 of its mobile and web-based apps. This brings much-needed modernization to the transport and management of soil, aggregates, and other materials.
And in connection with the launch, Soil Connect announced that its first institutional financing was led by Michigan investment group Common Sail, and disclosed that it has executed strategic partnership agreements with leading construction firms ARCO/Murray and Keeley Construction.
Launched in 2018 by third-generation builder and developer Cliff Fetner, Soil Connect solves many of the inefficiencies associated with the antiquated and fragmented approach to soil transport and management.
Typically, excavators, builders, contractors, landscapers, and other building professionals depended on a loosely defined network of groups and individuals to broker the exchange of dirt thus resulting in inflated costs, lost time, and project delays. And Soil Connect fully digitizes and streamlines the soil transfer process by allowing its users to share posts and transact in a way that maximizes transparency, profitability, and productivity.
Soil Connect is known for combining technology and social networking capabilities to serve as a one-stop-shop for all things dirt-related. And users have the ability to post listings and requests for soil, aggregates, and other materials. And it can upload supplier-certified analysis and geotechnical reports, bringing added levels of sophistication and accountability to the marketplace.
Plus the platform enables soil providers and recipients to transact at shorter distances between job sites, leading to quicker processing times and reducing carbon output while allowing users to save on expenses associated with transportation like administrator sourcing, truck rental, drivers, and fuel.
Cliff Fetner built Soil Connect with his son Daniel Fetner and daughter Perri Fetner — who both serve as strategic advisors. Daniel is a Principal at venture capital firm Corigin Ventures and Perri has a background in marketing.
Currently, Soil Connect is working to further refine its platform and update its service offering to enable users to track the movement of dirt between job sites and automate the dispatching process, among other improvements.
Key Quotes:
“As someone who has spent his whole life in the construction business, I have always been frustrated by the costly and outdated methods associated with locating and transporting soil. Soil Connect offers a sophisticated solution to this problem, as it is the first institutionally-backed platform to provide users on both sides of the transaction with significant cost savings and logistical efficiencies by shortening the distance, travel time and number of trips required between job sites. Our value proposition has been well-received in the industry, as our user base already encompasses thousands of construction professionals across the country who have posted more than 65 million yards of soil on our platform.”
– Cliff Fetner, Founder and CEO of Soil Connect
“We are extremely pleased to be working with three highly respected institutional partners in Common Sail Investment Group, ARCO/Murray and Keeley Construction, all of whom recognize the value and need for Soil Connect. We are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the significant market opportunity, especially as we anticipate local municipalities across the country will begin having conversations surrounding the transfer, quality, and tracking of soil. We plan to continue to invest in our technology and resources to further improve the platform and grow our user base in new markets throughout North America.”
– Daniel Fetner, principal at venture capital firm Corigin Ventures
