Bricks And Bytes

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

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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/

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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

Is Latin America the next frontier for construction tech?

In this episode, we had Bernardo Gamboa, Partner at Global Projects Strategy, who shared fascinating insights into the construction tech landscape in Latin America.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ The unique challenges and opportunities in the Latin American construction market

✅ How financial solutions are driving tech adoption in the region

✅ Why US companies struggle to expand into Latin America

✅ The exciting potential for AI and data-driven solutions in construction

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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

00:41 - Background of Bernardo

3:45 - About BuildTech

06:47 - First Mover Advanatages That Bernardo Had In Latin America

11:30 - Examples Of Big Companies In Latin Amrerica

14:04 - Construction Tech Scenarios In Latin America

15:40 - Labor Shortage In Latin America

22:37 - Key Areas Of Investments For Bernardo

30:26 - Understanding Construction In Latin America

35:00 - Challenges In Integrating New Technologies In Construction In Latin America

39:00 - Things That Bernardo Looks Before Investing 

48:50 - Future Of VC Culture In Latin America

59:20 - What Excites Bernardo About The Future Of Construction In Latin America

01:04:18 - Outro

In this month's Bricks & Bytes roundup, We discuss the latest trends and insights from the episodes we released in June.

We discussed how Altaf's persistence led SnapTrude to success after 8 rejections

and why Shubhankar sees huge potential in India's efficient startups and much more!

We also shared about the future plans we have with Bricks and Bytes!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why robotics and design tech are the hottest topics in construction right now

✅ How we are expanding into a podcast network with specialized shows

✅ The surprising lessons from a modular construction startup's $10 million failure

✅ Why "outcome as a service" could be the next big thing in construction robotics

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04:00 - What Happenned In Bricks & Bytes This Month

05:40 - Discussing Modulous Breakdown

11:30 - Future Vision and Plans of Bricks and Bytes

20:00 - Views On Accelerators & Incubators

27:10 - 1st Episode Of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes

30:43 - Plans For Next Month

Are SaaS pricing models doomed in construction tech? Mike Powers thinks so.

In this episode, we had Mike Powers, founder of BuildVision, and we got to learn about his contrarian take on SaaS pricing in construction, the challenges of selling to the industry, and his vision for revolutionizing procurement in mechanical and electrical equipment... and many more!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why BuildVision avoids traditional SaaS pricing

✅ The importance of providing tangible value to construction clients

✅ Strategies for penetrating large organizations as a startup

✅ Mike's views on AI's impact on construction in the next 5-10 years

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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/

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Timestamps:

(00:00 - 07:04) - Intro

(04:34 - 07:04) - What helped Mike Build BuildVision

(07:04 - 11:34) - Understanding Vision of BuildVision

(11:34 - 18:28) - Pricing Structure That Successful Startups Follow In Construction

(18:28 - 25:10) - Mike’s Take On The Use Of AI In Construction

(25:10 - 31:26) - How BuildVision Differentiates From Its Competitors

(31:26 - 38:57) - Struggles While Managing To FundRaise For BuildVision

(38:57 - 44:27) - How VCs Work With Team

(44:27 - 52:54) - Mike’s Advice For People Who Want To Master Sales

(52:54 - 01:05:12) - How Mike Made Transition From Sales To A Founder

(01:05:12 - 01:05:52) - Outro

What could go so wrong that a £10M modular construction startup collapsed in just 15 months?

In this episode, we had Chris Spiceley and we got to learn about his experience working at Modulous, a modular construction startup that went from raising £10M to liquidation in just 15 months. 

Chris shares valuable insights on what went wrong, lessons learned, and advice for anyone building a construction tech startup.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ The challenges of delivering modular projects in the UK

✅ Key factors that contributed to Modulus' downfall

✅ The personal impact on employees when a startup fails

✅ Chris' thoughts on the future of industrialized construction

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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/

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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

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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.

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Timestamps:

(00:00 - 02:50) - Intro To Our Sponsors & Guest

(02:50 - 07:59) - How Chris Made A Transition Into Tech

(07:59 - 21:54) - About Industrialized Construction and MMCs In UK

(21:54 - 28:41) - Chris's experience working at Modulous

(28:41 - 31:54) - Premature Decision Made By Modulous To Expand In US

(31:54 - 43:00) - Challenges That Comes With Pilot Projects

(43:00 - 58:21) - Economics Of The Idea That Modulous Had

(58:21 - 01:07:00) - Key Lessons Learnt By Chris

(01:07:00 - 01:16:09) - Understanding Chris's Perspective On Offsite Manufacturing

(01:16:09 - 01:16:50) - Outro

"Construction tech funding went from less than 30 million in 2012 to around 7 billion in 2022, a more than 60x increase in just 10 years."

***Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. SIGN UP HERE***

In this episode, we had Vivin Hegde, Director at Zacua Ventures, and we got to learn about his personal journey from an engineer in India to a VC in the US, Zacua's unique investment thesis, and how becoming a parent has changed his perspective on work and life.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why Vivin believes construction tech is ripe for disruption

✅ How Zacua's close relationship with LPs gives them an edge in investing

✅ The 3 key things Zacua looks for in early-stage startups

✅ Vivin's advice for founders on what to avoid when scaling

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Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox. 

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/

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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

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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.

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Timestamps:

(00:00 - 02:52) - Intro To Our Sponsors & Guest

(02:52 - 14:05) - How Vivin Got Into Venture Capitals

(14:05 - 17:40) - How To Figure Out A Good Partner In Business

(17:40 - 27:00) - About Zacua Ventures

(27:00 - 29:27) - How Zacua Ventures Operates As A Team From Different Parts Of The World

(29:27 - 42:30) - Investment Thesis Of Zacua Ventures

(42:30 - 55:55) - Vivin's Perspective On Robotics In Construction

(55:55 - 01:04:00) - Relationship Between Ventures Firm And Limited Partner

(01:04:00 - 01:07:00) - How To Identify Real Problems Before Investing

(01:07:00 - 01:13:45) - Where Startups Go Wrong In Construction Tech

(01:13:45 - 01:21:17) - How Becoming A Parent Has Impacted Vivin's Life

(01:06:21 - 01:21:17) - Problems of Construction Tech Across Different Geographies

(01:21:17 - 01:22:18) - Outro

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#podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups #architecture #design #civilengineering #engineering #constructiontechnology #engineer #architect #civilengineer #concrete #podcaster #podcasting #entrepreneur #podcasts #podcastlife #startups #entrepreneurship

Ever wondered how major VC firms evaluate and invest (or reject) in construction technology startups?

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Toppston and Yaniv Lusana of GS Futures, a major venture capital firm backing the next generation of construction technology. Discover how they're identifying the "painkillers" that are transforming the industry, from autonomous robots navigating complex job sites to AI-powered solutions revolutionising every stage of the construction lifecycle. 

Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space. Take a look into the future of construction and the technologies that are set to transform it. 

Key Takeaways:

And much more. 

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Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox. 

Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com

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/

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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.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro To Our Sponsors

02:30 - Intro To Yaniv, Aaron & GS Futures

15:12 - Tech As A 'Vitamin' Vs Tech As A 'Painkiller'

22:50 - Green & Red Flags On Founders For Investors

32:00 - VC's Perspective On Robotics Startups

40:50 - Why Corporate Venture Capital Investor V/s Venture Investors

59:10 - How Startups Can Get Venture-backed

01:04:00 - Impact of Liquidity For VCs

01:08:18 - Vision of GS Futures

01:09:47 - Outro

#podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups #architecture #design #civilengineering #engineering #constructiontechnology #engineer #architect #civilengineer #concrete #podcaster #podcasting #entrepreneur #podcasts #podcastlife #startups #entrepreneurship

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Join us as Omar El-Ayat, general partner at Euclid Ventures, takes us on a journey into the exciting world of vertical SaaS - and explains its phenomenal impact on the construction industry. Discover how purpose-built software is tackling age-old challenges in construction, helping businesses overcome fragmentation and streamline complex processes.

Plus, hear why investing in founders with deep domain expertise is crucial, the importance of addressing critical "hair on fire" problems, and how new technologies like generative AI could influence the next wave of innovation.

Key Takeaways:

Tune in to uncover how Vertical SaaS is not just a trend but a transformative force in the construction industry!

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Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com

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.

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Timestamps:

(0:00 - 2:14) - Intro to Guest and Sponsor

(2:14 - 9:30) - Omar's journey as a Venture Investor

(9:30 - 14:15) - How To Spot Large Underserved Industry For Investment

(14:15 - 15:40) - What Is Vertical SaaS

(15:40 - 24:10) - Omar's Approach to Industry where He Is Not An Expert At

(24:10 - 32:27) - Recurring Challenges While Selling In Construction

(32:27 - 48:30) - Omar's Views on Go-To-Market In Construction

(48:30 - 56:20) - Importance of AI while choosing Startups In Vertical Startup

(56:20 - 58:36) - Importance of Profitability While Investing In Startups

(58:36 - 01:10:52) - Learnings Omar's Learned Building Euclid Ventures

(01:10:52 - 01:11:31) - Outro

Are you curious about the latest innovations in sustainable building materials and the challenges of bringing them to market? 🤔

In this episode of Bricks and Bytes Broadcast, we had Gregory Dewerpe, founding partner at AO PropTech, and we got to learn about the complexities of retrofitting for energy efficiency, the role of venture capital in construction tech, and how startups are digitizing the installation process... and many more!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Innovations in sustainable building materials like timber and insulation

✅ Challenges with adoption and commercialization timelines for new materials

✅ How software is enabling more efficient and traceable retrofitting

✅ The impact of regulations and certifications on construction innovation

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:00 Exploring Sustainable Building Materials and New Startups

07:28 Challenges of Insulation and Retrofitting Work

08:27 Regulations and Impact on Construction Industry