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.
-----------------------
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
read more
Bricks & Bytes
Procore's AI Strategy & Implementation - AI's Role in Modern Construction
"AI agents could eliminate 20% of time spent searching for information on construction projects"In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Rajitha Chaparala, VP of Product Data and AI at Procore, share fascinating insights about the future of construction technology and AI implementation.Tune in to discover:✅ How AI agents are transforming daily construction workflows - from submittal reviews to schedule updates✅ Why the construction industry is finally embracing AI after years of hesitation✅ The three-pillar approach Procore is taking with AI: Co-pilot, Automation, and Insights✅ How reality capture technology combined with AI is revolutionizing progress trackingWant to learn more about how AI is reshaping construction? Listen to the full episode here:-------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/bricksbytespodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_ZgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/—---------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro05:07 Introduction to AI in Construction10:15 The Impact of LLMs on Construction15:23 Understanding AI Agents21:22 The Future of AI Agents in Construction27:13 Data Infrastructure Challenges in Construction37:29 Leveraging AI for Data Capture39:07 Enhancing Accuracy through Human-AI Collaboration41:13 The Role of RealityCapture in Construction43:12 Navigating the Rapidly Changing AI Landscape47:15 Defining AI's Role in Construction Tech50:12 Flexibility in AI Model Utilization53:04 Procore's AI Strategy and Team Dynamics57:18 Leveraging Data for Construction Insights59:19 The Optimistic Future of AI in Construction1:03:07 Understanding Customer Needs in Construction Tech------ #podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups #architecture #design #civilengineering #engineering #constructiontechnology #engineer #architect #civilengineer #concrete #podcaster #podcasting #entrepreneur #podcasts #podcastlife #startups #entrepreneurship
read more
Bricks & Bytes
Why SaaS Is Dying & How Procurement Is Changing, Reality-Check On AI in Construction - Mike Powers
Are SaaS pricing models doomed in construction tech? Mike Powers thinks so.
In this episode, we had Mike Powers, founder of BuildVision, and we got to learn about his contrarian take on SaaS pricing in construction, the challenges of selling to the industry, and his vision for revolutionizing procurement in mechanical and electrical equipment... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why BuildVision avoids traditional SaaS pricing
✅ The importance of providing tangible value to construction clients
✅ Strategies for penetrating large organizations as a startup
✅ Mike's views on AI's impact on construction in the next 5-10 years
----------------------
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/
-----------------------------
Timestamps:
(00:00 - 07:04) - Intro
(04:34 - 07:04) - What helped Mike Build BuildVision
(07:04 - 11:34) - Understanding Vision of BuildVision
(11:34 - 18:28) - Pricing Structure That Successful Startups Follow In Construction
(18:28 - 25:10) - Mike’s Take On The Use Of AI In Construction
(25:10 - 31:26) - How BuildVision Differentiates From Its Competitors
(31:26 - 38:57) - Struggles While Managing To FundRaise For BuildVision
(38:57 - 44:27) - How VCs Work With Team
(44:27 - 52:54) - Mike’s Advice For People Who Want To Master Sales
(52:54 - 01:05:12) - How Mike Made Transition From Sales To A Founder
(01:05:12 - 01:05:52) - Outro
read more
Bricks & Bytes
BBBC 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)
$32M Series B: How Stratus is Revolutionizing MEP Workflows
"300 billion dollars for AI infrastructure in the next few years - but who will design and build it all?" - A thought-provoking insight from our latest conversation about the massive construction needs for AI's future.
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Stratus raising $32M Series B to revolutionize MEP contractors' digital workflows.
We explored how tech giants Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are planning to spend $300B on AI infrastructure construction, creating massive opportunities in the data center space.
Through Patric Hellermann's investor lens, we discovered why focusing on core infrastructure and authoring tools might be smarter than chasing AI-first solutions.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Stratus is transforming MEP contractor workflows from design to fabrication
✅ The emerging opportunities in data center construction and infrastructure
✅ Why owning authoring tools beats single-point AI features
✅ The strategic advantage of avoiding overcrowded AI-first solutions
----
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Stratus and AI in Construction
05:44 Understanding Stratus: MEP Workflows and Digital Solutions
11:21 The Role of AI in Design and Construction
17:00 The Future of Engineering: Human Touch vs. AI
24:01 Emerging Companies and Innovations in Construction Tech
24:35 Automation in Engineering Workflows
25:50 Massive Investments in AI Infrastructure
27:52 Emerging Startups in AI Data Centers
31:40 The Role of AI in Construction
35:00 Navigating the AI Gold Rush
37:33 The Inefficiency of Venture Capital Allocation
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
The Truth About 3D Printed Homes: A Deep Dive Into ICON's $450M Technology
Is 3D printing concrete homes worth the $450M investment?
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn that despite being a $2B company, ICON's 3D printed homes only show a tiny 0.5% carbon advantage over regular timber construction.
We also explored why Q4 2024 was special for construction tech - it grabbed nearly 1% of all VC funding, the second-highest share ever. Even more impressive given that 2024 saw the lowest overall VC funding since 2014.
The most striking insight came from questioning the basics - why use concrete, a material best for large-scale projects, to print single-family homes?
Tune in to find out about:
✅ What's driving Asia-Pacific's growing lead in construction tech funding
✅ Why 3D printed concrete homes struggle in wet climates
✅ Which parts of construction tech are actually getting funded
✅ How early-stage funding stayed strong while growth rounds dropped
-----
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches
01:03 Recent News: ICON's Layoffs and Valuation
02:49 Exploring 3D Concrete Printing Technology
05:49 Sustainability Concerns in Concrete Printing
08:59 Comparative Analysis: Concrete vs. Timber Homes
12:04 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
14:56 Automation and Efficiency in Home Construction
18:09 Future of 3D Concrete Printing Technology
21:54 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
22:56 Market Fit for 3D Concrete Homes
24:04 Impact of Staff Reductions on Valuation
25:47 Understanding Company Valuations and Experiments
27:07 Applications of 3D Printing in Housing
29:02 First Principles of Cost in Construction
30:58 Trends in AEC Tech Funding
39:10 Market Dynamics and Future Predictions
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Building a €450M Construction Tech Giant: How Philip Schröder's Marketing Built Germany's Latest Energy Tech Giant
"Your margin is my opportunity... unless you're selling outcomes in construction tech!"
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored 1KOMMA5°'s impressive €150M pre-IPO round and their unique approach of acquiring 30+ companies since 2021 to scale their energy tech business.
We also learned about an intriguing debate around whether companies can call themselves "market leaders" in Germany, sparked by a court case between 1KOMMA5° and their competitor.
The most fascinating insight came from Patric's take on fixed vs. variable costs in construction tech: Companies that produce with fixed costs but sell outcomes (variable costs) have a unique opportunity to build generational businesses in construction - but this window might only last 10 years.
Tune in to learn about:
✅ Why 1KOMMA5°'s founder Philip Schröder's marketing genius is their secret sauce
✅ How selling outcomes beats traditional SaaS pricing in construction
✅ Why converting variable costs to fixed costs through automation is game-changing
✅ An innovative structural engineering firm reducing design time by 90%
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
-----
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:56 Diving into One Comma Five
06:01 Understanding the Solar PV Market
11:59 Investment Insights and Market Valuation
18:03 The Role of Technology in Energy Solutions
24:02 Marketing Strategies and Competitive Landscape
30:12 Future Challenges and Business Models
31:07 The Evolution of Energy Training
32:29 Understanding Fixed vs. Variable Costs
37:38 The Impact of SaaS on Construction
43:34 Exploring IPOs and Market Trends
49:45 Emerging Trends in Construction Technology Sales
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Building a $1.6B Construction Tech Company in Australia - Lessons on Distribution vs Product
"The construction tech founders obsess over product, but distribution might matter more."
In today's episode, we discussed about VisiBuild securing a $6.6M round from Skip Capital to improve construction quality checks - going beyond just turning paper into apps.
We also discovered why Australian construction tech punches above its weight, with just two companies (Aconex and Safety Culture) putting the country third globally in unicorns.
Most valuable was Shubhankar's take on why typical SaaS metrics might not tell the whole story in construction tech's early stages.
Tune in to learn:
✅ Why the "build it and they will come" approach fails in construction
✅ How Australian founders turn their small market size into a global advantage
✅ What makes construction tech distribution different from regular SaaS
✅ Why community building matters as much as features
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear practical insights for anyone building or investing in construction tech.
-----
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Distribution in AEC Tech
03:05 Execution Moat: The Key to Success
05:59 Navigating Distribution Challenges in Construction Tech
09:08 Market Dynamics: Distribution Strategies for Different ARR Levels
12:04 Global Perspectives: Indian Founders Targeting the US Market
14:49 Comparative Approaches: US vs. Indian Founders in Distribution
18:08 Community Building: A Strategy for Distribution Success
21:00 The State of SaaS in Indian Construction Tech
24:12 VisiBuild: A Case Study in Construction Tech Investment
33:14 Exploring Visibild's Impact in Construction Tech
36:09 The Evolution of Quality Checks in Construction
40:05 Unicorns in Construction Tech: Australia’s Rising Stars
42:58 The Unique Landscape of Australian Startups
47:59 Challenges and Opportunities for Australian Founders
52:57 Assessing Product-Market Fit in Construction Tech