We’re looking forward to meeting Hugo Sells at our #PropertyTech dinner tonight. He is the co-founder of 1Roof. We found out more.

What’s the elevator pitch for your startup?

1ROOF is a free, online marketplace connecting the public with vetted and insured tradespeople. It focuses on building reputations and the word of mouth community by matching clients with professionals their friends and family have recommended.

What were you doing before you launched your startup?

I’ve always been an entrepreneur but the concepts for this came whilst running a contracting company.

Where did you meet your co-founders?

One, at university, I never thought at the time we would work together but am pleased we are.

What’s your biggest ‘hindsight’ moment?

Nothing major stands out as it’s a bit early, but to avoid trouble we try to assume nothing.

What will 2014 bring?

Hopefully a World Cup to England, but this will be largely overshadowed by the launch of 1ROOF.

1 piece of advice for someone starting a business in the sector?

Gain industry experience before starting anything related to building work.

Convince someone to use your product/service in under 50 words.

It’s the only unbiased platform on which you can browse vetted, insured and recommended tradespeople for free.

What’s your favourite startup in the sector (not including your own)?

Fixflo, clever, simple and much needed solution to repair reporting.

What’s your favourite London restaurant?

I’m not much of a foodie so asked the team for this one, they like BiBimBap in Soho.

Thanks Hugo and see you tonight! Check out our other upcoming dinners!