From garage startup to major exit: The Enscape story

In this episode, we had Moritz, co-founder of Enscape, and we got to learn about his journey from a university project to a game-changing 3D rendering software... and many more!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How Enscape evolved from a VR treadmill idea to revolutionizing architectural visualization

✅ Why focusing on customer happiness trumps optimizing for investor metrics

✅ The power of community-driven marketing in the AEC industry

✅ The future of AI in rendering and its impact on existing tools

Listen now on Spotify to hear Moritz's insights on building a successful startup, navigating acquisitions, and the future of design technology.

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Company Mentioned:

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

03:02 The Evolution of Enscape

06:07 Understanding Rendering in Architecture

09:01 The Role of Rendering in the Design Process

12:01 Enscape's Position in the Rendering Market

15:02 Innovations and Challenges in Rendering Technology

18:00 The Journey of Enscape: From Founding to Exit

20:59 Acquisition Insights and Market Dynamics

23:55 Customer-Centric Approach to Business

26:54 The Future of Rendering and AI Integration

29:59 The Design Stack: Merging Tools and Technologies

32:59 Community and Distribution Strategies

35:48 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Nuclear power's comeback? Last Energy raises $40M for micro modular reactors

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Last Energy's $40 million Series B funding for developing 20 MWe micro modular nuclear power plants.

We also explored how nuclear energy fits into the broader energy landscape, including its role in providing baseload power for data centers.

Additionally, we delved into venture capital fund economics and the challenges of generating returns for large funds.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ The potential for modular nuclear reactors in energy independence

✅ How nuclear power complements other energy sources on the grid

✅ Why fund size impacts venture capital returns

✅ The bifurcation of VC into large platforms and specialized early-stage funds

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear on the future of energy and venture capital.

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Company Mentioned:

- Last Energy

- Sequoia

- Andreessen Horowitz

- Tiger Global

- Revolut

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Timestamps

00:00 Welcome Back and Episode Recap

02:25 Exploring Nuclear Power and Last Energy

12:47 The Future of Nuclear Energy in the West

19:24 Regulatory Challenges and Market Demand for Nuclear

24:46 Understanding Baseload Energy and Its Importance

29:27 Venture Capital Insights and Market Dynamics

44:19 The Economics of Fund Sizes and Return

Construction robots: From hot dogs to highways?

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored how robotics is changing construction.

We learned about Starpath Robotics' plan to mine water on the Moon for rocket fuel. This could change how we explore space.

We also covered how construction companies are now more open to using robots. This is due to a lack of skilled workers.

Patric and Gabriele shared insights on investing in construction tech startups.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why robotics companies should start with specific problems

✅ How construction robots can help with labor shortages

✅ What investors look for in robotics startups

✅ The importance of building a track record in robotics

Is the traditional construction scheduling software about to become obsolete?

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we discussed Planera's fresh take on construction scheduling, which just secured $13.5M in Series A funding.

We also explored the surprising uptick in US startup failures and what it reveals about the current market.

Additionally, we delved into the potential shift from demand-focused to supply-focused business models in tech.

Tune in to discover: 

✅ How Planera aims to simplify complex construction scheduling 

✅ Why more startups are failing, but it might not be all bad news 

✅ The rising importance of vertical integration in tech companies 

✅ How emerging markets are driving innovation in B2B platforms

Want to stay ahead in construction tech and startup trends? Listen now on Spotify.

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Company Mentioned:

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Timestamps:

02:12 Planera: Innovating Construction Scheduling and Planning 

06:42 The Challenges of Traditional Scheduling Tools in Construction 0

9:01 The High Failure Rate of Startups: A Natural Evolution 

24:07 The Role of AI in Startups and the Construction Industry 

30:01 The Shift towards Collaborative and Visual Solutions in Construction 

31:15 The Dominance of the US Startup Market 

32:39 The High Failure Rate in US Startups 

33:54 Profitability of European Venture Funds 

41:30 The Shift Towards Vertical Integration and B2B Marketplaces

Is the construction industry building its future on a foundation of hype? Think again. The latest market maps and "best-of" lists might be leading you astray.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored McKinsey's updated report projecting a $22 trillion construction market by 2040, alongside the industry's looming labor crisis.

We discussed the expansion of the Bricks and Bytes podcast network, including new shows like "BitBuilders" focusing on robotics in construction.

Patric also shared his critical analysis of "best-of" lists and market maps in construction tech, revealing surprising insights about company success rates.

Tune in to find out:

✅ Why the construction industry is facing its most challenging and high-activity era ever

✅ How robotics might transform on-site construction in unexpected ways

✅ Why well-funded companies often underperform compared to their less publicized counterpart

✅ The importance of looking beyond funding and PR when evaluating construction tech startups

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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

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg

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

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Company Mentioned:

- McKinsey

Gecko Robotics

Monumental

Mighty Buildings

Nexii
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00:01.08 - 14:00: Introduction and Bricks and Bytes podcast network updates

14:00 - 20:10: McKinsey's updated construction productivity report

20:10 - 29:00: Labor shortage in construction industry

29:00 - 38:00: Potential solutions to labor shortage

38:00 - 44:00: Attracting talent to construction industry

44:00 - 50:30: Patric Hellermann's analysis of "best-of" lists

50:30 - 54:00: Detailed breakdown of study results

54:00 - 57:30: Discussion on implications of the study

57:30: Closing remarks and end of episode

Is your startup targeting just 1% of a massive market? Think again. This common pitch strategy might be hurting your chances with investors.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Opus Flow's €1.7 million investment to boost their ERP solution for sustainable installers.

We also explored the 3D visualization market, discussing by 7.2 (formerly known as Apex Partners)'s investment in Lumion, a key player in AEC software.

Patric also shared valuable insights on building successful startups in crowded markets like construction tech.

Tune in to find out: 

✅ Why focusing on a specific niche can be more powerful than chasing a small slice of a big market 

✅ How Opus Flow stands out in the competitive ERP space 

✅ Why adding AI isn't always enough to beat established players like Lumion 

✅ The importance of profitability in your core business before expanding

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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

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X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg

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

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- OpusFlow

- Lumion

- Enscape

- Twinmotion

- Inframarket

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

Is the future of architecture in 2D, not 3D? Testfit founder's has got a surprising take…

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned how TestFit grew from a weekend project to raising a Series A, changing how architects do feasibility studies.

We also discovered why small firms might replace big ones like Gensler, as AI changes how architecture works.

Patric shared why "outcome as a service" companies are shaking up the construction tech world.

Tune in to find out:

✅ Why 2D design might still beat 3D and VR

✅ How AI could change the money side of architecture

✅ Why keeping customers matters more than getting new ones in construction tech

✅ The role of VC money in an industry that rarely reinvests in itself

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Company Mentioned:

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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/

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg

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

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Background

09:31 Issues with the Design Stack

18:44 The Importance of 2D Design

23:43 Automation and Problem Solving

26:01 Challenges in the Design Stack

26:53 Building Meaningful Automation in AEC

30:07 The Impact of Narratives in the Venture Industry

33:24 The Future of Architecture and Design in an AI-Driven World

34:21 The Potential Fragmentation of the AEC Industry

41:07 Picking VCs and the Importance of Customer Retention

Is the fencing industry secretly one of the most profitable sectors in construction?

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about EverFence's $7.7 million Series A funding, showing strong interest in the fencing market.

We also discussed Nexii's attempt to relaunch after going into liquidation, highlighting the challenges in offsite modular construction.\

Plus, we got candid insights from Patric on why advice from generalist VCs might be hurting construction tech startups.

Tune in to find out:

✅ Why fencing companies can see up to 200% profit margins

✅ The pros and cons of asset-heavy vs. asset-light models in construction

✅ How bad VC advice is affecting construction tech startups

✅ Why founders should be wary of VCs who can't admit what they don't know

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Company Mentioned:

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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/

Construction tech funding is booming, but is it all hype?

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Coast's impressive $40 million Series B raise for their financial services platform in transportation.

We also got insights on the surprising growth in construction tech funding, reaching 0.53% of total venture capital.

Plus, we heard a critical take on using headcount growth as a measure of startup success.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why Coast is attracting big investment

✅ The unexpected trends in construction tech funding

✅ Why unicorns in the sector are both rising and falling

✅ What really matters when evaluating startups (it's not just numbers)

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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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Company Mentioned

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:32 Introduction to Coast: Financial Services Platform for Transportation

06:12 Coast's Funding and Investors

10:23 Assessing the Viability of Coast's Target Market

13:42 Analysis of Coast's Funding Rounds and Revenue Growth

18:07 Discussion on Investor Perceptions and Series B Funding

19:09 Market News: ConstruTech Funding Landscape

23:21 Analysis of Funding Trends in ConstruTech

27:45 Hype and Funding Rounds in Construction Technology

32:18 The Growth of Highly Substantiated Companies

36:26 The Asian Market and Funding Rounds

37:25 The Changing Landscape of Exits

41:41 Headcount Growth as a Metric for Startup Evaluation

Ever wonder how a startup goes from $8M to a big exit in construction tech?

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about HoloBuilder's journey from raising $8M to being acquired by Faro.

We also found out that despite big investments, the reality capture market still has room to grow. Companies like Cupix and Faro are leading, but there's space for new ideas in robotics and AI.

Plus, we got insights on how some VCs are betting on AI startups, hoping to find the next big winner.

Tune in to discover:

✅ Why job site pizza beats expensive marketing in construction tech

✅ The potential of scan-to-BIM technology

✅ How some AI startups raise millions with just a pitch deck

✅ Why product adoption matters more than fancy tech in construction

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn more about construction tech and startup funding strategies.

----------------------------

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

---------------------------

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X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg

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

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Company Mentioned:

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:09 The Journey of HoloBuilder: From Manufacturing to Construction

08:41 The Go-to-Market Strategy of HoloBuilder

14:20 The Decision to Exit HoloBuilder

23:15 The Three Components of Reality Capture in Construction Tech

28:03 Competition in the Reality Capture Space

35:18 Success Factors in Reality Capture Solutions

39:56 The Evolving Reality Capture Market and Market Leaders

41:33 Funding Challenges and Valuation Drops in Construction Tech

45:26 The Importance of Adoption and User Engagement in Construction Tech

57:34 Niche Markets and Disrupting Workflows in Construction Tech

01:09:43 Building Strong Customer Relationships in the Construction Tech Industry