Professional Overview
Francis Thumpasery is the Co-Founder and CEO of PermitFlow, a company he has led since its founding in 2021. PermitFlow is a technology startup focused on revolutionizing the construction permitting process by delivering a digital platform that streamlines and automates permit applications. The platform is designed to serve the $1.6 trillion construction market, providing permitting intelligence and workflow automation to builders and developers. PermitFlow’s software has been described as the “TurboTax for construction permitting,” emphasizing ease of use and process simplification.
Francis’s leadership has resulted in significant business milestones, including raising $31 million in Series A funding led by Kleiner Perkins, as announced in February 2024. The company supports permits for over 5,000 housing units, reflecting its growing footprint in the residential construction sector.
Educational Background
Francis holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and has also studied at Harvard University. His academic credentials underpin a strong foundation in business strategy and leadership.
Previous Experience
Prior to founding PermitFlow, Francis worked at McKinsey & Company in consulting and held investment roles in workflow software at private equity firm Advent International. He has experience in operations, product management, and investing across several application software companies, which aligns with his focus at PermitFlow on building scalable workflow solutions.
Company and Leadership Highlights
- Role: Co-Founder and CEO since 2021
- Location: New York, NY, US
- Network: Over 500 LinkedIn connections
- Leadership Style: Viewed as a deeply involved and motivating CEO who cares about all aspects of the business, according to internal testimonials.
- Talent Strategy: Actively recruiting high-caliber talent, including positions such as Chief of Staff, to propel growth and innovation (noted in December 2024 and January 2025 communications).
- Strategic Partnerships: Under Francis’s leadership, PermitFlow has secured partnerships, including a strategic agreement with BigRentz to optimize pre-construction operations and improve project efficiency as of March 2025, and a partnership with TraceAir to enhance homebuilding and construction workflows.
- Industry Recognition: Francis was named among the 2024 Mavericks 50 innovators by BuiltWorlds, a recognition of his influence on industry innovation.
Business and Market Positioning
PermitFlow’s software is tailored to reduce errors and accelerate preparation of permit-ready applications, addressing a historically cumbersome and manual process in construction. The company positions itself as a pre-construction platform built to serve property developers and builders, thus potentially reducing project delays and costs related to permitting.
The successful Series A funding and high-profile partnerships indicate PermitFlow is well-capitalized and strategically aligned to scale rapidly in the construction technology landscape.
Public Presence and Activity
Francis maintains an active professional presence on LinkedIn with regular posts promoting company developments, calls for talent acquisition, and sharing insights on innovation in construction permitting. His posts emphasize fast-moving growth and a commitment to building scalable, human-centric software.
He is also a speaker and panelist at industry events, such as PCBC 2025 Innovation Stage Talks, further positioning him as a thought leader in construction technology and workflow automation.
This profile establishes Francis Thumpasery as a visionary CEO with a strong operational and strategic background, leading a well-funded company that is innovating in a large, traditional industry through SaaS-enabled automation. His focus on talent acquisition, strategic partnerships, and scalable solutions suggests a forward-looking leadership style aimed at sustained growth and market penetration.
