xdeck Founder Stories:

1. Julian, before co-founding Plancraft, what experiences or challenges in the industry inspired you to develop a digital solution for the craft sector?

Wildly enough, my first really striking experience dates back more than 15 years. I was working on a two-week summer job as a 15-year-old in a local plumbing company. It was my first real job, and no one had told me to track my work hours. The boss did not want to pay me at first after my two weeks of hard work because that time sheet was not existent. That was then, but when my co-founder Alexander and I saw in 2018 that contractor companies still work without system, efficiency, and mainly pen-and-paper based, we knew we finally had to change this.

2. Plancraft recently secured a €12 million funding round to further digitalize the European craft industry. What are your primary goals with this new investment, and how do you plan to expand beyond the DACH region?

We operate in a market of over 3 million SME companies in construction. And to reach those companies, building both a pan-European product and brand takes time. And capital helps to shorten the timeframe. We have just launched the product in more countries and will be pushing heavily on internationalization in 2025.

3. Entrepreneurship often comes with setbacks. What was the best failure you made, and what did you learn from it that helped shape Plancraft’s success today?

Early on, we tried to be everything for everyone and nearly lost our core focus. That taught us to prioritize the real needs of craftsmen, develop the right features first, and test quickly. It’s the reason we now involve users deeply in our roadmap and iterate relentlessly.

4. User-centric design is crucial for software adoption, especially in traditional industries. How does Plancraft ensure its platform remains intuitive and meets the evolving needs of craft professionals?

When users feel that the product truly has an impact on their work life, they are willing to improve that even further. We are extremely happy that we have educated our users to provide feedback frequently. Moreover, we conduct intense interviews, and prototype in tight feedback loops. Bigger features are tested with real teams in the field before full rollout. We also stay close to changing regulations and industry trends, ensuring we adapt fast and keep the interface simple.

5. Reflecting on Plancraft's journey since its founding in 2020, what have been some pivotal moments or milestones that significantly influenced the company's direction?

Closing our seed round showed us that there is an actual problem-solution fit. Continuously growing exponentially (so not linearly!) showed that we were on the right track of scaling, too. Partnering with influential tradespeople (creators) and well-known brands (e.g. STIHL) expanded our reach. Each milestone reinforced our mission to create space for tradespeople by digitizing their workflows.

6. In a recent interview, you highlighted the significance of daily mindfulness practices, including meditation, affirmation, and journaling, in your routine. How have these practices influenced your leadership style and the organizational culture at Plancraft?

They keep me calm, focused, and empathetic, even under pressure. We encourage the team to adopt mindfulness habits that reduce stress and nurture clear thinking. This culture helps us handle challenges openly, innovate faster, and support each other’s growth. It has helped to understand the importance of a positive failure culture and this allows us to iterate faster than others and deliver value fast while having a strong internal bond.

7. I’ve come across your Tiktok videos on my fyp, great content btw.! What inspired you to make the decision to try this rather unusual marketing route?

Everyone has seen craftsmen in their van during lunch break watching videos. So, naturally, we wanted to meet those professionals where they actually spend time. Tiktok’s a direct channel to show our authenticity, share quick insights, and demystify tech for the industry. It’s part of our bold approach to stay visible, relevant, and approachable.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you and your team the best and we’re happy to accompany your journey.