Bricks And Bytes

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

In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with digital construction visionary Mohamed Adel, the man behind Bird Construction's bold digital transformation. Hear him share his extraordinary stories on Dubai's towering sites - where lofty inspired designs clashed with ground realities of complex projects. We ask Mohamed if it's possible to transform old processes into digital workflows. He tells us how he envisions the future blurred between the virtual and the physical (construction).  Tune in to hear Mohamed's story and explore a possible future where buildings rise faster, mistakes vanish, and the very language of construction is written in binary codes. He also addresses some fundamental questions:  Can a single, open-source model become the ultimate collaboration tool, replacing siloed 2D drawings and endless email chains?  Can AI build seamless bridges between different software, ending the era of clunky integrations?  Does a future exist where the construction site is as intuitive as a video game, guided by the wisdom of real-time data? The proven 5-7 year roadmap for rolling out new technologies without disruption projects All this and more... ---------------------------------------- Mohammed Adel | Digital Construction Director at Bird Construction —------------------------------------- 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: (00:00:00-00:02:19) Intro (00:02:19-00:10:20) About Digital Construction & BIM (00:10:20-00:19:17) How to get started with digital program (00:19:17-00:36:35) Key Factors for succes with digitalization (00:36:35-00:39:18) How to use technology for sustainability (00:39:18-00:42:34) How to switch careers into digital construction (00:42:34-00:43:09) Outro

In today’s episode, we have Brittany Harris, Co-Founder at QFlow. Have you ever wondered how to secure funding in an old, tradition-bound industry like construction? In this episode, Brittany Harris, Co-Founder at Qualis Flow shares her inspiring story. We hear about the challenges she conquered, the lessons she learned, and how she built QFlow attracting millions in investment. She talks about new ways technology can decarbonize, streamline processes, increase transparency, and help us *leave the world a better place*. This talk is more than data-driven sustainable construction; it's about breaking barriers in an old industry, creating new paradigm shifts and believing in the 'impossible'. Tune in and learn: How Qflow helps contractors eliminate hundreds of admin hours tracking materials and compliance documentation How they grew over 200% year-on-year between seed and series A funding The methods she used to raise $9.1 million in 3 months (when investors told them it would take 9 months) The staggering £13 billion opportunity to reuse and resell construction materials that currently go straight to landfill from site Interested in sustainable construction? Looking to raise funds for your startup? Follow Brittany Harris here on LinkedIn. ------------------------------- 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: (00:00:00-00:02:57) Intro (00:02:57-00:08:25) About Qualis FLow (00:08:25-00:20:55) Fund raising experience (00:20:55-00:33:52) Advice for founders looking to raise money (00:33:52-00:39:25) Issue of Construction Waste Management (00:39:25-00:42:28) Experience as a woman leading startup in construction (00:42:28-00:43:02) Outro

In today’s episode, we have Saurabh Saxena, an exited founder (Quandoo $219m and WNS: NYSE), Investor and current Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Axel Springer In this episode, we learn about some key insights on building businesses with a focus on successful exits, navigating the world of private equity, embracing continuous growth and exploration, and much more! Tune in to find out about: How to identify if your business idea has enough "headroom" to scale using simple pre-sales tactics Why 95% of venture-backed startups never reach a liquidity event Why most European construction tech startups struggle to scale beyond £10 million in revenue How private equity firms retool and scale traditional (or boring) businesses using the "buy and build" model And what life looks like after an exit ---------------------------------------- Saurabh Saxena | Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Axel Springer —------------------------------------- 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: (00:00:00-00:02:35) Intro (00:02:35-00:15:03) How to Build a Business with an exit in mind (00:15:03-00:21:54) KPIs that Business is good for exit (00:21:54-00:39:27) Life post-exit (00:39:27-00:51:05) How to be successful in the world of Private Equity (00:51:05-01:00:02) Space @ University of Oxford (01:00:02-01:01:23) Outro

In today’s episode, we have Philip Callow, Founder of construction insurance platform Rosetta Risk Management Ltd. In this episode, we learn about the surprising math behind construction insurance premiums, how large projects can be insured for surprisingly low costs and much more! Tune in to find out about: The $440 million UK construction insurance market and how premium rates are set Why the adversarial nature of construction makes insurance so difficult How the Grenfell Tower tragedy changed how underwriters view risk The future of using telematics and AI to provide dynamic risk pricing ---------------------------------------- Philip Callow | Founder at Rosetta Risk Management Ltd —------------------------------------- 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: (00:00:00-00:02:38) Intro (00:02:38-00:09:40) Insurance in context of Construction (00:09:40-00:11:45) Premium Cost of Insurance In Construction (00:11:45-00:27:10) Does the insurer always wins? (00:27:10-00:34:30) Role of data for risk calculation (00:34:30-00:39:20) Real-time data for insurance (00:39:20-00:42:22) Lessons Philip learned from Corporate World (00:42:22-00:43:22) Outro

In today’s episode, we have Patric Hellermann, General Partner at the largest global early stage investor in construction technology - Foundamental. Patric explains the 30bn opportunity in construction tech, the past and future models of unicorns, and how VC in the world of construction operates. Tune in to find out about: How VC funding in construction tech is defying the recession-hit VC ecosystem, showcasing opportunity and resilience unlike other sectors The existing and future models of unicorn construction tech startups What shapes the VC world in construction; from exceptional investors through to founder-fit, and what happens when a company begins to fail Patric’s favorite investors and his way of staying creative while managing a career in VC ---------------------------------------- Patric Hellermann | General Partner at Foundamental —------------------------------------- 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: (00:00:00-00:03:18) Intro (00:03:18-00:06:32) How to Create a Venture Capital Company (00:06:32-00:40:22) Funding Statistics in Construction (00:40:22-01:07:57) Unicorns in Construction Tech (01:07:57-01:11:17) Difference Between Private Equity and Early Stage VC (01:11:17-01:15:59) How the Due Diligence Process Looks Like (01:15:59-01:22:39) Differences in VCs in Construction and Other Industries (01:22:39-01:42:07) Audience's Questions (01:42:07-01:42:52) Outro