Virgin Land
Who they are
Virgin Land helps developers source land they're looking to purchase that meets their specific requirements. They do this by automating outreach to landowners, asking if they're looking to sell.
This combination of technology, data analysis and expert guidance ultimately makes the process of land acquisition and development simpler and slicker.
Challenges they were having
When we started working with Virgin Land, they were in their infancy. They thought they needed a custom-built system, but they didn't at that stage of their business.
They were relying on slow, manual processes to find land and match it with buyers, which was proving incredibly time-consuming.
They had lots of brilliant ideas about how to use tech to solve this, but we needed to help them work within the resources and budget they had at the time - without wasting any money.
What we did
We put together a phased plan that was primarily based on their current needs, but would also set them up for future growth.
Keeping things low-cost was key, so we gave them a no-code, cost-effective and efficient system to start off with (rather than bespoke software).
Then, as they began to grow, we helped them upgrade to a custom system. We still support them now on an ongoing basis with tech and strategy advice as they continue to grow.
How we did it
Phase One: Making automation quick and easy.
After some research, we used Google Sheets and Pipedrive with Zapier to automate the matching and letter-sending process.
Using these off-the-shelf tools meant we avoided having to build expensive software, while still giving Virgin Land the functionality they needed. These tools gave the team the ability to create their own automations - allowing them to test, refine, and optimise their approach as they developed their business model.
Phase Two: Building a custom system.
With more money coming in after securing angel investment, Virgin Land started to experience growth and eventually outgrew the original system we put in place.
We helped them move to a new, custom-built system, migrating their data and operations during the transition.
We also acted as their outsourced CTO (Chief Technology Officer) to guide them on tech strategy, product development and building relationships with investors.
This helped them shape their tech vision and build an MVP, as well as giving them the tools to handle the challenges of growing the business.
Phase 3: Looking ahead
We're currently helping Virgin Land secure Series A funding that would allow them to scale their business and expand their current system.
The plan going forward is to apply machine learning to make the process of finding and matching land with landowners even smarter.
Impact
On a surface level, our phased approach saved Virgin Land valuable time and money. But the key here is that we provided the ability for the team to change their technology as their business evolved. They are agile - using their flexibility to respond quickly to discoveries they made as they developed.
Eventually, this approach helped Virgin Land secure angel investment and be acquired by The Ringley Group - further boosting their growth.
They're now preparing for Series A funding and, with our ongoing support, they're ready to innovate even further with the addition of machine learning - continuing to reshape and revolutionise land acquisition for developers.
We continue to act as Virgin Land's dedicated technology partner as they continue their growth as one of the most exciting startups in the land acquisition space.