Bricks And Bytes

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.

David Rockhill, a partner at McKinsey, dives into the challenges and transformations facing the construction industry. He discusses the updated McKinsey productivity curve and how AR and VR are revolutionizing worker training. David highlights the struggle with 'pilot purgatory' that stalls tech adoption. He also introduces McKinsey's AI tool, 'Lily,' and shares insights on how digital twins and automation are reshaping productivity and efficiency in construction. Get ready for an eye-opening look at the future of building.

What if AI could transform construction design? A guest from Joyst shares innovative approaches to using AI in project proposals. The podcast also delves into Latam's unique construction tech landscape and the challenges faced by startups in navigating market strategies. From the intricacies of project tensions to the need for unified software solutions, discussions highlight how technology can enhance communication and efficiency on job sites. Plus, hear insights on innovative pricing models reshaping the industry.

"AI will transform AEC so much, we won't have the same industry in 5-10 years." In this episode, we had Britton Langdon (SnapTrude) and Clifton Harness (TestFit) share their views on construction tech's future. We explored AI's impact, robotics in construction, and new ways to assess land deals. Britton, with his background in founding and selling M Suite, shared insights on AI's practical applications in construction. Meanwhile, Clifton, driven by his developer father's challenges, explained how TestFit is revolutionizing land deal assessments. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How AI might lead to more small architecture firms, not fewer ✅ Why some think robotics, not AI, will solve construction's biggest problems ✅ A unique take on why 3D printing might be better suited for the moon ✅ How new software is changing the way developers choose building sites -------------------------------- 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/ -----------------------------: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Discussion on Automated Progress Tracking & Integration and Collaboration With Britton 11:42 - Discussion On Generative Design & Robotics and AI with Clifton

In this episode, Amir Berman of Builddots challenges the status quo in construction technology. We explore how AI and data are silently revolutionizing the industry, despite widespread skepticism. Berman shares lessons from his failed startup, proposing controversial new models for ROI and product management in construction tech. We delve into the clash between digital solutions and physical realities, and uncover strategies to bridge this divide. Berman's insights on Performance Driven Construction Management hint at a future where data, not intuition, drives decisions. As AI begins to automate traditionally human-centric processes, we confront the implications for the workforce and the industry's future. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why old ways of tracking progress might be costing you money ✅ The hard truth about getting value from construction tech ✅ How AI spots delays before humans can ✅ Why your project data might be useless without the right tools --------------------------------- 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/ --------------------------------- 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - Lessons From Starting & Failing A Startup 08:15 - Innovation Happening In London In Construction 10:42 - Measuring ROI in Construction 12:45 - Product Management in Construction vs Other Industries 15:31 - BuildDots: Progress Tracking and Data Modeling for Construction 36:30 - Capturing and Utilizing Performance Data 38:08 - Creating Data Standards for 4D 38:37 - The Power of Productivity Data 41:42 - Innovation and Continuous Improvement 48:35 - Showcasing Value through Case Studies 51:51 - Go-to-Market Strategies in Construction Tech 56:15 - The Challenge of Creating a Clear ROI Formula 59:33 - The New Layer Strategy: Performance-Driven Construction Management 01:06:42 - Charging Based on Construction Volume