Will AI Replace Construction Managers? - Amir Berman, Go-To-Market Strategist At Buildots
In this episode, Amir Berman of Builddots challenges the status quo in construction technology. We explore how AI and data are silently revolutionizing the industry, despite widespread skepticism.
Berman shares lessons from his failed startup, proposing controversial new models for ROI and product management in construction tech. We delve into the clash between digital solutions and physical realities, and uncover strategies to bridge this divide.
Berman's insights on Performance Driven Construction Management hint at a future where data, not intuition, drives decisions.
As AI begins to automate traditionally human-centric processes, we confront the implications for the workforce and the industry's future. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why old ways of tracking progress might be costing you money
✅ The hard truth about getting value from construction tech
✅ How AI spots delays before humans can
✅ Why your project data might be useless without the right tools
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00:00 - Intro
02:12 - Lessons From Starting & Failing A Startup
08:15 - Innovation Happening In London In Construction
10:42 - Measuring ROI in Construction
12:45 - Product Management in Construction vs Other Industries
15:31 - BuildDots: Progress Tracking and Data Modeling for Construction
36:30 - Capturing and Utilizing Performance Data
38:08 - Creating Data Standards for 4D
38:37 - The Power of Productivity Data
41:42 - Innovation and Continuous Improvement
48:35 - Showcasing Value through Case Studies
51:51 - Go-to-Market Strategies in Construction Tech
56:15 - The Challenge of Creating a Clear ROI Formula
59:33 - The New Layer Strategy: Performance-Driven Construction Management
01:06:42 - Charging Based on Construction Volume
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Bricks & Bytes
Reshaping Construction Risk Management With AI - Provision
"We're not trying to replace expert opinion about what is a risk. We're trying to make sure you're aware of everything that could go wrong."
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Luigi and Brendan from Provision AI. We learned about their journey in creating a risk identification tool for construction projects, the challenges they faced, and how they're revolutionizing project risk management.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Provision AI helps contractors identify and manage project risks
✅ The evolution of their product from initial concept to current iteration
✅ Their approach to achieving product-market fit in different segments
✅ The importance of partnerships in growing awareness and improving their product
Listen now on Spotify to hear how Provision AI is changing the game in construction risk management!
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Bricks & Bytes
AI Agents Are Changing The Game - The Future Of Construction Workflows
"AI agents aren't replacing humans—they're just handling 80% of the work, freeing skilled professionals to do what they do best."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had James Garner, Global Head of Data, Insights & Analytics at Gleeds, discussing how AI is transforming construction consultancy.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why construction is finally catching up with technology after decades of slow adoption ✅ How the barriers to implementing AI have fallen dramatically, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes ✅ Why AI agents are perfect for construction's workflow-based processes ✅ The potential risks of handing our industry's intellectual knowledge to big tech companiesJames believes 2025 will be the year of AI agents, with concrete case studies emerging by year-end. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the future of construction tech!---------Chapters00:00 Intro03:38 Introduction and Company Overview09:43 The Role of AI in Project Management15:32 James Garner's Career Journey22:42 Innovation Processes in Consulting28:30 Data Analytics in Projects36:28 The Future of Internal LLMs43:34 Human Oversight in AI Processes49:58 The Impact of AI on Consultancy Competition56:10 Project Data Analytics Task Force
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Bricks & Bytes
200,000 Users, 120 Countries : How Rayon is Changing Architectural Design Software
Is the future of architectural design in the cloud? 🤔
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, Stan from Rayon talks about revolutionizing 2D drafting for architects and interior designers.
He shares how cloud-based software is changing the game, making design tools more accessible and collaborative.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why 90% of buildings are still designed in 2D
✅ How cloud-based tools are disrupting traditional CAD software
✅ The power of product-led growth in design tech
✅ Why focusing on "fresh starters" is key to adoption
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how Rayon is shaping the future of architectural design software.
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BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:08 Stan's Journey from Architecture to Tech
13:28 Introducing Rayon: A New Tool for Architects
24:41 Targeting the Interior Design Market
30:53 Go-to-Market Strategy and Community Engagement
51:19 Fundraising Journey and VC Partnerships
01:00:58 The Future of Design and Technology
$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 $300B on AI infrastructure construction, creating massive opportunities in the data center space.
Through Patric Hellermann's investor lens, we discovered why focusing on core infrastructure and authoring tools might be smarter than chasing AI-first solutions.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Stratus is transforming MEP contractor workflows from design to fabrication
✅ The emerging opportunities in data center construction and infrastructure
✅ Why owning authoring tools beats single-point AI features
✅ The strategic advantage of avoiding overcrowded AI-first solutions
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Stratus and AI in Construction
05:44 Understanding Stratus: MEP Workflows and Digital Solutions
11:21 The Role of AI in Design and Construction
17:00 The Future of Engineering: Human Touch vs. AI
24:01 Emerging Companies and Innovations in Construction Tech
24:35 Automation in Engineering Workflows
25:50 Massive Investments in AI Infrastructure
27:52 Emerging Startups in AI Data Centers
31:40 The Role of AI in Construction
35:00 Navigating the AI Gold Rush
37:33 The Inefficiency of Venture Capital Allocation
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Bricks, Buck$ 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 $2B company, ICON's 3D printed homes only show a tiny 0.5% carbon advantage over regular timber construction.
We also explored why Q4 2024 was special for construction tech - it grabbed nearly 1% of all VC funding, the second-highest share ever. Even more impressive given that 2024 saw the lowest overall VC funding since 2014.
The most striking insight came from questioning the basics - why use concrete, a material best for large-scale projects, to print single-family homes?
Tune in to find out about:
✅ What's driving Asia-Pacific's growing lead in construction tech funding
✅ Why 3D printed concrete homes struggle in wet climates
✅ Which parts of construction tech are actually getting funded
✅ How early-stage funding stayed strong while growth rounds dropped
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches
01:03 Recent News: ICON's Layoffs and Valuation
02:49 Exploring 3D Concrete Printing Technology
05:49 Sustainability Concerns in Concrete Printing
08:59 Comparative Analysis: Concrete vs. Timber Homes
12:04 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
14:56 Automation and Efficiency in Home Construction
18:09 Future of 3D Concrete Printing Technology
21:54 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
22:56 Market Fit for 3D Concrete Homes
24:04 Impact of Staff Reductions on Valuation
25:47 Understanding Company Valuations and Experiments
27:07 Applications of 3D Printing in Housing
29:02 First Principles of Cost in Construction
30:58 Trends in AEC Tech Funding
39:10 Market Dynamics and Future Predictions
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Bricks, Buck$ 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
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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
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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.
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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