Airship has emerged from stealth mode, announcing a $4 million pre-seed funding round led by fintech specialists QED Investors, with participation from Silence, Lorimer Ventures, Four Acres Capital, and Twine Ventures. The funding will enable Airship to enhance its software tools and financial products aimed at helping owner-operators in the home services sector grow their businesses.

In line with this announcement, Airship has formed partnerships with ServiceTitan and several other home services platforms. As homeownership among millennials rises and the average U.S. home ages, there is a significant shift from “DIY” to “DIFM” (Do It For Me) in home services. This shift has led private equity firms to consolidate and professionalize this nearly $200 billion industry, particularly as homeowners increasingly finance larger home improvement projects.

Airship’s platform is designed to streamline the home services sales process, which often relies on outdated pen-and-paper methods. Unlike traditional field service management software that focuses solely on scheduling and dispatch, Airship’s technology supports technicians with tools on their tablets. It integrates with existing systems, assists in sizing heating and cooling loads, matches equipment to regulatory standards, highlights available incentives, and minimizes paperwork. As a result, customers using Airship experience a 20% increase in ticket sizes and a 15% improvement in close rates.

CEO Craig Battin emphasized the importance of modernizing the sales process for HVAC businesses, stating, “After their house and their car, HVAC is the third largest purchase for most homeowners.” With Airship’s solution, HVAC teams can provide better service and maximize transaction value, benefiting both the business and customers.

QED Investors’ Adams Conrad noted the growing need for a streamlined buying process in the HVAC sector, which is grappling with increasing regulation and complex equipment. Airship aims to alleviate these pressures by delivering cutting-edge software and financial products tailored for the home services industry.

Founded by Craig Battin and executive chairman Michael Sachse, Airship plans to deploy its product in the coming months, with expectations for significant market impact as it collaborates with various development partners.