Heave
Overview
Heave is an innovative on-demand platform based in St. Petersburg, Florida, designed for providing heavy equipment repair services. Founded in 2020 by Alex Kraft, the company connects construction companies with qualified, independent mechanics, akin to a "Uber for heavy equipment." It aims to reduce equipment downtime, often a costly issue in construction. As of 2025, Heave has raised a total of $13 million in funding, with a significant $7 million Series A round led by Outsiders Fund, along with other investors such as FJ Labs and Slow Ventures.
Recent Developments
- August 2025: Heave closed a $7 million Series A funding round to enhance market expansion, customer acquisition, and team growth, bringing their total funding to $13 million. This round was led by Outsiders Fund with participation from Long Journey Ventures and Slow Ventures. The funding aims to support its rapid expansion in key markets across the southern U.S., including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville.
- Capabilities and Market Impact: Heave is revolutionizing construction industry operations by offering an Uber-like service that ensures technicians can be on-site in less than 24 hours. With a network of over 300 active mechanics servicing 600+ machines monthly, Heave provides multi-brand fixes, boosting mechanic earnings significantly, sometimes up to six times.
- Product Updates: The platform recently introduced new features in its app, such as multi-user chat options facilitating communications between fleet managers, foremen, and technicians without traditional phone tag annoyances.
- Customer Satisfaction Initiatives: As reported, Heave ensures a brand-agnostic approach, allowing them to service a variety of equipment brands and maintain customer satisfaction with significant operational improvements.
- Strategic Goals: The company is set to use the new capital for expanding its geographic reach and increasing its platform’s user base, aiming to become a category-defining leader in the construction tech space.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2020 |
| Headquarters | St. Petersburg, FL, USA |
| Founders | Alex Kraft |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Outsiders Fund, FJ Labs, Long Journey Ventures, Slow Ventures |
| Industry | Construction Tech, On-Demand Services |
| Number of Employees | 21 |
Early History
Heave was founded in 2020 by Alex Kraft, a former dealership executive. Kraft's vision stems from his experience with the inefficiencies of traditional heavy equipment servicing. Recognizing the operational slowdowns due to prolonged downtimes, Kraft sought to create a faster, more customer-focused service model. Initially launched in Florida, Heave quickly captured attention for its innovative approach to connecting construction companies with on-demand technicians. The company capitalized on the unmet demand for swift service solutions in the heavy equipment sector.
Company Profile and Achievements
Heave operates on a two-sided platform model, connecting construction companies and independent mechanics through a mobile app. This model allows Heave to maintain flexibility, as it employs mechanics on a 1099 basis, similar to independent contractors. Notable achievements include:
- Funding Milestones: Heave has successfully raised a total of $13 million to date, enabling rapid expansion and product development.
- Market Penetration: Dominant in Florida and Texas, the platform has expanded rapidly across other southeastern states.
- User Growth: The platform services over 600 machines monthly, with consistent demand for its rapid service times and diverse brand compatibility.
- Innovative Service Model: Heave introduced a 24-hour service guarantee, ensuring technicians are available on short notice, which has reshaped the expectations for customer service in the construction industry.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Heave is a rising leader in the construction tech sector, offering essential services that minimize downtime and optimize operational efficiency. Its platform facilitates a streamlined repair process, significantly reducing waiting periods from days to mere hours. This efficiency translates into substantial cost savings for construction companies battling hefty downtime expenses, which Heave estimates at $1,000 per hour in some instances. By offering a brand-agnostic repair service, Heave addresses the critical need for versatile, responsive equipment maintenance in a highly competitive industry landscape.
Conclusion
Heave represents a transformative force within the construction industry’s service sector, providing a much-needed solution to persistent challenges such as equipment downtimes and inefficient service models. By blending the convenience of modern technology with the practicality of on-demand service, Heave is setting a new standard for operational reliability and efficiency. Its future trajectory appears promising, with the potential to redefine maintenance standards across the nation, leveraging its innovative platform to further penetrate regional markets and refine industry norms.