Bricks And Bytes

Thiago Da Costa, Co-founder of DataGrid, and Clifton Harness, CEO of TestFit, share their gripping startup survival stories. Thiago reveals the tough decision to pivot to AI and analytics after a Series A, while Clifton recounts a harrowing moment when he nearly missed payroll, contemplating liquidating his 401k. They dive into the challenges of achieving product-market fit and the common plateau many construction tech companies face. Their candid insights on resilience and navigating crises make for an engaging listen for aspiring founders.

Susan Brattberg, Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at Global eTraining, dives into the pressing digital skills gap impacting industries today. She emphasizes that training has shifted from optional to essential, especially as technology evolves at lightning speed. Discussing the benefits of customized training workflows, Susan reveals how they enhance tool adoption and streamline projects. With insights into AI's role in shaping edutech, she also highlights the importance of continuous upskilling in ensuring teams effectively leverage modern tools.

Or Lakritz, founder of StructShare (now Trimble Materials), shares his journey of leading a 21-person startup through a swift acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of integration with Procore and transparency during the M&A process. Lakritz reveals the contrasting motivations behind large platform acquisitions versus private equity. He advocates for prioritizing distribution over product in construction tech and discusses how AI will transform procurement practices. With firsthand insights, he highlights managing team culture and the strategic decisions that paved the way for success.

In a fiery debate, Mike Powers, CEO of BuildVision, champions the potential of AI in estimating with claims that LLMs can revolutionize pre-construction workflows. In contrast, Luigi La Corte, CEO of Provision, argues that despite advancements, AI falters in accurately counting visual elements and understanding context. The discussion spans technical capabilities, accuracy thresholds, and liability concerns in the construction industry. Both agree that while automation aids estimators, true reliability still depends on human oversight in complex scenarios.

Alim Uderbekov, an aerospace-trained engineer and CEO of Surface, teams up with Genevieve Davis, a retail development veteran and co-founder at Surface. They explore the shocking tech gap in the $300 billion store development industry. Hear about their beachside conversation that sparked a revolution using AI to automate workflows. Discover why retail is like a race car for AI, and how Surface aims to replace tedious tasks with smart agents. Plus, they reveal how AI won't take jobs but will empower those who leverage it!

Lee Mullin, Founder of BuildArc and a former Autodesk veteran, dives into the art of storytelling in AEC tech. He shares insights on making customers the heroes of their own stories, likening their journey to that of Luke Skywalker. Lee discusses the importance of emotional resonance in case studies and highlights using a three-act structure for effective narratives. He emphasizes the need for consistent messaging across teams and warns against inhuman AI marketing, advocating for relatable storytelling that connects with audiences.

In this engaging discussion, Darren Martin, a former Chief Digital Officer and founder of AI Invested, shares insights on the digital transformation challenges in the construction tech sector. He reveals how private equity firms value these technologies and why many innovation efforts fail to gain traction. Darren highlights that AI can reduce project management labor by 30% and explains how smaller firms can now compete effectively. His perspective sheds light on the changing landscape for construction companies willing to embrace deeper digital strategies.

Joe Wilson, founder of Projection and seasoned builder, dives into the chaotic world of construction data. He reveals how the 2018 point-solution boom created a data nightmare. Hiring data scientists isn't solving the issue; instead, Projection's data-agnostic software enables teams to reclaim time and turn dormant data into actionable insights. Joe shares how one module saved a controller three days a month and discusses the cultural shift needed to view data as a living asset. His refreshing perspective highlights the bridge between construction and tech.

"I remember just breaking down and crying when the announcement went live."That's Rob Phillpot describing the moment he sold Aconex to Oracle for $1.2 billion—still the biggest acquisition in construction tech history.The twist? He wasn't even looking to sell.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Rob Phillpot, founder of Aconex and now investor at Glitch Capital, and we got to learn about billion-dollar exits, why construction tech hasn't seen another mega-acquisition since 2018, and what's next for the industry.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Oracle got Aconex at exactly the right moment ✅ The reality of losing control when you go public ✅ Why great construction software doesn't need to be sexy ✅ How AI will eliminate data entry and make tools predictiveWatch now on Youtube! Link in the comments!Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:10 The Emotional Journey of Selling Aconex 09:08 The Landscape of Construction Technology Acquisitions 12:10 Life After Aconex: Transitioning to New Ventures 20:11 Key Factors Behind Aconex's Growth 36:16 Navigating Go-to-Market Strategies 41:03 Navigating International Markets 47:19 The Evolution of Digital Marketing 51:59 The Impact of Short Sellers 59:08 Transitioning from Founder to CEO 01:06:51 Innovations in Construction Technology

Katie Coulson, Executive Vice President at Skanska Advanced Technology, shares her impressive 30-year journey in construction, focusing on high-tech projects like data centers. She discusses how her team starts construction before final designs are complete, allowing for a rapid pace that defies traditional timelines. Coulson highlights the importance of sophisticated subcontractor relationships and innovative technologies, including AI and offsite manufacturing, in overcoming labor challenges and enhancing efficiency. Her insights on navigating the chaos of tech construction are both fascinating and inspiring.