The trades are having a moment—and even Silicon Valley is taking notice.

At the Startup Grind Global Conference in Silicon Valley, a panel titled “Building & Scaling Brilliant Companies” featured Samir Kaul, founding partner at Khosla Ventures, in conversation with Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram. While the talk focused on startup success, part of the conversation took a meaningful turn toward something unexpected: the growing importance of the trades.

“AI is great, but in the trades, the intersection of software and hardware is gonna take a lot longer. And so, I think you’re gonna see a lot more people go back to the trades. You know, pipe fitting, HVAC. I think those are gonna be pretty interesting industries as well, to invest in for venture and private equity”

It wasn’t just a side note—it was a signal. A signal that blue-collar careers are re-entering mainstream conversations about the economy, workforce development, and the future of innovation.

The Trades Are Resurging—and Investors Are Paying Attention

Trade careers—once seen as “alternative paths”—are quickly becoming some of the most stable, high-demand jobs in the country.

With rising college debt, changing cultural attitudes, and an urgent labor shortage, more young people are choosing to learn real-world skills and start earning faster. From welding and plumbing to HVAC and electrical, these jobs offer purpose, security, and competitive pay—without a four-year degree.

At Collars, we’re building a platform that makes it easier to connect this new wave of talent with the companies who need them most.

• Hands-on work is recession resistant.

• Demand is outpacing supply across industries.

• Trade careers offer upward mobility and financial independence.

When leading investors like Samir Kaul call out this shift on a major stage, it’s not just validation—it’s momentum.

Kevin Systrom on What Makes Teams Succeed

During the talk, Kevin Systrom reflected on what sets the best companies apart: strong, grounded teams. While he was speaking from a startup perspective, the principle applies across sectors—including the trades.

From rewiring homes to inspecting properties, tradespeople do the kind of work that can’t be automated or outsourced. It’s physical. It’s skilled. And it’s essential.

These roles don’t just fill jobs—they build systems, maintain infrastructure, and fuel progress.

Collars: Built for the Future of Work

At Collars, we’ve known for a long-time what others are just starting to realize: the future belongs to the trades.

We created our platform to:

• Help applicants build professional profiles with videos, photos, and credentials.

• Let employers showcase company culture and find the right match.

• Facilitate real opportunities for people who want to work—not make decisions based off a resume  

Whether you're looking to hire or get hired, Collars makes finding the right fit simple, fast, and purpose driven.

Who Else Is Talking About the Trades?

The Startup Grind panel is just one example of how major voices in tech, finance, and culture are bringing attention back to the trades. We’ll continue covering these moments—because when the people shaping the future start spotlighting tradespeople, it’s worth documenting.

📬 Want to follow the resurgence? Join the Collars waitlist and get updates on our platform launch, blog posts, and new opportunities in blue-collar hiring.

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