"It's Like Selling Your Baby" | Raw Take on The Buildots-Genda Acquisition
"It took us seven seconds to know that acquiring Genda was the right move."That's what Aviv Leibovici, CPO of Buildots, told us about the moment the deal clicked.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Aviv Leibovici from Buildots and Erez Dror, founder of Genda, and we got to learn about why Buildots acquired Genda, how combining visual progress data with workforce tracking creates what they call "productivity intelligence," why the best field data will be the new oil for AI in construction, and the hard truths about building products in this industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why knowing what was built is only half the picture and how workforce data completes the construction puzzle✅ How Genda got tens of thousands of construction workers to voluntarily use an app that tracks their location (the answer is genius)✅ The real reason projects delay and why GCs blaming owner changes is only part of the story✅ Why studying your customers matters more than just listening to them and how both founders approach product development differently than most🎧 Listen now on Spotify!#ConstructionTech #ConTech #RealityCapture #AI #BricksAndBytes #ProductivityIntelligence #Buildots #Genda #ConstructionOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:20 Introduction to BuildDots and Genda 04:16 Understanding Reality Capture and Productivity Intelligence 07:17 The Acquisition of Genda by BuildDots 09:60 The Vision Behind the Acquisition 13:16 Integration of BuildDots and Genda Products 15:50 The Future of Construction Technology 33:31 Understanding Productivity Through Data 40:02 The Reality Capture Landscape 44:30 Competitive Advantages in Construction Tech 51:15 Building Great Products in Construction 58:17 The Role of AI in Product Development
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Bricks & Bytes
SaaSpocalypse, $300B Wipeout, Death of SaaS, Bedrock Hits $1B+, Anthropic vs OpenAI, Super Bowl Ads, & Stanford Disability Scandal
$300 billion wiped from software stocks in a single week. Is SaaS officially dead or is this the buying opportunity of a decade?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Dustin, and Martin break down the so-called "SaaSpocalypse" rocking global markets, welcome back Bedrock CTO Kevin Peterson fresh off a massive $270M Series B that puts his autonomous excavator company into unicorn territory, and dissect the hilarious beef between Anthropic and OpenAI playing out on the Super Bowl stage.Topics discussed:The $300B+ SaaS valuation crash and whether it's a death sentence or a market correction back to normalWhy software engineers are now "juicing" with AI coding tools and what that means for the industryBedrock's journey from Series A to unicorn status, their autonomous excavators on real job sites, and why Google's Capital G is backing themWhere smart money is moving as investors flee software stocks (hint: Europe is winning)Anthropic's brilliant Super Bowl ad mocking OpenAI's plan to put ads in ChatGPT and Sam Altman's salty response38% of Stanford students claiming disability for perks and what it says about elite institutions💬 "LLMs are book smart. They've read every forum on Reddit, every book ever published. But when you get out in the field, it's not in the book." Kevin Peterson, CTO of BedrockWatch the full episode now on Youtube. Link in the comments!Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:26 The SaaSpocalypse: A New Era for Software 04:51 Market Corrections: The Future of SaaS Valuations 07:21 AI's Role in Software Development 18:54 The Evolution of Software Engineering 24:05 Bedrock's Journey: From Startup to Unicorn 30:49 The Future of Autonomous Construction Vehicles 32:54 Customer Perspectives and Ideal Partnerships 34:59 Safety and Supervision in Automation 36:01 Building a Strong Team for Innovation 438:14 Design Considerations for Autonomous Machines 39:40 Investment Trends in Robotics and AI 42:06 The Role of User Interface in Automation 47:20 Investment Strategies in Competitive Spaces 48:24 The Future of Autonomy and AI in Industry 49:35 The Battle of AI Companies: OpenAI vs. Anthropic 56:02 Disability Claims and University Ethics 01:07:06 Super Bowl Predictions and Lighthearted Banter
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Bricks & Bytes
AI vs. Software: B&B Fight Night - Kp Reddy Vs Dustin Devan
Should construction companies sort out their data before using AI? Or can AI sort it out for them?We put two heavyweights in the ring to fight it out.In one corner: Dustin DeVan, one of the most decorated CEOs in construction tech. Exited Building Connected for $275M. Now running Ediphi. He's seen $400M liens and knows what happens when your data falls apart in litigation.In the other corner: KP Reddy, serial entrepreneur, founder, investor, and the man with 48 career experiences on LinkedIn (yes, we counted). He's backed by the biggest names in AEC and has been building stuff since he was a kid.Dustin says get your house in order first. He's been through a $400M lien. Messy records in court? Not fun.KP disagrees. Projects end, teams move on, data ends up everywhere. That's just how construction works. AI can make sense of the mess.One thing they agreed on — Excel isn't going anywhere.No punches pulled. No fluff.Who won? You decide.🎧 What's your take — do we need structured systems before AI, or can AI help us build structure from the chaos?00:00 Intro01:00 Introduction to the Debate 03:25 The System of Record: Centralized vs. Decentralized 06:17 The Role of Language Models in Construction 09:18 Understanding Systems of Record 12:14 The Importance of Data Structure 15:07 Ontology and Context in Construction 17:58 The Expiry Date of Data 21:10 Business Building and Venture Capital in AEC 24:05 Excel vs. Cloud Tools 26:54 The Value of Historical Data 30:08 Defensibility in Business Models 33:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Bricks & Bytes
Equipment Share's $6B IPO, AG1 Exposed as "Influencer Heist", Meta's $75B Metaverse Failure, AI Running Your Tinder & Patric's Investment Principles
"Cancel your AG1 subscription... AG1 has no real product substance and is fundamentally an influencer heist."In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive into the wild world of 24/7 AI agents that can build your startup from bed, manage your Tinder profile, and apparently go rogue with your credit card.What's covered:The Maltbot phenomenon and why AI agents are taking over everyone's timeline (and whether you should let one run your life)Equipment Share's landmark IPO: the first major construction tech exit in years and what their $6B+ valuation means for the industryInside their "Big Short-style" financial engineering with equipment-backed securitiesThe upcoming AEC Fight Night 002 debate: Will AI kill the system of record?Meta's Metaverse abandonment after $75B spent (allegedly)Construction's shrinking labor shortage: what the new numbers really meanRobotics reaching a tipping point with multiple solutions now competing in each tradeHow Panasonic is crashing the price of site scanning technologyA stat that'll make you rethink 3D printing: half of all projects ever happened in 2024Quote of the episode:"I really do not understand the outsourcing of brains. I haven't understood it with social media... and agents is just the next ridiculous iteration of that." — PatricOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro00:54 The Rise of AI in Everyday Life 03:34 IPO Insights and Market Trends 06:32 AI Agents: The Future of Automation 07:38 Cultural Reflections on Technology and Lifestyle 10:04 Debating the Value of AI in Work 13:02 Ethics and Automation: A Double-Edged Sword 15:53 Real-World Applications of AI Agents 17:59 The Future of AI in Business 20:41 Equipment Share IPO: A Case Study 28:08 IPO Timing and Financial Considerations 30:20 Innovative Financial Solutions in Equipment Rental32:22 Global Applicability of Financial Engineering 33:44 Future Growth Strategies for Equipment Rental Companies 35:22 Market Share Insights in the Equipment Rental Industry 36:47 Understanding Voting Rights in IPOs 38:31 Challenges in Connecting with Founders 39:13 Meta's Shift from Metaverse to AI 41:29 Construction Industry Trends and Worker Shortages 43:42 Advancements in Robotics for Construction 46:40 AI's Impact on Robotics Development 48:29 Cost Reduction in Laser Scanning Technology 51:16 3D Printing Trends in Construction
2026 Construction Industry, $3 Billion Construction Tech Exits, Canvas Robotics Acquired, Pre-Con Debates & LinkedIn Content Crisis
Is $3 Billion the New Normal for Construction Tech Exits?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Martin, and Dustin kick off 2026 with hot takes, bold predictions, and a no-holds-barred discussion on what's really happening in construction tech.What we cover:The 2026 construction industry trends everyone's talking about (data centers, manufacturing plateaus, and the office market reality)Why LinkedIn has become a wasteland of AI-generated garbage and what actually works nowPatric's spicy prediction: "$3 billion exits in construction tech in 2026"The great pre-construction debate: Can you really reduce years of work to minutes?Why most tech companies are marketing to VCs instead of actual customers (and how to spot the BS)Canvas Robotics gets acquired by JLG - what this means for the robotics waveSteve Dellorto from ConCntric joins to talk about his 26 years at Clark Construction and why pre-con is brokenThe most ridiculous products from CES 2026 (AI-powered hair clippers, anyone?)A heated debate on socialism, taxes, and why New York's mayor might be the worst businessman in AmericaKey quote: "It was never easier to start a business, but it was also never more difficult to build a great business." - PatricOur Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00:00 Intro00:01:09 Introduction to 2026 Construction Trends 00:04:09 CES Conference Highlights and Innovations 00:07:08 Shifts in Construction Project Types 00:10:21 The Impact of Social Media on Industry Trends 00:13:13 The Evolution of Content Creation and Marketing 00:16:09 The Future of Business Models in Tech 00:19:21 The Role of People in Business Success 00:22:09 Reflections on Quality in Content and Business 00:25:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions 00:28:26 Trends in Construction Mergers and Acquisitions 00:31:49 The Impact of Tariffs and Supply Chain Localization 00:35:34 Global Economic Shifts and Their Effects on Construction 00:40:02 The Rise of Offsite Manufacturing in Construction 00:43:03 Advancements in Robotics and AI in Construction 00:48:03 Green Building Mandates and Energy Challenges 00:53:38 Innovations in Pre-Construction Technology 00:59:47 Transitioning from Construction to Tech 01:01:14 Building Effective Teams in Tech 01:02:49 Customer Engagement in Tech 01:04:24 Project-First Focus in Construction Tech 01:06:16 The Reality of Pre-Construction 01:07:36 Building for Builders 01:09:01 Ridiculous Innovations from CES 01:16:07 Best Recent Purchases
A $100,000+ Christmas party, strip clubs as corporate bonding, and a secret betting ring—this is how construction tech really celebrates.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, and Dustin close out 2024 with Santa hats, sick days, and the unfiltered truth about the AEC industry's wildest traditions.In this festive year-end special, you'll hear about:The two-week closed beta of their AEC prediction market experiment and why it's harder to execute than anyone expectedDustin's legendary Building Connected Christmas party where they blew over $100K knowing they were about to get acquired (casino night, no budget limits, zero regrets)Why construction industry Christmas parties always end with at least one fight and HR scrambling the next dayEquipment Share's IPO filing and why 2026 could see three major AEC tech companies go publicThe leaderboard drama where Dustin bet big on himself for "best looking host" and actually won"I don't know if that time will ever come again because money was treated very differently." – Dustin DeVan on Silicon Valley's glory daysThe crew signs off until January 8th with holiday cheer, confession-booth honesty, and predictions for an even wilder 2026.Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters01:06 Holiday Cheer and Predictions 03:52 Exploring Prediction Markets06:50 Reflections on Christmas Parties 09:45 Media Influence and Public Sentiment 12:37 Personal and Company Growth in 2025 18:01 Looking Ahead to 2026 in Construction Tech 25:16 The Software Selection Dilemma 27:07 The AI Landscape in Construction 28:34 Anticipating Acquisitions in 2026 31:20 The Great Debate: Cloud vs. Desktop Solutions 38:58 Innovative Marketing in Construction Tech 50:36 The Risk of Bold Marketing in AEC 52:50 Building Effective Marketing Teams for Startups 55:05 Navigating Marketing Strategies for Startups 56:34 Insights on Rebranding Strategies 57:52 The Future of Marketing in AEC 01:00:23 Debate Recap: AI in Construction Estimating 01:07:12 Christmas Traditions and Predictions for 2026
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
OpenAI Turner Mega Deal, OpenSpace Buys Disperse, Government Shutdown Impact on Construction & Startup Valuation Truth Bombs
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Patrick, and Dustin break down what happens when a fully remote startup brings everyone together IRL—plus two major construction tech deals that have everyone talking.Dustin opens up about Ediphi's first all-hands offsite (spoiler: his team didn't win the escape room), before the crew dives into the chaos of government shutdowns and what they actually mean for construction.Then things get spicy with the OpenAI x Turner deal that's got LinkedIn in a frenzy, and Jeevan from OpenSpace and Oli from Disperse join to talk about their recently announced acquisition.Topics covered:Why company offsites are worth every penny for remote teamsThe real cost of government shutdowns on construction projectsTurner's $30M OpenAI deal and what it means for GCsInside the OpenSpace + Disperse acquisitionThe uncomfortable truth about startup valuations and M&A"You're not worth that much money when you raise at 30 million or 50 million. You're not truly worth that. It's buying a future." - Dustin DeVanPlus: Owen debuts the new Bricks & Bytes merch, Dustin reveals his founder health transformation (no Ozempic involved), and the team debates whether construction tech is ripe for consolidation.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro01:43 Introduction to Company Offsites 07:46 The Importance of Company Offsites 11:42 Government Shutdown in the U.S. 21:00 Turner Construction's Deal with OpenAI 24:20 Exploring OpenAI's Impact on Construction 27:18 The Challenges of Implementing AI in Estimation 29:53 Creative Commercial Deals and Revenue Sharing 31:19 The Role of AI in Streamlining Workflows 34:38 Standardizing Processes for Effective AI Integration 38:58 The Future of Legal Services in the Age of AI 42:21 The Human Element in Legal and Engineering Services 49:34 The Acquisition Journey: From Partnership to Integration 53:03 Leadership Changes and Strategic Growth 57:09 Product Roadmap and Customer Experience 1:00:05 Navigating Competition in Construction Tech 1:01:55 Future of Acquisitions in Construction Tech
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
PlanGrid Founders Return to Construction, 27% of GCs Using Personal Funds, $9.2M Nextlight Raise, AI Go-To-Market Race, with Will Mitchell from Rabbit
27% of contractors are using PERSONAL MONEY to keep their businesses alive—and it's worse than you think.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Martin break down the biggest shakeups in construction tech, from the PlanGrid founders' surprise return to AI, to the shocking payment crisis threatening to sink contractors across the industry.We’re joined by Will Mitchell from Rabbit, David from Nextlight, and Vardhan Mehta from Aislab to unpack what's really happening in construction payments, energy efficiency, and materials management.Key Topics:Tiger Eye's big pivot: Why Tracy Young and Ralph Gootee are bringing AI back to construction after PlanGridThe AI arms race: Will there be one winner or will construction tech fragment like consumer markets?Rabbit's 2025 Construction Payments Report: 44% of firms are getting paid late and 20% hit negative cash flowThe personal finance nightmare: Why nearly 1 in 3 GCs are dipping into their own pockets to cover payrollNextlight's $9.2M Series A: How smart window coatings can slash building energy costs by 25%Aislab's $13.5M raise: The two-sided marketplace that's won over half the top 100 AEC firms"None of these companies are building their own foundational models. They're using other people's models. So I think it's going to be a go-to-market race." — Dustin DeVanSponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters 00:00 Intro01:30 Introduction to New AI Player in Construction 04:16 Trimble Dimensions: Key Takeaways 07:10 The Future of AI in Construction 10:11 Trimble's Innovations and Market Position 12:56 Challenges in Construction Payments 15:50 Insights from the 2025 Construction Payments Report 38:35 The Challenges of Payment Processes in Construction 41:46 Incentives for Faster Payments42:44 The Impact of Payment Delays on Project Costs 45:26 Innovations in Payment Solutions 48:26 Advancements in Energy Control Coatings 51:22 The Future of Coating Technologies 57:17 The Role of Patents in Tangible vs. Software Businesses 59:10 Building a Robust Materials Management System 01:09:06 Funding and Growth Strategies for Startups
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