Why these ex-Waymo engineers decided to conquer construction with their new startup, Bedrock Robotics.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patrick dive deep into the robotics revolution hitting construction with two industry-changing guests. 

Mo joins as co-host, bringing his Silicon Valley robotics expertise to unpack the biggest funding rounds and breakthroughs happening right now.

Key topics discussed:

- Why Dusty Robotics chose layout printing over flashier robot applications

- How ex-Waymo engineers are retrofitting excavators with self-driving tech

- The brutal truth about why most construction robotics startups failWhy accuracy is becoming the ultimate moat in construction robotics

- How labor shortages are forcing the industry to embrace automation

- The surprising lesson from building 60 robots in-house before outsourcing

- Why Field AI's $405 million funding signals a tipping point for the industry

- How construction sites are actually the perfect training ground for real-world robotics

Key quote: "Obviously everything's going to be built by robots in the future." - Tessa Lau, Dusty Robotics

Featuring Tessa Lau, founder of Dusty Robotics (the most respected robotics company in construction tech), and Kevin Peterson, CTO of Bedrock Robotics (fresh out of stealth with $80 million to automate heavy machinery). This episode reveals why construction might be the key to unlocking robotics everywhere else.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:06 Introduction to Robotics in Construction

03:53 Current Trends and Sentiments in Robotics

06:45 Barriers to Adoption in Robotics

09:40 Autonomy vs. Collaboration in Robotics

12:40 Field AI and Its Impact on Construction

15:29 Dusty Robotics: Revolutionizing Job Sites

18:18 The Future of Construction with Robotics

21:04 Challenges in Construction Tech

23:53 The Importance of User Experience in Robotics

26:55 Lessons Learned from Robotics Development

29:36 The Role of Accuracy in Robotics

32:50 Proprietary Hardware vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions

39:43 Prototyping and Time to Market

42:40 Manufacturing Challenges in Robotics

44:46 Adoption of Robotics in Construction

46:23 Pricing Strategies for Hardware

47:41 Building a Thriving SaaS Business

49:20 Transitioning from Self-Driving Cars to Construction

53:30 Unique Product Offerings in Construction Robotics

56:29 Collaboration Between Humans and Machines

59:24 Adapting to Change in Construction

01:11:09 The Future of Robotics in Construction

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the biggest misconceptions shaking up construction and venture capital. Plus, we're joined by Victor Muchiri from Barton Malow (a $5 billion general contractor) who reveals what tech actually works in the field.

What we cover:

Why Dubai developers are bringing $19 billion worth of construction in-house (and whether this trend will hit the West)

The shocking truth about that McKinsey productivity chart everyone uses in pitch decks

Why 8 out of 10 construction companies can't even define what a "project" is

Time Magazine's controversial VC rankings that reward management fees over actual returns

Victor's insider perspective on which construction technologies actually deliver results

The Pablo Escobar business model lesson that might change how you think about valuations

Key quote: "Construction companies can't even define what a project is. Eight different customers cannot define internally what a project is. One customer had eight different definitions. This is your business - the project is the equivalent of the order in manufacturing." - Patric

From Sequoia being mysteriously absent from "top VC" lists to why rats eating cash might be better than some investment strategies, this episode challenges everything you think you know about construction productivity, venture capital, and business models.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Awkward Beginnings

03:08 Dubai's In-House Construction Trend

11:01 The Best Owner Logic in M&A

18:40 Market Dynamics and Developer Strategies

21:19 Construction Productivity and Industry Comparisons

30:45 Luxury and Value in Construction

32:09 The Economics of Markup and Intangible Assets

34:32 Current Trends in the UK Construction Market

36:02 Introduction to Barton Mello and Its Operations

38:36 Innovations in Construction Technology

41:31 Data Strategies in Construction

45:10 Defining Projects in Construction

49:59 Standardization Challenges in Construction

53:15 Engaging with Startups in Construction Technology

54:35 Navigating AEC Tech Startups

56:01 The Importance of Industry Expertise

57:09 Defining Success in Venture Capital

58:36 Exploring America's Top Venture Capital Firms

59:53 Evaluating Venture Capital Performance

01:01:42 Critiquing the Scoring Criteria of VC Firms

01:04:49 The Role of Sequoia in Venture Capital

01:08:25 Understanding the Power Law in VC Investments

01:10:19 The Impact of Management Fees on VC Performance

01:13:13 The Purpose Behind Controversial Lists

01:15:33 Top Podcasts and Their Influence

What happens when AI hype, billion-dollar bets, and the cold reality of hardware vs. software collide — plus, how to dominate LinkedIn without sounding like everyone else?

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes Owen, Martin, Patric, and Dustin are joined by LinkedIn strategist Derek Wong to unpack:

• Which AI giant will actually have the best model by the end of August — and why public betting markets might be getting it wrong

• The surprising slowdown at Procore vs. Trimble’s surge — and what it says about the future of construction tech

• Why hardware “moats” can be a game-changer for tech companies

• The right and wrong ways to use AI in business (and why LLMs aren’t your calculator)

• Derek’s playbook for turning LinkedIn into the ultimate “box of donuts” for winning high-value customers

"Hardware is an amazing bathtub — once you control the install base, your software gets stickier and your distribution gets easier." — Patric Hellermann

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:13 Earning Potential and Career Strategies

05:26 AI Models and Company Performance

10:07 Evaluating AI Tools and Their Limitations

14:42 Practical Applications of AI in Business

17:52 Understanding User Interaction with AI Tools

19:58 Market Dynamics in Construction Technology

22:54 Contrasting Business Models: Procore vs. Trimble

24:45 Valuation Insights and Market Perception

31:25 The Future of Procore: Leadership and Vision

39:28 Building Relationships through Content on LinkedIn

46:45 Mind Share and Brand Recognition

48:27 The Importance of Target Audience

50:26 Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Profile

52:03 The Dangers of Self-Labeling

54:26 Clarifying Your Value Proposition

55:29 Content Strategy for Engagement

57:57 The Role of Content in Building Relationships

59:43 Understanding Your Goals on LinkedIn

01:01:58 The Future of AI and Construction

01:08:00 The AI Race and Its Implications

01:09:46 Innovations in Modular Housing

Construction companies are posting "impossible" growth numbers while tech giants can't spend their billions. What's really happening?

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the shocking stories reshaping the construction industry, plus a special guest appearance from construction tech veteran Dex who just raised $3 million to solve the industry's biggest crisis.

What we cover:

• Turner Construction's mind-blowing 44% revenue growth (and why it's "impossible")

• The Figma IPO scandal that cost early investors millions

• Why Meta can't spend $150 billion even though they want to

• Construction's $20 billion labor shortage crisis

• Why 85% of AI projects fail (and the patterns that actually work)

• Energy bottlenecks blocking massive infrastructure spending

• Dex's new startup Propel People tackling the skilled worker shortage

Key Quote: "This is highway robbery for the existing investors... they just lost a ton of value." - Patric on the Figma IPO controversy

From billion-dollar construction wins to IPO disasters, energy grid meltdowns to recruiting revolutions - this episode reveals the hidden forces driving massive changes across the industry. Whether you're in AEC, tech, or just curious about where the economy is heading, these insights will change how you see the business world.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:00 Origins of 'Okay' and Its Cultural Significance

03:40 Turner's Impressive Growth in Construction

06:21 Diversification and Strategic Partnerships in Construction

09:23 Turner's Expansion into European Markets

12:14 Figma's IPO and Market Dynamics

15:01 Valuation Challenges and Investor Sentiment

18:16 Banking Practices and IPO Pricing Strategies

25:21 The State of AI in Enterprises

29:16 Challenges of Pilot Programs

30:53 Historical Insights on Project Failures

35:00 Ensuring Technology Adoption

41:43 Energy Infrastructure Bottlenecks

47:36 Introduction to Propel People

52:13 Building a Recruiting Platform for Construction

56:24 Sourcing Talent in the Construction Industry

58:18 Evolution of Technology in Construction

60:11 The Role of Social Media in Recruitment

63:04 Founder-Led Sales and Market Insights

67:05 Setting Foundations for Success in Startups

OpenAI is paying construction engineers $555K – but there's a catch that nobody's talking about.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Dustin expose the shocking reality behind AI salaries in construction, debunk viral industry charts, and reveal why your favorite building materials might be making a comeback.

What we cover:

• Why OpenAI is paying engineers 5x more than top architecture firms

• The truth behind "construction AI growth" charts flooding social media

• How AI coding tools are changing the startup game (and why most companies are doing it wrong)

• Trunk Tools' massive $40M funding round – and what it means for the industry

• Inside Dexto's $15M bet on prefabrication technology

• Why stone buildings could dominate the future (thanks to robots)

• The real strategy behind why successful startups raise more money than they need

Key quote: "I've never met a civil engineer or an architect making that much money. Ever." – Dustin DeVan on OpenAI's salary offerings

From fake data manipulation to robotic stone carving, this episode pulls back the curtain on where construction tech is really headed. Whether you're an investor, founder, or just trying to understand why your industry is changing so fast – this one's a must-listen.

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:25 Introduction and Welcome Back

02:43 Exploring AI in Engineering Jobs

04:55 Salary Insights for Engineers at OpenAI

08:60 The Future of Engineering Roles and Compensation

11:46 Equity and Compensation in Tech Companies

17:32 Navigating AI Technologies in Business

21:53 Funding and Growth in the AI Sector

22:30 The Evolution of AI in Construction Tech

25:37 The Importance of Founder Branding in Tech

31:10 Analyzing AI Adoption Across Industries

36:41 Dextal: Revolutionizing Prefabrication Technology

51:55 Introduction to Robotic Stone Carving

52:32 Innovative Building Techniques with Stone

54:04 The Role of AI in Stone Carving

55:53 Future of Stone Construction

57:22 Business Model and Customization

59:29 Reviving the Craft of Stone Carving

61:11 Challenges in Stone Architecture

64:32 Sustainability of Stone as a Building Material

65:50 Personalization in Sculpture

67:18 Market Demand for Stone Products

70:51 The Future of Robotics in Construction

Construction companies are claiming they're "software companies" now - but this dangerous trend could destroy the industry.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patric dive deep with Alan Mosca (CTO of nPlan) about the AI revolution that's both exciting and terrifying the construction world. Plus, we hear from Todd Thomas of Woodchuck AI about turning construction waste into profit, and Forest from Parspec Inc on their 20 million Series A raise.

Key topics discussed:

• Why contractors thinking they can "vibe code" critical software is setting them up for disaster

• The DocuSign problem: why you can't just prompt your way to enterprise security

• The AI paradox that could kill coding platforms when they get too good

• How Woodchuck AI is reducing waste costs by 30% while creating new revenue streams

• Why GCs are "pressurizing a chamber that's already at incredible high pressure"

• Travis Kalanick's physics breakthrough claims and what they reveal about AI hype

• The real applications of AI that are actually working in construction

Key quote: "That is basically pressurizing a chamber that is already at incredible high pressure with very thin walls. Because GCs run on insanely thin margins with very little time to spare and everything feels like you got it done by a miracle most of the time." - Alan Mosca

This episode doesn't hold back on the hard truths about AI in construction. Listen now to understand what's really happening behind the hype.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:05 Introduction to AI in Construction

03:05 Challenges with AI in Construction

09:53 The Future of Vibe Coding

16:15 The Role of AI in Business and Investment

21:16 AI Generated Content and Marketing Strategies

27:35 The Influence of Extremes on Public Opinion

28:10 Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI

29:13 The Dangers of Intellectual Laziness in Content Creation

30:03 The Rise of Vibe Coding in Construction

30:57 The Challenges of Software Solutions in Construction

34:05 Point Solution Fatigue in General Contracting

36:56 The Slippery Slope of DIY Software Solutions

40:05 Woodchuck's Innovative Approach to Waste Management

41:56 AI's Role in Sustainable Construction Practices

45:09 The Importance of Pre-Sorting in Waste Management

47:54 The Future of Waste Management and Compliance

53:07 Funding and Expansion Plans for Woodchuck

57:19 The Rise of Tesla Robot Taxis

01:02:10 AI in Construction Material Sourcing

01:09:24 Challenges in E-commerce for Construction

01:15:48 Lessons from Startup Growth

Is your construction project secretly losing $5 billion a year? This industry insider just exposed the shocking truth about why 89% of construction firms are failing.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the hidden forces reshaping the AEC industry, plus exclusive interviews with game-changing founders who are disrupting everything.

What we cover:

• The $5 billion heat crisis destroying construction schedules (and why Martin thinks it's just an excuse)

• Why 70% of construction tech startups are failing at Series A funding rounds

• Sean Petterson from SuperSede reveals how recycled plastic is replacing plywood forever

• The brutal truth about why all construction software has terrible UX design

• Mo Akbari's controversial take on how AI could kill DocuSign overnight

• Patrick's explosive Coca-Cola business model that could transform construction

• Why Europe's buildings are designed to overheat (and what that means for your projects)

Key Quote: "If you build shit companies and you raise your seed round on a shit promise and you can't deliver on that shit promise, well, at series A and B, it's easier to be found out." - Patric Hellermann

From climate disasters to funding secrets to revolutionary materials, this episode pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in construction tech. Warning: You might never look at your projects the same way again.

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:07 Introduction and Technical Glitches

04:14 Cultural Insights from Corfu

07:07 Heat and Productivity in Construction

10:05 Debating Heat Management Solutions

13:09 Innovations in Construction for Heat Management

16:12 Building Regulations and Overheating Concerns

19:08 The Role of Insulation and Building Design

22:06 Funding Analysis and Market Trends

36:22 Funding Trends in Construction Tech

41:08 Challenges in Achieving Series A and B Funding

44:36 Introduction to Super Seed and Its Innovations

51:58 Super Seed's Unique Product Offerings

57:31 Scaling and Capacity Building in Manufacturing

01:02:34 Brand Strategy and Market Positioning

01:04:54 Navigating Industry Standards and Specifications

01:13:46 Choosing the Right Communication Tools

01:14:42 The Importance of User Experience in Construction Tech

01:16:56 Evaluating Product Design and Usability

01:19:38 Metrics for Assessing User Experience

01:25:19 The Role of AI in Product Development

01:29:24 The Future of Document Signing Solutions

01:32:55 The Impact of Pricing on Market Competition

01:35:24 Mo's Upcoming Project Reveal

Big Tech is Quietly Taking Over Construction (And Making Billions Doing It)

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into how tech giants are reshaping the construction industry - and who's really profiting from the AI boom.

What we cover:

• How big tech companies are forcing construction firms to completely rethink project delivery

• Why Palantir just signed a $100 million deal with a nuclear company (and what it means for the industry)

• The shocking truth about where all the AI money actually goes

• Why 22-28% of the world's GDP comes from projects - and what that means for capacity vs. software

• The wild world of fundraising scams targeting desperate startups

• Whether usage-based pricing models are about to collapse

• Why most construction startups are solving the wrong problems

Key quote: "Why would I invest in software rather than the factory? I would invest in the factory, right? If I want to have access to space and monopolize the access to space, dude, I'm not building software. I'm building a fucking launch ramp and a reusable rocket." - Patric

Plus, the hosts try (and fail spectacularly) to guess the World Economic Forum's top 10 emerging technologies of 2025. Spoiler: nobody saw "green nitrogen fixation" coming.

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

-----------------------Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:21 Heat Waves and Air Conditioning Trends

05:23 Big Tech's Influence on Construction

11:20 Capacity Challenges in Construction

17:14 Palantir's Nuclear Operating System Partnership

30:27 Navigating the Complexities of General Contracting

33:45 The Role of Private Equity in General Contracting

37:56 Emerging Technologies and Their Impact

40:40 The Future of Fundraising and Scams in Startups

52:35 Understanding the Venture Investment Ecosystem

55:25 Navigating Fundraising Challenges

58:20 The Role of Fundraising Advisors

01:02:30 Effective Messaging in Marketing

01:07:18 Competition vs. No Competition in Market

01:11:22 Debating Usage-Based Pricing Models

Does AI Actually Make Us Dumber? MIT Study Reveals Shocking Truth + $15B DocuSign vs. Tiny AI Startup

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the controversial world of AI and its impact on our brains, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Cuby's revolutionary construction process.

Key topics discussed:

• MIT study proves ChatGPT users show "lowest brain engagement" and get lazier over time

• DocuSign's $15 billion empire threatened by AI-built copycat app - is this the future?

• Exclusive live tour of Cuby's construction site where entire house interiors are built in just 16 hours

• Why 95% of billion-dollar companies were NOT venture-backed (and what this means for startups)

• SnapTrude's game-changing V3 launch that's making architects question their pricing

• The brutal truth about why top VCs avoid construction tech despite massive profit margins

• Live demo of "vibe designing" - the future of architectural workflows

Plus special guests:

• Alex from Cuby giving exclusive construction site access

• Altaf from SnapTrude revealing their revolutionary new product launch

• Shub with insights from APAC and MENA construction markets

Key quote: "We as a venture community obsess about pumping more money into the next AI, the next software, trying to be number 101. We should stop trying to be number 101 and just try to rebuild the other 1,050 companies which have not been touched." - Patric

Warning: Contains heated debates about intellectual property theft, the "muscle atrophy" effect of AI dependency, and why one VC called construction founders "cockroaches" (it's actually a compliment).

Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:36 Introduction and Setting the Scene

04:23 The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking

08:18 Thought Experiment: The Drug of Supernatural Abilities

12:09 The Ethics of AI and Intellectual Property

24:48 Guest Introduction and Transition to Cuby Discussion

26:59 Documentary Insights and Community Impact

29:51 Building in Real Time: A Hands-On Approach

38:18 The Future of Construction and Venture Capital

48:37 Navigating the Project Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

50:18 The Essence of Venture Capital

51:31 Consultants vs. In-House Expertise

52:33 Real Estate and Venture Capital Dynamics

53:21 Innovations in Construction Technology

54:26 Navigating Economic Trends in APAC

56:34 Understanding Recession Dynamics

59:41 Emerging Markets and AI Innovations

01:02:38 Mega Projects in MENA

01:08:16 The Future of Design and Workflow Solutions

01:10:01 The Essence of Design: Vibes and Feelings

01:10:45 The Evolution of SnapTree: From Concept to Completion

01:14:28 Transforming Early Stage Design: Speed and Efficiency

01:16:57 Revolutionizing Design Tools: The Power of SnapTree V3

01:19:44 Streamlining Communication in Design Projects

01:21:47 Influencer Marketing: Expanding Reach and Engagement

01:26:14 AI in Design: Myths and Realities

01:27:52 The Impact of Technology on Workforce Dynamics

20 cold calls a day, $150 million in legal fees, and why the smartest CEOs are terrified of in-person competitors.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric are joined by Justin Levine, CEO of  Shepherd, for a no-holds-barred discussion about the future of business, technology, and construction.

What we dive into:

• Apple's new AI call screening feature and why it spells doom for sales teams

• The shocking reality of 20 cold calls per day (and why most are terrible)

• Remote vs. office work: which startup would you fear more as a competitor?

• Why VCs are hilariously bad at cold outreach emails

• Construction insurance secrets that could save companies millions

• The $270 million Millennium Tower disaster (where legal fees cost more than the actual fix)

• Why hiring remotely means you need more experienced people

• The race to build the first $100 billion construction tech company

Key Quote: "If there's a competitor that's going to do exactly what we do - one fully remote, one five days in office - I am 100% more scared of the five day in office per week." - Justin Levine

From San Francisco's absurd delivery fees to the future of AI gatekeepers, this episode reveals uncomfortable truths about modern business that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:20 Introduction and Coffee Talk

04:20 Construction Assurance and Safety

07:31 iOS Updates and Cold Outreach Challenges

10:20 Innovations in Construction Insurance

13:23 Wrap-Up Policies and Cost Efficiency

16:22 Cold Outreach Strategies in 2025

19:11 The Future of AI in Sales and Marketing

28:01 The Importance of Mindset in Growth

28:39 Transparency in VC Interactions

29:27 Challenges of Cold Outreach in VC

30:24 The Role of Experience in Fundraising

33:54 Finding the Right Investor Fit

40:41 Understanding Investor Strike Zones

43:41 Defining Alpha in Venture Capital

44:59 The Long-Term Journey of Startups

47:42 The Bathtub Analogy in AI and Data Ownership

49:58 The Debate on Hustle Culture in Startups

50:22 The Value of In-Person Work Culture

58:59 The Challenges of Remote Work

01:08:15 Remote Work Considerations in Different Industries

01:09:11 Remote Work vs. Co-location in Tech and Hardware

01:11:42 The Impact of Time on Productivity

01:12:28 Rising Costs in Construction Insurance

01:16:32 The Challenges of Construction Defects

01:21:16 Reducing Insurance Premiums through Technology

01:26:59 Business Models in Construction Insurance

01:32:01 Future Trends in Construction Technology