Bricks And Bytes

By Bricks And BytesBusiness Entrepreneurship

Bricks And Bytes episodes

April 13, 2024BBBC 13/04 - Europe's Hottest Startup, Retrofitting, PR Best Practice & Nonsense
With ageing housing stock and increasing environmental targets, retrofitting emerges as a critical solution.
In this episode, Patric, Owen & Martin dissect the challenges and opportunities inherent in this market, emphasizing the crucial role of data analysis and physical substance in guiding effective retrofitting decisions.
The conversation extends to the significance of platforms like Enter.de, which serve as vital connectors between suppliers, homeowners, and contractors in the retrofitting process.
Additionally, they explore the role of PR in investment rounds, acknowledging its potential for signalling momentum and raising brand awareness, albeit with the caveat of careful curation and audience consideration.

Key Takeaways:
Retrofitting addresses the pressing need posed by ageing housing stock and environmental goals.

Effective retrofitting decisions hinge on a blend of data analysis and physical substance.

Platforms like Enter facilitate seamless collaboration between stakeholders in the retrofitting process.

PR in investment rounds can boost momentum and brand visibility, but it necessitates thoughtful curation and understanding of the target audience.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Sunshade Experiment
10:55 Data Analysis and Physical Substance in Retrofitting Decisions
29:17 The Benefits and Considerations of PR in Investment Rounds

Companies Mentioned:
- XYZ Reality
- Enter.De
- Furbnow
- AECOMarketing (Kevin Ferguson)
35 min
April 12, 2024Can Hypar’s Advanced Algorithm Take Over Architects? | Design Automation w/ Anthony Hauck
Can an advanced algorithm replace human architects someday?
In this mind-bending episode, we sit down with Anthony Hauck, CEO of Hypar, for a fascinating conversation on the future of design automation. Join us as we explore how Hypar’s design automation tool is designing complex architectural 3D models for us. Anthony reveals how he went on to build architecture’s most promising tool after being turned down by Autodesk.
Find out how he’s on a path to revolutionise the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction ) industry – and delve into the symbiotic relationship between technology and humans.
Tune in and listen to:
Anthony's journey from his initial experiences with AutoCAD to his current position at Hypar

The vision behind Hypar and its goal to provide users with a robust design tool

Hypar's collaboration with industry leaders, which highlights the practical application of design automation in real-world projects

The importance of balancing automation and human judgement in the design process
And much more ..
Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of design automation – and map a course towards a future where tech precision converges with human creativity.
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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
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:02:49) Intro
(00:02:49-00:10:50) About Hypar
(00:10:50-00:17:14) Changes In Product Development In AEC Industry
(00:17:14-00:29:10) A Day In The Life of A Chief Product Officer
(00:29:10-00:45:42) Designing a 3D Building Live Using Hypar AI
(00:45:42-00:50:54) Fund raising of Hypar
(00:50:54-00:52:25) Outro
53 min
April 09, 2024 The Underdog Story of Construction's Hottest Startup
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 ..
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Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
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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—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
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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

50 min
April 06, 2024BBBC 06/04/24 - Okibo's $7.85M Funding, Construction Labor Shortages and Robotics Revolution
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
30 min
April 05, 2024Journey From Carpentry to ConTech CEO That Raised $13.6 Million | Fraser Patterson
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/
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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
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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
54 min
April 02, 2024Alternative Materials and Affordable Homes. Touching Net Zero | Paul Richards - Founder, GURBuild
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
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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—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
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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
43 min
March 30, 2024BBBC 30/03/24 - Ediphi's $12M Raise, Pre-Construction Opportunities, and Market Domination
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.
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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
24 min
March 29, 2024Shft Co-Founder Pulls the Cover Off BIM and Separates Facts from Fiction | Michelle du Plessis
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/
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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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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
48 min
March 26, 2024OpenSpace Is Changing Construction Documentation Forever | 25 Billion Sq. Ft. Captured in 3D | Jeevan Kalanithi CEO, Openspace
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
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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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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
46 min
March 23, 2024BBBC 22/03/24 - $31m Dollars, 20x Revenue Growth and Straight Outta Y Combinator - PermitFlow & Furno
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.
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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
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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/
26 min