Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes

"You give me money, and I tell you, 'I'm going to circle back in 18 months and let you know what I did with your money.' That's what a safe note is."

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Martin, Mike Powers, Dustin DeVan, and Patric Hellermann dive into the messy reality of construction tech funding, government policy shakeups, and the AI hype that's burning through millions.

Key topics discussed:

• The brutal truth about EU vs US startup ecosystems and where the smart money is going

• Why safe notes are "stupid money" and how founders are getting away with zero accountability

• Charlie Javis sentenced to 7 years for defrauding JPMorgan with fake user numbers

• Construction AI is boring: why every startup is chasing the same chatbot dream

• Department of Transportation's new ruling that just invalidated 40,000+ DBE certifications overnight

• Heavy equipment mechanics earning $500K through on-demand platforms while dealers pay them $80K

Plus, guest interviews with:

• Alex Kraft, founder of Heave, on disrupting the $180/hour equipment repair racket

• Wissam Akra, CEO of Toughleaf, breaking down the DOT policy bomb that's reshaping billions in infrastructure contracts

"Think about how absolutely stupid that method is. You come to me, you offer me money, and I tell you, 'I'm going to circle back in 18 months and let you know what I did with your money.' That's what a safe note is." 

From government shutdowns to mechanics making half a million on an app, this episode exposes what's really happening behind the scenes in construction tech.

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Our Sponsor:

Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:35 Introduction and Government Shutdown Discussion
• 04:07 Comparing EU and US Startups
• 05:29 The Future of Startups in the EU
• 08:29 Investment Trends in the US and EU
• 11:00 Challenges in Construction Tech Across Borders
• 14:06 Transactional Models and Regional Specificity
• 15:41 Startup Ecosystems in Construction
• 17:17 The Future of Construction Tech Startups
• 18:23 AI in Pre-Construction and Its Limitations
• 22:24 Fraud in Startups: A Cautionary Tale
• 30:52 Introducing HEAVE: A Marketplace for Heavy Equipment Repairs
• 38:19 Transforming an Antiquated Industry
• 40:39 Service Agreements and Customer Trust
• 42:16 Innovative Pricing Models in Equipment Maintenance
• 47:46 Changes in DBE Certification and Its Impact
• 55:31 The Future of Construction Tech and Compliance

This female founder just broke a construction tech record that no one saw coming

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, Maria, Kevin, and Stjepan dive deep into the biggest moves shaking up construction tech right now.

Key topics discussed:

- Maria Davidson's historic $94M fundraise - the most ever raised by a female founder in construction tech

- Why mixing venture capital with strategic partnerships is the secret sauce for growth 

- Procore's surprising new CEO choice and what it means for the industry

- Oracle's aggressive push into construction tech and the M&A war heating up

- Why Zoom is killing your career and you need to get back to face-to-face meetings

- The hidden AI revolution happening in construction companies (that management doesn't know about)

- Data center boom creating massive opportunities and risks for contractors

- How to build authentic relationships that actually close enterprise deals

Key quote:"I'm very surprised by this selection because this person was already on the board of Procore where Procore has been stagnant since they went IPO. You've been sitting at the table the entire time and the stock's done nothing." - Dustin on Procore's new CEO pick

From record-breaking fundraises to controversial leadership decisions, this episode reveals the power moves and industry secrets that are reshaping construction tech forever.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:25 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

04:08 Celebrating Investment Success

07:13 The Value of Strategic vs. Venture Capital

10:04 Hiring and Building a Strong Team

13:08 The Importance of Candidate Experience

16:16 Future Plans and Market Expansion

19:11 Navigating Industry Challenges and Opportunities

25:51 Navigating the Solar Industry and Employment Challenges

28:09 Strategic Partnerships and Investment in Construction Tech

30:55 Innovations in Project Management and Supply Chain Solutions

34:26 Procore's New Leadership and Industry Implications

43:24 Oracle's Strategic Positioning in Construction Tech

45:30 M&A Activity in Construction Tech

46:30 Oracle's Strategic Moves

48:18 The Importance of Community in Construction Tech

49:22 The Future of Major Players in Construction Tech

50:26 Building Relationships Beyond Zoom

56:17 Cultural Considerations in Business

01:00:25 AI in AEC: Perspectives and Opportunities

01:04:22 Building a Business Around AI

01:08:28 The Power of Authentic Communication

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🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P7JkiN9X3N4Kh6jlDsOgi?si=91JP5nxvQbKStkp8AQdAOg

📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/

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📲 Follow us:

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Sponsors:

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

Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies

Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com

Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen reports live from Autodesk University in Nashville while Martin shares insights from ETH Zurich's startup conference and Patrick breaks down why popular AI bubble theories are dead wrong.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why European universities systematically crush entrepreneurial thinking

• The truth behind construction tech's massive funding rounds (80-120M per quarter)

• How to spot real market bubbles vs. media hype around AI stocks

• Why hardware startups face an uphill battle against venture capital preferences

• The innovation crisis at large tech companies like Autodesk

• Patrick's exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the LA Rams stadium

• Martin's analysis of timber-earth construction panels and venture backability

Key Quote: "You're basically being taught all the time to stay within reason. And if you want to build a really awesome company, you have to be going against the grain and doing things that other people will call you crazy for." - Patric on why universities fail at creating entrepreneurs

From concrete innovation to NFL stadium construction secrets, this episode exposes the uncomfortable truths about where construction technology is really headed.

Oracle's CEO Just Made $100 Billion in One Hour While Your Government Wastes Millions on AI That Doesn't Work

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Martin dive deep into the wild world of tech promises, government failures, and what's really happening behind the scenes in construction technology.

Key Topics:

• Oracle's shocking $300 billion OpenAI deal and Larry Ellison's instant $100 billion windfall

• Why the UK government's Microsoft Copilot trial was a complete disaster

• The brutal truth about why companies keep buying expensive software that doesn't work

• OpenSpace CEO Jeevan Kalanithi reveals how reality capture is evolving beyond just taking pictures

• Whether going barefoot in the office makes you a genius or just weird

• Why pre-construction technology is decades behind field management tools

• The real reason AI won't save construction anytime soon

Special guest Jeevan Kalanithi from OpenSpace joins to discuss their major Waypoint conference announcements and shares his thoughts on the AI race in construction.

Key Quote: "No one's ever going to get fired because they bought Microsoft or Oracle. That's why Microsoft Teams is everywhere, even though it's trash." - Dustin

From billion-dollar stock moves to taxpayer waste to the future of building, this episode exposes the gap between tech hype and construction reality.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:45 Introduction and Travel Updates

04:37 Oracle's Rise and AI Partnerships

07:32 Oracle's Financial Forecast and Market Impact

10:26 Productivity Trials and Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot

13:05 Government Trials and AI in Planning

15:52 Debate on Office Attire and Footwear

27:44 The Importance of Company Culture

30:13 Fashion and Professionalism in the Workplace

34:46 Funding Announcements and Market Dynamics

41:20 Reality Capture and Its Future in Construction

55:20 Trends in RealityCapture

59:11 The Importance of Data Consolidation

01:02:11 Safety and Progress Tracking in Construction

01:07:02 Navigating Competition in the Market

01:09:58 The Role of AI in RealityCapture

01:13:50 Future Directions and Company Vision

Microsoft just bet $10M on construction AI - but industry insiders think it's a massive mistake.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patrick, and Dustin dive into the biggest tech moves shaking up construction while welcoming guests from two hot startups that just raised millions.

Key topics discussed:

• Microsoft's massive $10M AI bet with Balfour Beatty - and why some think it's overpriced

• Bluebeam acquires Firmus AI in a surprising exit story

• Autodesk's crushing $1.7B earnings that made investors very happy

• Why Figma's stock crashed despite good earnings

• OneCrew raises $7.5M to modernize paving contractors

• BuildFactory's $3.3M raise for prefab marketplace (plus an epic stealth mode fail)

• OpenAI's ironic $400K job posting for a content strategist

"Those are amazing companies, but both those pieces of software need to be shot behind the tool shed. Like they are so old." - Dustin DeVan on legacy construction software

From billion-dollar acquisitions to startup war stories, this episode reveals what's really happening behind the scenes in construction tech - including how one founder got exposed by a LinkedIn web scraper and why some think Microsoft is charging contractors way too much for basic AI tools.

Our Sponsor:

Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com

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

01:26 Introduction and Martin's Travels

03:11 Microsoft's Investment in AI for Construction

15:48 Acquisition of Firmus AI by Bluebeam

23:50 Autodesk's Latest Earnings Report

29:22 Earnings Insights and Market Reactions

32:20 Autodesk's Strategic Shifts and Growth Potential

34:24 Figma's Earnings and Market Positioning

37:11 Figma's AI Initiatives and Future Directions

51:05 OneCrew's Innovative Approach to Paving Software

01:01:00 AI in Construction: The Future of Scheduling and Management

01:04:37 Navigating the Challenges of Selling to Government Agencies

01:05:42 Britton Langdon's Journey: From Stealth to Startup

01:07:40 The Prefabrication Marketplace: Bridging Supply and Demand

01:14:22 Quality Control in Prefabrication: Ensuring Standards

01:20:12 Defining Prefab: Strategies for Cost and Efficiency

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.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P7JkiN9X3N4Kh6jlDsOgi?si=91JP5nxvQbKStkp8AQdAOg

📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/

🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/

📲 Follow us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/

Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/

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/

Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.

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