Bricks And Bytes

"We had 10,000 users, but couldn't monetize. That's the hard reality of construction tech." - Anthony Buckley Thorpe's candid reflection on Flux's $29M journey is a wake-up call for AEC innovators. In this episode, we had Anthony Buckley Thorpe and we got to learn about the challenges of innovating in construction, lessons from Flux's journey, and thoughts on building successful AEC tech products... and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why data sharing in construction is more complex than it seems ✅ The importance of focusing on revenue early for AEC startups ✅ How to approach product management in construction tech ✅ Insights on user adoption and selling to the right decision-makers ----------------------------------------- Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe -------------------------------------- BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.  ------------------------------------------------ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/

Note: This is a repost from an episode which was released on Groundbreakers. "AI is not just about replacing humans, it's about elevating them." - Dev Amratia, CEO of nPlan, shares how AI is transforming construction project management. In this episode, we had Dev Amratia and we got to learn about nPlan's journey in revolutionizing construction risk management, the power of AI in forecasting project timelines, and the importance of company culture in building a successful startup... and many more! Tune in to find out about:  ✅ How nPlan uses AI to analyze over 760,000 construction projects  ✅ The concept of "adding the egg" in product development  ✅ Why outcomes-based services are gaining traction in construction tech  ✅ The importance of a growth mindset in startup leadership Listen to the full episode on Spotify to discover how AI is reshaping the future of construction project management. Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe --------------------------------------------------- BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.  This episode is brought to you by Shft—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/

"The battle is always the speed between which a startup gets distribution and an incumbent gets innovation." - Amar Hanspal's provocative insight on industry disruption In this episode, we had Amar Hanspal, former co-CEO of Autodesk, and we got to learn about the challenges of building successful products, the importance of team dynamics, and crucial lessons for startups in the AEC space. Tune in to find out about:  ✅ Why it takes 7-10 years to build a successful company in AEC  ✅ The importance of focusing on cash flow over profit for young companies  ✅ How to determine if your MVP is truly viable  ✅ Why execution matters more than the initial idea  ✅ Balancing growth and sustainability in startup development Listen to the full episode on Spotify to gain invaluable insights from Amar's 30+ years of experience in product development and startup growth. ------------------------------------------- Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe --------------------------------------------- BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.  This episode is brought to you by Shft—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ ---------------------------------------------- Timestamps 00:00 Amar Hanspal's Journey: From Autodesk to Startups 05:44 The Current State of Design Tech 11:55 Challenges in Disrupting Incumbents 23:34 12 Lessons on Product Development 01:03:07 The Future of Entrepreneurship in Tech ---------------------------------------------  #podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups  #architecture

September in review: From Paris to Boston, construction tech is booming! In this month's roundup, Owen and Martin dive into the exciting developments in the world of construction tech. We've hit major milestones, with over 1,000 email subscribers and 900 YouTube followers! Tune in to catch up on: ✅ Upcoming Super Series episodes, including a robotics company from Amsterdam ✅ Insights from our new podcast verticals: Bitbuilders, Groundbreakers, and Corporate Innovations ✅ The fascinating world of construction in space ✅ How much top construction firms are really spending on innovation Listen now on Spotify to stay up-to-date with the latest in construction tech. 

Note: This is a repost from an episode released last month on Bricks, Bucks & Bytes. "Building a f***ing business isn't about chasing 1% of a huge market." In this episode, Patric Hellermann share insights on construction tech startups and investment strategies. We explored the evolving landscape of ERP solutions, 3D visualization software, and the pitfalls of lazy market assessments. Tune in to find out about:  ✅ Why targeting a small niche can lead to greater success  ✅ The challenges facing new entrants in the 3D rendering space  ✅ How to build a business by focusing on specific customers and channels  ✅ The importance of achieving profitability in your core business --------------------------------- Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future. Visit: https://maketheshft.digital  —---------------------------------- BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.  --------------------------------- Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker 06:32 Navigating the Crowded Market: Opus Flow's Differentiation 10:40 The Challenges of a Red Ocean Market and Margin Compression 13:00 The Importance of Partnerships and Distribution for Opus Flow 21:37 Becoming a Category Leader: Challenges and Opportunities for Opus Flow 24:03 Introduction to the Rendering Industry 26:28 Challenges Faced by Startups 31:20 The Importance of Differentiation and Capturing Entire Workflows 36:12 The Significance of Focusing on Specific Niches 44:46 Building a Profitable Core Business 48:30 The Misconception of Targeting a Small Percentage of a Large Market

Note: This is the 1st episode of our 8 part Super Series with Foundamental. You can go and check out the complete Super Series with Foundamental at : ⁠https://bricks-and-bytes-super-series.vhx.tv/products --- In episode 001 we go right back to the start. How did Foundamental come to be? What was the “random mash-up” that led to the firm’s genesis? Watch this episode to discover: The unique origin story of how three unlikely partners came together to create a global powerhouse in construction tech investing Foundamental’s contrarian approach to building a truly global VC firm focused on construction and AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) tech Insights into the firm’s investment strategy, decision-making process, and how they leverage their global presence for superior returns The compelling macro and micro factors driving innovation in the construction industry How Foundamental balances diverse personalities and skillsets to create a high-performing ‘wolf pack’ of investors Their unconventional approach to fund size and LP relationships that maximizes potential for outsized returns Also, if you sign up for our newsletter, we’re giving away TEN 50% off coupon codes. Sign up now: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Are robots the future of infrastructure safety? This startup's journey might surprise you. In this episode of Bricks and Bytes, Gabriele got a chance to interview Troy Demmer, co-founder of Gecko Robotics. We learned about Troy's journey from healthcare to robotics, the challenges of building hardware startups, and how Gecko is transforming infrastructure maintenance for both private and public sectors... and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Gecko's robots collect 10 million data points in a day vs. 10,000 manually in a week ✅ The importance of finding the right early customers for hardware startups ✅ Navigating the complexities of government contracts and public sector work ✅ Why selling outcomes as a service can be a game-changer for robotics companies For those who are new, BitBuilders is all about diving deep into the world of construction robotics and the innovators shaping the future of the built environment. Note: This episode is a Re-Release from BitBuilders Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future. Visit: https://maketheshft.digital  —---------------------------------- BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.  00:00 Intro to the Episode and Our Sponsors 02:00 Introduction and Background 04:12 Understanding the Built World and Asset Life Cycle 07:47 Focus on Power Boilers and Expansion to Other Structures 15:11 Delivering a Service for Asset Health Clarity 23:52 Selling a Comprehensive Health Map of Assets 25:04 Granular Data and Actionable Maps for Asset Health 27:08 Robotic Inspections and Gathering Data While Assets are Online 28:36 Data-Driven Decision-Making for Asset Lifecycle Management 29:28 Meeting Customer Needs for Novel Inspection Methods 31:14 Using Tech Stack for Future Planning and Thoughtful Decision-Making 32:42 Gecko Robotics' Small but Mighty Fleet of Robots 34:43 Supply Chain Resilience and Lessons Learned in Manufacturing Robotics 37:33 Gecko Robotics' Entry into the Public Sector and Focus on Critical Infrastructure 41:34 Working with the US Navy to Improve Ship Maintenance and Construction 48:21 Challenges of Navigating Bureaucracy in the Public Sector 50:11 Advice for Founders in the Built World: Prioritize Customer Problem-Solving

"Go slow to go fast" - The counterintuitive advice for startups in construction tech In this episode, we had Scott Ellison share insights on the future of construction technology. We learned about balancing disruption with respect in an age-old industry, the importance of problem-led growth, and why the "jockey" matters more than the "horse" in early-stage investing. Tune in to find out about: ✅ The "respect to disrupt ratio" in construction innovation ✅ Adapting product-led growth for the built world ✅ Evolving talent attraction in construction ✅ The power of the "empathy muscle" for entrepreneurs Listen on Spotify to gain a fresh perspective on navigating the exciting world of construction tech startups. Note: This is a re-release of an episode originally published in 2023 --------- Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe ---------------------------- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ ------------- This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future. Visit: https://maketheshft.digital  ------------ BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.

Reality capture in construction raised hundreds of millions, but where are the profitable businesses? In this episode, we had Mo Akbari, ex-founder of HoloBuilder, discussing the state of reality capture technology in construction. We explored funding trends, market dynamics, and the challenges of building sustainable businesses in this space. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why reality capture startups struggle to achieve profitability despite significant funding ✅ The evolution of capture technologies and AI's potential impact ✅ Insights on valuation trends and fundraising strategies in construction tech ✅ Key advice for founders building products with high user adoption Note: This video is a repost from Bricks, Bucks and Bytes. Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe --------------------------------- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future. Visit: https://maketheshft.digital  BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed. 

Jenny Song is a Principal at Navitas Capital, a firm specializing in investments in the built environment. She shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing construction technology. The discussion highlights the importance of talent and distribution strategies for startups. Jenny emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of the fragmented construction market, the role of defensibility in AI solutions, and the significance of value-add investments and long-term relationships between investors and portfolio companies.