The process of obtaining construction permits often requires the completion of complicated applications, creating unpredictable schedules for developers and companies. There are countless regions, each having their own distinct forms and procedures for construction permits.
Ben Allen has significant experience in the field of permitting. As the person in charge of business expansion and strategy at Gopuff, Allen was responsible for the development of Gopuff Kitchens, the company’s venture into ghost kitchens, at numerous locations across the U.S.
According to Allen, the most significant challenge his team encountered was securing the required construction permits.
Allen told TechCrunch, “The process of obtaining permits for developers, builders, and governments is largely outdated and manual. For instance, some authorities only accept or review permit applications on a specific day during particular hours. Without a solution to streamline this process, many cities would be trapped in a costly and time-consuming cycle of the current permit processes.”
After leaving Gopuff, Allen, along with James Gallagher, a former Gopuff colleague, decided to tackle this issue head-on. Two years ago, they launched Greenlite, a platform aimed at standardizing the permit process for clients across multiple jurisdictions.
Greenlite’s clients, which currently include retailers, quick service restaurants, developers, and home builders, can conduct almost all construction plan reviews via their software. While competitors like PermitFlow, Accela, and Tyler Technologies offer similar services, Gallagher maintains that they are more focused on “application submission” and are simpler in nature.
“Greenlite offers a digital plan review solution that actually delivers permits more quickly and transparently,” stated Greenlite’s CEO, Gallagher. He added that Greenlite is also certified to review construction plans and conduct building inspections in around 2,000 jurisdictions.
In certain localities and municipalities, like Miami, contractors can hire private providers like Greenlite instead of having jurisdiction plan review and inspections. Gallagher highlighted that Greenlite’s platform uniquely integrates construction drawings, zoning and use data, local building code and expert compliance markup all in one database.
While Gallagher didn’t disclose revenue, he did reveal that Greenlite has “dozens” of clients and is well-positioned for continued growth. He said, “Our clients have an ongoing need for building permits, and Greenlite is prepared to continue serving our clients even as their priorities shift.”
With venture capitalists injecting new capital into the operation, Greenlite is well-supported.
This week, Greenlite secured a $28.5 million Series A funding round led by Craft Ventures, with contributions from 53 Stations, Trust Ventures, and LiveOak Ventures. With the total raised now at $36.5 million, Gallagher stated that the new funding will fuel Greenlite’s market expansion and customer acquisition in areas like lodging, industrial, and green infrastructure.
Greenlite, headquartered in New York, currently employs 30 people, but Gallagher expects to add ten more by the year’s end.
