Bricks And Bytes

What would you risk to pursue your dream? For Tom Deane, it meant everything - even if it meant putting in his last penny to go all-in on a bold vision. In this must-listen episode, Tom Deane, Co-Founder of Project Mark shows us what it really takes to be successful in the startup world. He takes us behind the scenes and pulls the curtain on the story behind Project Mark - his innovative Construction-CRM platform. You'll also hear how he and his co-founders bootstrapped just $1,500 into an initial $500,000 before raising a staggering $3 million in seed round. Hear how Tom’s ability to tell a story well made all the difference. You'll also learn: • How to craft a pitch that delivers investment • How to identify and partner with the right VC for long-term success • Usual pitfalls that derail fundraising efforts (and how to avoid them) • How Project Mark empowers construction businesses to win more bids • How struggle and perseverance are key to success • What's possible when you go all-in on your entrepreneurial dreams And much more .. —---------------------------- Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show 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—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end. Visit: https://maketheshft.digital —---------------------------------- Timestamps: (00:00:00-00:02:27) Intro (00:02:27-00:10:11) About Tom'e Journey and ProjectMark (00:10:11-00:26:05) Top 50 ConTech Startups in 2024 (00:26:05-00:30:33) How To Build relationship with VCs (00:30:33-00:41:09) Pre & Post Funding Scenarios (00:41:09-00:48:32) Silicon Valley As An Entrepreneur Ecosystem (00:48:32-00:49:39) Outro

Okibo, a groundbreaking robotics company, has recently secured $7.85 million in equity funding. Their innovative product—a drywall finishing and painting robot—guided by AI and sensors, offers a transformative solution to address the persistent labor shortage and enhance efficiency in construction projects. In this episode, we explore how robotics are reshaping the construction landscape and how Okibo's service-oriented approach to selling painting services, rather than the robots themselves, is revolutionizing industry norms. We delve into the significance of partnerships and subcontractor models in scaling robotics ventures within construction, highlighting how these collaborations are essential for widespread adoption and implementation. Key Takeaways: Okibo secures $7.85 million in equity funding for their AI-guided drywall finishing and painting robot. Robotics offer a solution to the labor shortage crisis in construction while enhancing project efficiency. Partnerships and subcontractor models play a pivotal role in scaling robotics ventures within the construction industry. The funding landscape for robotics in construction is growing steadily, signaling significant potential for innovation. The future of robotics in construction lies in specialized product and software companies focusing on controlled environments and highly repeatable motions. Companies Mentioned: Okibo : https://okibo.com/ Monumental : https://www.monumental.co/ Icon Robotics : https://www.iconrobotics.com/ Canvas : http://gocanvas.io/ Paintjet : https://paintjet.com/ Promise Robotics : https://promiserobotics.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:05 Addressing the Labor Shortage in Construction 08:05 Scaling Robotics Companies through Subcontractor Models 13:46 The Future of Robotics in Construction 25:18 The Use Cases of Robotics in Construction 29:55 The Nuances of Funding Rounds in Venture Capital 31:11 Wrap-up and Personal Reflections

How do you go from dusty job sites to a Silicon Valley boardroom? In this episode, we meet Fraser Patterson - Founder and CEO at Skillit, a New York based con-tech company that’s changing the way construction businesses find skilled workforce.    His journey began in a Hogwarts-like boarding school in Scotland. After finishing education, he became a carpenter, where he came face-to-face with the frustrations of outdated hiring practices in the construction industry. This sparked the Aha moment. He found Skillit, an online platform helping construction businesses find skilled workers from the palm of their hands. The concept attracted millions in venture capital.   Fraser's success is proof that technology is starting to replace the rusty old ways of construction. He shows that groundbreaking ideas can come from anywhere, and the right mix of research, audacity, and data can bring change to giant industries. Join us as we listen to Fraser's extraordinary path and get a peek into the future of construction recruitment. Tune in and learn why: Data is the new oil. The massive impact of data on long-standing, rigid sectors like the construction industry Finding the right Founder-Investor Fit is key to long-term success   Progress requires a deep understanding of how the world works, and not just raw brain power The biggest problems create the biggest opportunities Innovation begins outside the comfort zone: Why your life-changing idea may come from the most unexpected place And much more .. Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show 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—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end.  Visit: https://maketheshft.digital  —---------------------------------- Timestamps: (00:00:00-00:02:35) Intro (00:02:35-00:06:40) Fraser's Journey (00:06:40-00:16:00) Software As A Business (00:16:00-00:24:40) How Construction Sector Is Revolutionized (00:24:40-00:31:25) Make or Break For Someone Building A Product In Construction (00:31:25-00:49:29) Experience of Raising Money (00:49:29-00:52:21) Number One Skill That A CEO Should Learn (00:52:21-00:53:08) Outro

Can homes be both energy-efficient and affordable? One visionary is changing the way we know homes. In this episode, we sit down with industry trailblazer Paul Richards – the visionary founder of GURBuild Net Zero Energy Housing. Paul shares his remarkable journey and insights into revolutionising the housing sector. Join us for a fascinating account of a man’s struggles against stubborn traditions of the construction industry. Paul has been a pioneer in introducing modern construction methods and promoting net-zero energy homes. Listen to Paul as he shares his inspiring story of challenges and triumphs against an environmentally unstable industry. Learn about GURBuild hybrid construction system – a groundbreaking approach to building affordable and energy-efficient homes. Tune in and learn: How Paul found GURBuild Net Zero Energy Housing and brought Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to home building The importance of attracting younger generations to construction through improved site conditions and innovative practices About homes that minimise energy consumption and the concept of operational zero carbon homes How GURBuild's hybrid construction system is combining techniques from engineering, automotive, and aerospace industries Paul's insights on the future of MMC and increased use of hybrid solutions, composites, panel systems, and custom designs And a lot more —---------------------------- Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show 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—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end. Visit: https://maketheshft.digital —---------------------------------- Timestamps: (00:00:00-00:02:30) Intro (00:02:30-00:12:25) Paul's Journey (00:12:25-00:18:20) Solutions to Labour Shortage In Construction (00:18:20-00:29:30) Passive House Standard and n-ZEP (00:29:30-00:33:30) Engineer's Thoughts on Construction (00:33:30-00:39:00) View on MMC within Construction (00:39:00-00:41:25) How Paul stays creatuve in his work (00:41:25-00:42:16) Outro

Welcome to the Bricks & Bytes Broadcast (BBBC) with Patric Hellermann of Foundamental. This format of episode is a weekly dive into the latest construction tech news from the perspective of investors. From innovations to fundings, market insights, and VC-isms, if you’re building in construction tech, investing in construction tech, or intersecting between the tech and physical world, then we’ll help you keep your finger on the pulse. ----------------------- In this episode, Patric discusses the underserved areas in ConstruTech, including common data environments, on-site robotics, and the pre-construction space. The pre-construction phase is particularly challenging as estimations need to be accurate to win projects and avoid cost overruns. Ediphi, a company that focuses on construction estimating, recently raised a $12 million series A round. The US construction estimating software market is valued at $1.4 billion, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of 8.9% from 2023 to 2030. Differentiating in the construction estimating market is crucial, and Ediphi offers cloud-based collaboration and access to accurate cost data. Other companies in the space include 1Build and SpotLock. The conversation also touches on the challenges of pricing bespoke projects, the importance of a collaborative estimation process, and the history of Ediphi and its competition. The episode concludes with discussions on rapid funding rounds, the perception of founders with previous exits, and upcoming projects in construction technology, including a super series and an under-the-radar robotics company. Takeaways Underserved areas in ConstruTech include common data environments, on-site robotics, and the pre-construction space. Accurate estimations in the pre-construction phase are crucial to winning projects and avoiding cost overruns. Ediphi, a company focused on construction estimating, recently raised a $12 million series A round. The US construction estimating software market is valued at $1.4 billion, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of 8.9% from 2023 to 2030. Differentiation in the construction estimating market is important, and Ediphi offers cloud-based collaboration and access to accurate cost data. Timestamps: 00:00 Underserved Areas in ConstruTech 01:16 The Importance of Pre-Construction Phase 04:27 The Market Size of Pre-Construction Space 05:57 Ediphi's Series A Funding and Market Opportunity 07:23 Differentiation in the Construction Estimating Market 09:30 Challenges in Pricing Bespoke Projects 11:29 Collaborative Estimation Process 13:44 Ediphi's Origin Story and Competition 15:18 Rapid Funding Rounds and Reasons Behind Them 21:17 Upcoming Super Series in Construction Technology 21:59 Under the Radar Robotics Company 22:58 Discussion on Modulus and Lessons Learned

The truth about BIM that will leave us questioning everything we thought and said about the technology. In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with BIM expert and Co-Founder of Shft - Michelle du Plessis. The straight-talking Managing Director of Shft takes us straight to the heart of BIM. Michelle, an architect-turned-BIM consultant, pulls back the curtain and reveals the truth about the technology reshaping the construction industry. In a candid conversation, Michelle dishes out some hard truths about BIM and builders. Discover the biggest misconception about this emerging field and why there's so much unwarranted negativity surrounding it. Tune in and explore: The biggest myth about BIM and why the negativity around it might be justified The harsh reality of homeownership: buying properties you know little about If text-to-BIM technology can make BIM more accessible Will small-scale projects eventually adopt BIM? (Michelle's predictions) Why top contractors outsource BIM and the commercial drivers behind it And a lot more … Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show 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 —---------------------------------- Timestamps: (00:00:00-00:03:11) Intro (00:03:11-00:05:55) How and Why BIM Consulting (00:05:55-00:14:40) Understanding BIM and Common Misconceptions (00:14:40-00:21:45) About Shft and its Customer Base (00:21:45-00:26:00) Impact of BIM on Mid-sized Projects (00:26:00-00:35:13) Negative Perceptions Towards BIM (00:35:13-00:44:50) Text To BIM (00:46:10-00:47:13) Outro

Imagine having every inch of your job site documented in 3D and available on your fingertip. In today's episode, we sit down and talk to Jeevan Kalanithi - a Stanford and MIT graduate and CEO of OpenSpace. Join us as Jeevan shares his fascinating journey from studying at Stanford and MIT to launching hardware startups to founding OpenSpace. He explains how his user-friendly reality-capture technology is transforming a document-centric industry by giving architects and builders unprecedented visibility into their job sites through updated 3D visuals. Tune in and learn how: OpenSpace catalogued over 25 billion square feet of visual job site data Visual record allows problems to be resolved virtually instead of reworking the physical world, reducing rework and labour costs Project stakeholders can instantly align on issues by virtually stepping into current job site conditions instead of puzzling over descriptions As construction data becomes immersive and visual, new AI-powered insights and capabilities become possible And a lot more … Get the latest in Construction-Technology, meet the venture capitalists, hear from the founders and join a thriving community. Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show ------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------ Timestamps: (00:00:00-00:07:10) Intro (00:07:10-00:12:00) REality Capture In Construction (00:12:00-00:25:40) About OpenSpace (00:25:40-00:29:10) Cost Reduction Due To Reality Capture (00:29:10-00:44:50) How To Grow A Business From 0 (00:44:50-00:45:57) Outro

Welcome to the Bricks & Bytes Broadcast (BBBC) with Patric Hellermann of Foundamental. This new format of episode is a weekly dive into the latest construction tech news from the perspective of investors. From innovations to fundings, market insights, and VC-isms, if you’re building in construction tech, investing in construction tech, or intersecting between the tech and physical world, then we’ll help you keep your finger on the pulse. ------- In this conversation, Patric, Martin and Owen discuss two startups: PermitFlow and Furno. They talk about the challenges faced by PermitFlow in dealing with the slow permit process in the construction industry and the potential for digitizing the planning process. They also discuss Furno, which offers an alternative to traditional cement plants by providing modular portable kilns that can reduce CO2 emissions. They explore the funding differences between capital-intensive startups like Furno and digital startups like PermitFlow. Martin also shares his thoughts on time leverage and being more productive. Takeaways: Patric's worst investment decision PermitFlow is a startup that aims to digitize the planning process in the construction industry and streamline the permit process. Ferno offers modular portable kilns as an alternative to traditional cement plants, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 88%. Capital-intensive startups like Ferno require significant investment for production, while digital startups like Permit Flow can attract more funding. Martin emphasizes the importance of time leverage and being productive to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Worst Investment Decision (01:16) Discussion on PermitFlow (12:49) PermitFlow's Funding and Capital Requirements (14:36) Introduction to Furno Materials (15:54) Investor's Thoughts on Furno Materials (23:54) Closing Remarks ------------------------------------------------- Companies Mentioned: Permitflow - https://www.permitflow.com/ Furno - https://furno.com/ Foundamental - https://foundamental.com/ Y Combinator - https://www.ycombinator.com/ Kleiner Perkins - https://www.kleinerperkins.com/ Felicis - https://www.felicis.com/ Hoffmann Green Cement - https://www.ciments-hoffmann.com/ Aker Solutions Norway - https://www.akersolutions.com/

In a world teetering on the brink of environmental crisis, we go on a journey where hope meets innovation. In today's episode, we sit down with Anil Sawhney - author of International BIM Implementation Guide and the Head of Sustainability at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. In an open chat, Anil delves into the heart of future development, talks about the importance of sustainability in the construction industry – and shows us why it is more critical than ever. He takes us on a journey to the future, discussing the need for new regulations and standards to drive change, the skill gaps that need to be bridged, the possibility of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and much more. Tune in and find out: What does "building green" really mean? It's not just about the planet! We need buildings that are good for people, cost less to run, and use fair practices. How can we build smarter? How to integrate sustainability principles into core work processes – teach builders new ways of doing things and use tech to track how our buildings impact the earth. Can technology help us make buildings that help the planet? The journey ahead to a net zero by 2050. Innovation meets hope. Exciting developments in construction technology and digital tools to measure, report and reduce carbon emissions. To learn more about the future of sustainable development and investment opportunities, sign up for our newsletter : https://bricksbytes.show --------------------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: (00:00:00-00:05:30) Intro (00:05:30-00:08:45) Future of Construction Tech According to RICS (00:08:45-00:11:40) Role as a Head Of Sustainability (00:11:40-00:34:20) How to measure Sustainabiliy in Built World (00:34:20-00:43:21) Zero by 2050 In Construction (00:43:21-00:44:44) Outro

"If you could interview one Venture Capitalist in the world, who would it be?" In today's episode, hosts Owen and Martin sit down and talk about the fascinating intersection of construction, technology, and Big-Money investment. Join them as they look back on their own evolution in a field slow to embrace change. Martin takes us down the rabbit hole where startups meet venture capitalists. And Owen pulls the curtain on the beginning of Bricks & Bytes - and gives us a glimpse of the future. This is their story: the triumphs, the experts, and the startling revelations. Tune in and find out: The funny story of Martin's horror on finding a basement without reinforcement What’s the much awaited Super Series? What’s in it for startup founders? Why does Owen think it's still early days for robots? Are there really NO predefined verticals? Vinod Khosla is Martin's dream venture capitalist. Why? All this and a lot more .. ………………………………………………. Get the latest in Construction-Technology, meet the venture capitalists, hear from the founders and join a thriving community. Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X: 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 ---------------------------------------- Timestamps: (00:00:00-00:03:50) Intro (00:03:50-00:10:30) How Bricks & Bytes Started (00:10:30-00:16:36) Shift of Bricks & Bytes into Investors and Startup Founders (00:16:36-00:21:00) Future VCs Guests Coming Soon (00:21:00-00:27:55) Fun Conversation (00:27:55-00:28:22) Outro