BuildBuddy, a Scottish startup founded by James Menzies and Alix Baldwin, has won £1m from investors for its innovative platform that’s been dubbed the ‘Skyscanner for construction materials.’

The tech startup uses artificial intelligence (AI) to find the best construction materials at the best price for small and medium enterprise builders across the UK.

The company aims to revolutionise the way construction materials are purchased for small businesses with the platform, which works similarity to Scottish unicorn Skyscanner.

BuildBuddy scours the web for the best deals and suitable delivery terms, which the company says can help save builders as much as 14% on a typical order.

East Lothian-native Menzies first came up with the idea after his expieriences running his own construction company, Zebra Property Group, with offices in Edinburgh and London. Running this business, Menzies came across myriad frustrations with the cost of building materials, and sought an easier way to sort through offers.

Teaming up with Balwdin, who formerly served as managing director of funeral Choice, a price comparison site, the duo co-founded BuildBuddy, and now raised £1m in seed capital to support a wider roll out of the platform.

The team also recruited Skyscanner executive Shane Corstophine, who is based in East Lothian, as a board advisor.

“Raising £1m in seed capital is a huge milestone for BuildBuddy and reflects the confidence investors have in our concept,” Menzies said.

“Just as Skyscanner has helped travellers find the best deals on flights, BuildBuddy will streamline the process of purchasing construction materials, allowing the UK’s 330,000 SME builders to find the best goods at the best price.

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“BuildBuddy is an incredibly exciting concept that has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry.”

Corstophine added: “BuildBuddy is an ingenious idea and – as this landmark investment shows – Jamie and Alix are exceptionally well-equipped to execute it.”