Born out of frustration with outdated and fragmented construction management tools, Appello set out to modernize the industry. While the company’s early origins have been well documented, what continues to stand out is how deliberately Appello chose to build and grow in London.
Appello is a London-based construction technology company that develops field operations software for industrial, commercial and institutional trades. Its platform replaces paper-based processes and disconnected systems with real-time digital tools that help contractors improve productivity, reduce overhead and deliver safer, more efficient job sites across North America.
From raising capital to hiring talent and securing non-dilutive funding, the company’s progress has been shaped by a local ecosystem that shows up at critical moments.
“London has been an incredible place to build,” says Ian Haase, co-founder of Appello Inc. “There’s a real willingness here to help founders succeed, whether that’s making introductions, sharing hard-earned lessons or rolling up your sleeves when a company hits an inflection point. That kind of support matters when you’re scaling.”
That collaborative environment is one reason London continues to gain attention as a tech hub with momentum. Appello points to a deep talent pool, strong infrastructure and a connected community that understands the realities of growth-stage companies. For Appello, those conditions translated into faster hiring, meaningful mentorship and a business environment that rewards ambition.
“You can build something meaningful here without the noise and overhead of a larger tech centre,” Haase says. “London gives you access to world-class talent and a tight-knit community, which makes it easier to stay focused on building a great product. Organizations like LEDC help amplify that by connecting companies to the right resources at the right time.”
As Appello scales, that connection to place is becoming more tangible. While the company was built as a remote-first organization, growth has shifted priorities toward culture and collaboration. This year, Appello is expanding its non-technical teams, including sales, customer support and account management, with plans to open a London office to support a hybrid model.
“There’s real value in getting people in the same room, especially as teams grow,” Haase says. “An office gives us space to collaborate, move faster and build the kind of culture that supports long-term growth. Doing that in London just makes sense for us.”
For emerging tech founders watching Appello’s trajectory, the leadership team emphasizes discipline over hype. Early traction can create a rush of opportunities, but not all of them contribute to sustainable growth. Staying aligned with a clear product roadmap, even when revenue is tempting, is what allows companies to scale with confidence.
“Focus is everything,” Haase says. “It’s easy to mistake activity for progress, especially when cashflow is tight. The hard part is saying no to what does not move the core product forward, but that discipline is what helps maintain a competitive advantage, especially when expanding into international markets.”
Looking ahead, Appello’s ambitions extend beyond growth metrics. In the construction technology space, the company aims to enable real, measurable change across the industrial, commercial and institutional sector by helping specialty trades improve productivity, reduce overhead and deliver safer, higher-quality projects. In London’s tech narrative, Appello wants to stand as proof that globally competitive SaaS companies can be built outside major urban centres.
“We want people to look back at Appello and say we helped put London on the map,” Haase says. “Not just because we grew, but because we created good jobs, built lasting value and showed what is possible when innovation is rooted in the community.”
