We write about prop tech, climate tech, and entrepreneurship.
January 2025 Newsletter
Shovels.ai kicks off 2025 with a smooth January release adding 9 new jurisdictions, improved documentation, new profile pages, and employee data. Looking ahead, the company plans major enhancements to permit data coverage and contractor insights, including job value modeling, retail associations, and revenue metrics.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
2024 Shovels Year-End Recap
In 2024, Shovels achieved significant growth across multiple fronts - growing revenue more than 10X, doubling the team size to six members, dramatically improving data processing capabilities, establishing strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Esri and Autodesk, and launching major improvements to the software platform including the V2 release.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
How to use the Shovels V2 API
The Shovels V2 REST API enables property, climate, and construction technology developers to access detailed building permit and contractor data. The API provides two primary resources: Permits (official construction documents from local authorities) and Contractors (skilled building trade professionals).
Ryan Buckley
CEO
December 2024 Newsletter
We added some new tools to the Shovels web app. We also now have a nationwide contractor directory, so anybody can look up contractors based on their service area, not just their work address. And we're doing a lot of data enrichment!
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Shovels 101: Maximizing Shovels Online
Learn from the experts how to get the most out of Shovels Online. Unlock use cases, best practices, and insider tips. Subscribe today before prices increase.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Shovels Spotlight: Deep Product Enrichment with Inspectify
Shovels highlights companies that use their product well. Inspectify integrates with the Shovels API to enrich their home inspection report. All parties involved appreciated the collaboration efforts to achieve the goal.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Welcome to Shovels Online!
Shovels launches their brand new web application, Shovels Online. There are updates to functionality and UI/UX. Shovels Online's app and free trial are live today.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Welcome to Shovels V2
Shovels is launching their upgraded API and web app product. It has increased functionality, improved UX, and brand new features. It releases October 24th for general availability.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Harvest Season at Shovels
Shovels adds more data sources to improve their product. This provides new opportunities for unique insights. This new data needs an upgraded API, which will release soon.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
October 2024 Newsletter
We're gearing up to launch Shovels Online at the end of the month, offering an easier way to access and download building permit data. A launch party is scheduled for October 24 in San Francisco!
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Understanding Permit Data Fields
The Shovels permit database has many fields, which are sometimes blank. Use the Data Dictionary to understand what these fields mean, and why some might be null. Review the most important fields for a permit, and filter out what isn't needed.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Why Don't All Addresses Have Permit History?
Not all addresses will have permits, for a variety of reasons. Variance between local requirements and enforcement means that not all projects require permits. Available digitization of permits makes it even more complicated, but Shovels has a plan keep improving data completeness.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Unlocking Shovels's Potential with Prolific
The Shovels data engineering team partnered with Prolific to crowdsource data analysis experts. These experts helped to curate and categorize messy permit data into an organized sample. Shovels used this sample to train their LLM models to unlock their entire data pipeline.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
September 2024 Newsletter
Great to meet you at RE+ and Blueprint and we announce our upcoming Shovels Online V2 and new API features.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
US Solar Construction Trends (2024)
The Shovels dataset and model can highlight key construction trends and patterns. In this blog, we discuss solar construction specifically due to the RE+ clean energy convention. Use Shovels to inform your construction company's business models and strategy.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Shovels 101: Permit Statuses
The Shovels ecosystem breaks down construction permit status based on jurisdiction regulation and construction cycles. Permits can be In Review, Active, Final, or Inactive. Users can investigate permit status via Shovels to analyze wider trends in contractor performance and jurisdiction activity.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Shovels 101: Finding Address Permit History
The Shovels API gives you insight into permit history by per address. Users can follow these three steps to retrieve this information. This data can help with contractor and jurisdiction analysis.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
Shovels partners with WattCarbon
Shovels supports elecrification efforts through their contractor search platform, as well as through supporting WattCarbon. WattCarbon provides a EAC (Energy Attribute Certificate) Marketplace to individuals and corporations alike. Both WattCarbon and Shovels help make climate-friendly and electrification projects accessible for all.
Alex Brown
Technical Support & Writer
August 2024 Newsletter
We introduce Neighborhood Vitality Index and our partnership with Esri.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Shovels partners with Autodesk Construction Cloud
Shovels announces official integration partnership with Autodesk Construction Cloud, enabling ACC users to access nationwide permit data, track jurisdiction timelines, and identify development projects directly within their existing workflow.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
July 2024 Newsletter
This month's Shovels newsletter focuses on community engagement and significant updates. We announced new partnerships with Autodesk, Esri, and Deep Sync, and launched a public Discord server for better interaction. We introduced a new Shovels Coverage Dashboard for transparency and made pipeline improvements, including AI-driven permit classifications. Join us at the Esri User Conference, suggest ideas for our SXSW panel, and check out our comprehensive data insights and upcoming features.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
June 2024 Newsletter
Shovels has launched a rebuilt web application and updated API documentation, adding city search to both the permit and contractor search APIs, along with license classification filtering. They re-classified every building permit in Texas, added 2 million permits, 1.3 million geo-tagged addresses, and expanded to 19 new jurisdictions. The nationwide contractor license data project is integrating state license files and building electrification rebate program affiliations. A website rewrite is underway, enhancing user experience. The new software build includes enhanced CSV downloads and city-based search functionalities.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Case Study: Empowering Carbon Free Homes
Discover how Carbon Free Homes, in partnership with Shovels, successfully met 100% of their installation targets for eco-friendly appliances like heat pumps and water heaters in Marin County, CA. Utilizing Shovels' extensive contractor database, Carbon Free Homes streamlined the matching process, greatly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Learn more about this innovative approach to sustainable home solutions and its impact on the climate tech industry.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
May 2024 Newsletter
Shovels has grown by adding Betty Wan to the team, aiming to enhance their revenue efforts and overall growth. They are currently seeking feedback on their clickable prototype for version 2, which integrates comprehensive building permit and contractor data into one app. Additionally, they are advancing their data capabilities with AI-enhanced tagging and climate tech initiatives, emphasizing the importance of building permit data in reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting sustainable building practices.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
How to use the Shovels AI GPT
A comprehensive guide to using Shovels' custom GPT integration with ChatGPT, showing how to search building permits and find contractors across the US using natural language queries. Learn practical examples and tips for getting the most out of this powerful tool.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
April 2024 Newsletter
We are very excited about the launch of Shovels V2. We know you are too. This is the start of the killer building permit application. The one that should have existed all along. We also can push 100 million building permits and contractors straight into Snowflake, Big Query, and Databricks.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Case Study: Revolutionizing Lead Generation for Beam
We transformed Beam's lead generation strategy by providing high-quality, regularly updated construction leads enriched with information such as permit type and recent activity, resulting in a 20-30% higher response rate.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
The list of every building permit jurisdiction in the US
Shovels is open-sourcing of a comprehensive list of building permit jurisdictions that we discovered only recently. Our new database includes over ten thousand building permit jurisdictions and associates each jurisdiction with a county and state.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
March 2024 Newsletter
We launched our Android app in Google Play and made a bunch of data pipeline improvements. We can also now share tables to Snowflake, Big Query, and Databricks.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 19: The books that saved us
Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro explore the influence of reading on their professional journey in proptech, discussing key takeaways from books like The Hard Thing About Hard Things and Atomic Habits. They highlight how these books have shaped their understanding of leadership, decision-making, and personal growth, emphasizing the role of reading in acquiring knowledge and insights that are integral to success in the proptech sector.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 18: Outbound sales masterclass
Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro explore outbound sales tactics in the proptech space, highlighting the evolution of sales tools and strategies over the years. They discuss the transition from manual to automated sales processes, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing sales efficiency and personalization. Buckley shares his journey in sales and the impact of tech advancements on sales practices, while Pizarro provides insights into the blend of technology and human touch in outbound sales. The discussion includes practical tips on using tools like Clay and Lemlist to streamline outbound sales and the significance of personalized communication in engaging potential clients.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 17: The Super Bowl pre-game show
Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro discuss the significance of having a figurehead in proptech, akin to Taylor Swift in music, to elevate the industry's visibility. They explore the potential for proptech companies to feature in Super Bowl ads, reflecting on the impact of marketing in technology's success. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling and effective marketing strategies in distinguishing proptech ventures in a crowded market, emphasizing the need for compelling narratives to connect with and captivate audiences.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
February 2024 Newsletter
We now have a web-based app that people can use to explore our wondrous permit data!
Ryan Buckley
CEO
How to use the Shovels app
Shovels app, a web application that provides access to building permit and contractor data, has been launched. The app, built using Google's Flutter technology, allows users to find and profile addresses, permits, and contractors. The application was developed in response to a market need for a user-friendly platform that doesn't require API knowledge. Future updates will include Android and iOS versions of the app, improved geocoding, and additional search and filter options. The app is priced at $499/month per account.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 16: The proptech macro investing environment
Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro offer an in-depth look at PropTech fundraising, from understanding different funding stages to analyzing current investment trends. Their discussion, enriched by Buckley's experience with Shovels and insights into investor expectations, provides valuable perspectives for startups navigating the fundraising process amidst a changing economic environment.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 15: The sexiest topic we've done so far: Zoning
This week, Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro embarked on an insightful journey through the complexities of zoning and its pivotal role in proptech. They discussed zoning's historical roots, its impact on urban planning and development, and the innovative ways technology is being used to navigate and reshape zoning regulations for a more sustainable and efficient future in real estate.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 14: Davos and the DOE
In this compelling episode, Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro shared their unique experiences at Davos and a White House roundtable. Fernando highlighted the networking and insights gained at Davos, focusing on sustainability and AI, while Ryan discussed the complexities of green infrastructure and permits in a White House session. The episode underscored the growing importance of proptech in addressing global challenges.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 13: The Sitzer/Burnett decision
Episode 13 delves into the Sitzer Burnett case which challenges the traditional commission-based system in real estate transactions. This lawsuit could potentially lead to a transformative change in the industry, paving the way for more efficient and consumer-friendly proptech innovations.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
January 2024 Newsletter
A custom GPT, millions of new permits and hundreds of thousands of new contractors. This is a major update to our database and the way you can access it!
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 12: Navigating culture in proptech
Episode 12 delves into the intricacies of company culture in proptech. They discuss its impact on decision-making, diversity, and sustainability, underscoring its essential role in shaping company dynamics and future growth.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 11: Exploring the intersection of proptech and climate tech
In this week's episode, Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro delve into the promising intersection of proptech and climate tech. They discuss the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, the role of virtual power plants, and the implications of Local Law 97 in New York, highlighting the significant opportunities emerging at this crossroads.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
December 2023 Newsletter
We added some new tools to the Shovels web app. We also now have a nationwide contractor directory, so anybody can look up contractors based on their service area, not just their work address. And we're doing a lot of data enrichment!
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 10: Navigating email marketing challenges
This episode of our podcast delves into the complexities of email marketing, highlighting the challenges of declining effectiveness despite advancements in tools and personalization. We discuss diagnostic approaches to improving campaigns, the significance of SEO in organic marketing strategies, and the importance of selecting the right keywords for successful engagement. The conversation underscores the necessity of adapting marketing strategies to effectively reach and resonate with target audiences in the proptech industry.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 9: Exploring AI in proptech
In our latest podcast episode we discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the proptech industry. We explore AI's applications in content strategy and real estate marketing, highlighting innovations like GPTs for content creation. The episode concludes with insights on the future of AI in proptech, emphasizing its potential to transform real estate and other industries.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Do rebate programs matter to contractors in the SF Bay Area?
We look at the impact of BayREN's initiatives on the Bay Area's energy upgrade trends, revealing a significant increase in heat pump installations by BayREN-affiliated contractors compared to a lesser focus on solar panel installations. It suggests that BayREN is strategically filling gaps in the building electrification market.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 8: Navigating commercial buildouts
In Episode 8 Fernando Pizarro and I explored the intricate process of commercial buildouts, discussing the importance of choosing the right space, the role of brokers, architects, and contractors, and the complexities of permitting. We also highlighted the transformative impact of technology in streamlining these processes, reflecting on the potential efficiencies it brings to the proptech industry.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 7: Exploring commercial building permits
In Episode 7, Ryan Buckley and Fernando Pizarro explored the complexities of commercial building permits. They discussed the variations in permits across states, the insights gained from analyzing permit data, and the practical implications for businesses and property technology. The episode highlighted the importance of understanding permit trends and regulations in commercial construction and renovation projects.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 6: Revitalizing urban landscapes in the age of proptech
In Episode 6 we explored the transformative trends in urban real estate, particularly in downtown areas like San Francisco. The discussion covered the rising vacancy rates, innovative repurposing of commercial spaces, and the evolving concept of coworking. We highlighted the significance of community in these transformations and contemplated the role of local government in shaping the future of urban landscapes.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 5: Navigating the sales and CRM landscape in proptech
In the fifth episode of our podcast, we explore the unique challenges of sales and CRM strategies in the proptech industry. We discuss the importance of aligning sales approaches with diverse customer needs and behaviors, and the impact of CRM choices on a company's workflow and culture. The conversation highlights the significance of structured customer relationship management in driving the success of proptech ventures.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 4: Unlocking hiring secrets in proptech
In the latest episode of our podcast, we explored the nuances of hiring in the proptech industry. We emphasized the importance of attitude, potential, communication skills, and cultural fit over traditional qualifications. Our discussion highlighted how diverse backgrounds, passion, and adaptability are key to building a successful team in the dynamic world of proptech.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
October 2023 Newsletter
You can now sign up for your very own Shovels API key and start building awesome stuff with building permits. Our new web application is going to have more features to find contractors, look up permits, and get all the permits on any address in the country.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 3: Positioning in proptech
The third episode, Fernando and Ryan Buckley dives deep into the concept of positioning in the PropTech industry. Drawing inspiration from April Dunford's book, Obviously Awesome, they explore how positioning can significantly impact the success and perception of a product. The episode uses a compelling analogy of a bakery specializing in chocolate cake to demonstrate how different positioning (cake, muffin, lollipop) can create entirely different market segments and customer perceptions, even with the same product.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
How to use the Shovels V1 API
The Shovels API provides an intuitive platform for proptech enthusiasts looking to leverage building permit data. Users can access and filter building activities via types or specific date ranges. The API employs 'tags' to categorize 33 distinct types of building activities.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 2: Fundraising in proptech
In the second episode, Fernando Pizarro and I explore the complexities of fundraising in the proptech sector. We discuss the convergence of proptech and climate tech, highlighting how their ventures integrate sustainable practices into real estate technology. The episode concludes with insights into the evolving Proptech landscape, stressing the significance of strategic partnerships and a strong commitment to business goals.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
The growth of EV contractors in California
In this final article of our series on EV charger activity in California, we explore the growth of EV charger contractors. We highlight the flourishing EV charger space and provide examples of companies operating in different parts of the ecosystem. Additionally, we showcase the jurisdictions with the most active EV charger contractors and analyze the increasing trend of new contractor activity. The data underscores the growing demand for EV chargers and the expanding market for contractors in this exciting industry.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Episode 1: Using no-code solutions in proptech
Proptech startups are like other startups: resource-constrained, we try to move as fast as we can with minimal burn. We take a look at two no-code solutions, Bubble and FlutterFlow, which we used to develop our minimal viable products for Aikito and Shovels.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
September 2023 Newsletter
I'm happy to share that we have processed all 100 million building permits nationwide. With the release of our markets endpoint, you can now see current and historical building permit counts for specific zip codes. We also revamped our API documentation to make it more user-friendly. We also updated our monthly API pricing.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
August 2023 Newsletter
Shovels, the leading provider of building permit and contractor API services, is expanding to Florida and Texas, with plans to cover all 47 remaining states by end of summer. We recently added date filters to our API, allowing users to easily access the most relevant data. Our team has also resolved any issues related to displaying dates in the API response. We are developing a new website that will offer registration and API key services, as well as a data explorer portal. Looking ahead, we are working on new market endpoints for building permits, providing valuable insights into current and historical trends by zip code.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
EV charger permit processing times in California
We conducted an in-depth study on electric vehicle (EV) charger permit approval times in California. Our analysis reveals significant variations in approval times across different jurisdictions in the state. While some jurisdictions in Northern California have remarkably fast approval times, many Southern California jurisdictions experience delays of up to two months. Streamlining the permitting process could be a key factor in improving EV charger installation rates. Interestingly, we found no correlation between the volume of permits processed and approval times, suggesting that bureaucratic overload is not the primary cause of delays. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and homeowners looking to navigate the complex landscape of EV charger installations and contribute to the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
The growth of EV chargers in California
At Shovels, we provide developers with access to monthly EV charger installation data through our building permit API. This data reveals the tremendous growth and geographic distribution of EV charging infrastructure, with insights into the locations and companies involved. Understanding this data is crucial for businesses, developers, and governments to identify areas for expansion and to make informed decisions. With our API, developers can accurately map existing charger locations, analyze infrastructure, and even predict future demand for electric vehicles.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
July 2023 Newsletter
We overcame data processing challenges and loaded all of California into our internal database, with an API update coming soon. Additionally, we are actively following up with Florida, Texas, and New York, and we remain on track to expand nationwide by the end of summer. We have also created a dashboard showcasing building electrification permits in Contra Costa County and made predictions for EV charging permits in 2024.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Go-to-market strategies for contech companies
Grow your contech startup with this comprehensive guide to go-to-market strategies, covering topics such as identifying target markets, developing an effective plan, and leveraging building permits to identify potential customers. We'll cover key topics such as identifying target markets, developing an effective plan, and leveraging building permits to identify potential customers. With these strategies in hand, you can create a successful go-to-market plan that will help you reach your goals and grow your business.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
June 2023 Newsletter
Enough with the fundraising blah blah blah. It's time to start talking about building permits! We've been working hard on processing 100 million building permits to provide you with high-quality data. We'll release the permits for California, Florida, Texas, and New York soon, with more to come. In addition, we've identified some really interesting go-to-market (GTM) uses for building permits.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Go-to-market strategies for proptech companies
Shovels can help you create an effective go-to-market plan that will ensure your message is heard loud and clear. From understanding the proptech landscape and developing target audience personas to creating a go-to-market plan using building permits and choosing the right technologies, we have you covered. We also highlight the importance of measuring and optimizing your go-to-market success through data analysis, A/B testing, and customer feedback.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
May 2023 Newsletter
Our final fundraising total reached an impressive $1,071,939.39. We are grateful for the interest and support we received during this process. We also expanded our team by hiring a full-time data engineer and two talented summer interns. One of our interns developed a chat AI interface for our Shovels API, which will be incorporated into our upcoming website. Additionally, we have been actively considering building and zoning laws and are excited about the potential opportunities they present. On another note, we are thrilled to announce that national data coverage is just around the corner.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
April 2023 Newsletter
We've raised over $960,000 in our successful fundraising journey, thanks to amazing investor support. Customers are equally thrilled about what we're building! Using permit data, we're tackling construction challenges like pre-construction timelines, approval steps, and costs. Our AI-powered system quickly analyzes permit data, allowing you to ask a chat-like interface about permits or kitchen remodeling. We're going national, leaving geographically-constrained data behind. Join us as we revolutionize the construction industry one permit at a time!
Ryan Buckley
CEO
March 2023 Newsletter
We have raised $610,000 so far, and I'm open to more strategic fundraising calls to help us find product-market fit. We completely revamped our website and released a prototype of the Green Contractor Directory. We continue to learn and adapt in the evolving permit and contractor data landscape, and we're building strong relationships with our competitors, who may turn out to be partners or potential customers. Our focus is now on contractor data, as we see a significant opportunity in this underserved market.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
February 2023 Newsletter
I'm excited to share the latest updates from Shovels and our journey in the world of building permit data. We've raised a seed round from reputable investors, allowing us to move forward with our plans. Our conversations with property technology and construction financing companies have been fruitful, and we're thrilled to have a roadmap and budget in place for the year ahead. We've also made progress in addressing data challenges, which are common in our field. I'm grateful for the support and advice we've received, and I'm looking forward to sharing more exciting news in our upcoming funding round announcement.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
December 2022 Newsletter
We've made significant improvements in how we describe the problem we're solving and our solution. Despite facing new challenges that have slowed us down, they have only fueled our determination to create more value. We've had great conversations with potential customers who align perfectly with our ideal profiles. Our back-office operational tasks are well underway, and we've also made strides in fundraising. While we received an offer from a venture studio, we decided to prioritize raising a seed round instead. With my co-founder Luka diligently collecting data and my focus on revenue and fundraising, I'm confident that we're on the right track. Exciting times ahead! Happy holidays!
Ryan Buckley
CEO
Introduction to Shovels
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Shovels, a revolutionary platform that aims to transform the way we discover and evaluate building contractors. With Shovels, we address the agency problem in the trades by providing comprehensive data on contractors' permits, inspections, and key metrics across multiple jurisdictions.
Ryan Buckley
CEO
