3D Repo, creator of cloud-based collaboration platform for building information modelling (BIM), has appointed Jon Hale to the position of chief financial and operating officer (CFOO)
As the new chief financial and operating officer, Jon Hale brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and has a background in traditional investment management where he started working at a hedge fund in the US, mainly working with businesses in the technology and energy sectors.
Following that, he attained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and completed his master’s in engineering and robotics in Boston. All of this naturally led him into venture capital (VC) where he was involved in investing in technology.
Hale played a key role in the 3D Repo and Mott MacDonald Ventures partnership
Hale was first introduced to 3D Repo when he returned to the UK where he was involved in launching Mott MacDonald Ventures, the investment arm of Global management, engineering, and development consultancy, Mott MacDonald.
In his role there, Jon helped connect 3D Repo with Mott MacDonald business units where a strategic partnership was formed that would aim to help 3D Repo deploy its digital collaboration platform on more of the most challenging construction projects in the UK.
During this process, and then later as an investor at Goldacre Ventures, Hale gained a good understanding and first-hand experience of the industry, 3D Repo’s clients, and customer base.
Jon Hale said: “I’m excited to bring my experience and contribute to a growing team.
“I’ve known 3D Repo and the team for over two years now and I feel the timing is right with all the investment going into construction technology. I have full faith in what 3D Repo is doing and I’m looking forward to helping the business continue to grow.
3D Repo can help AEC professionals deliver their projects wherever they are working from
“The COVID-19 pandemic caused a big shift towards remote working and highlighted a need for more collaborative cloud computing solutions. Lately, we’re seeing a lot of investment going into construction technology and 3D Repo is in a great position to help AEC professionals deliver their projects regardless of where they are working from.
“What 3D Repo is doing for construction has been likened to what Hopin has done for virtual events. From an investor’s point of view, there are many point solutions available that can handle one small part of a workflow, whereas 3D Repo offers a platform solution with a suite of tools and integrates easily with your other software.
3D Repo aims to expand into international markets
“Another exciting area for us to look at is expansion into other international markets following strong growth in the UK market. The UK team has more than doubled in size in the past couple of years after seeing an unprecedented increase in demand for its cloud-based collaboration platform, accelerated by the covid-19 pandemic.
“I’m looking forward to helping scale the business internationally. The UK has seen good growth in BIM adoption in recent years, and I think the 3D Repo platform is in a good position to scale up in overseas markets.”
Hale will be wearing many different ‘hats’ in his role as chief financial and operating officer, helping the wider team in many different capacities, with a focus on growing the team with more fantastic talent in line with plans for growth.
Hale will help navigate fundraising for 3D Repo
Another key part of his role will be helping to navigate fundraising to help 3D Repo with the plans to expand both locally and internationally.
Hale added: “Construction technology is a relatively new space, especially in Europe, so there is every opportunity to pave our own way to success and help to create a better-built environment. There aren’t many big players in this space yet so it’s exciting to be joining an innovative team with lots of potential.”
