#074 - Chris Barber - How Chris Turned an Idea from the Pub into a Startup
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Chris Barber, Co-Founder of C-Link and Prosper
In this episode, we dive into the realities of starting a business, lessons learned by Chris along the way, the Project Bank Account campaign, the early days of C-Link, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
The importance of having a technical co-founder when building a software company
Why communicating your vision clearly is key to scaling your team
How bootstrapping for years forces smarter marketing with limited resources
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Chris Barber | Co-Founder of C-Link and Prosper
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Today’s Sponsor: beta – Construction and technology network platform
– connecting the tech industry with traditional construction partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00 - 00:02:34 ) - Intro
(00:02:34 - 00:08:27 ) - Introduction to C-Link and Prosper,
(00:08:27 - 00:15:18) - Project Bank Account Campaign
(00:15:18 - 00:21:12) - What would Chris do differently when starting out C-Link in 2024
(00:21:12 - 00:32:24) - Vision of C-Link
(00:32:24 - 00:35:09) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#075 - How the Next Wave of AI will Reshape Construction with Hugh Seaton
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Hugh Seaton, CEO at The Link.
In this episode, we learn about large language models, how AI like ChatGPT can transform construction, the risks involved in the usage of AI, the importance of hiring people for attitude over ability, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
How ChatGPT can automate up to 15-20% of field paperwork in construction
AI risks like generating false information require humans to keep in the loop for now to check outputs.
Hiring for attitude over ability results in engaged employees who grow into roles as companies and tech evolve.
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Hugh Seaton | CEO at The Link
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Today’s Sponsor: beta – Construction and technology network platform
– connecting the tech industry with traditional construction partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00 - 00:04:40) - Outro
(00:04:40 - 00:12:15) - Rise of the AI Wave
(00:12:15 - 00:23:50) - Deep Dive into 'The Link'
(00:23:50 - 00:29:22) - Effective Techniques for Hiring Competent Team Members
(00:29:22 - 00:32:20) - Analysis of the Construction Industry in China
(00:32:20 - 00:34:29) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#032 - John Orr - Designing for a Sustainable Future: Insights from Academia
What is academia's role in ensuring the industry is fit for the future?
On today's podcast, we have John Orr - Professor of Structural Engineering At Cambridge University.
As a top-tier university ranked in the world's top 5, Cambridge is a powerhouse of knowledge, and we are privileged to have John share his expertise with us.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why interdisciplinary education can help solve complex problems
The future of design for structures
Collaboration and its importance in both innovation and climate change
How to become a Cambridge University Professor
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John Orr
Professor of Structural Engineering. Chartered engineer, academic, industrial consultant in embodied carbon. Aiming to transform real estate and construction.
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Today's Sponsor: Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:01:50) - An Exciting Introduction and a Word from Our Sponsor
(00:01:50-00:03:46) - From PhD to Cambridge Professor: John Orr's Journey in Structural Engineering
(00:03:46-00:04:42) - Why Now is the Perfect Time to Be in Structural Engineering
(00:04:42-00:06:51) - What Makes Cambridge-Trained Engineers Stand Out from the Rest?
(00:06:51-00:09:42) - How to Make Structural Engineering More Attractive and Accessible
(00:09:42-00:11:31) - The Role of Structural Engineering in Reducing Carbon Emissions
(00:11:31-00:13:12) - Strategies to Improve Structural Engineering's Sustainability Impact
(00:13:12-00:17:46) - Tackling the Thorny Issue of PI Insurance in Structural Engineering
(00:17:46-00:19:45) - A Glimpse into the Future of Construction
(00:19:45-00:23:25) - The Revolutionary ACORN Project and its Integration with Robotics
(00:23:25-00:24:52) - Predicting the Most Significant Developments in Structural Engineering's Future
(00:24:52-00:26:19) - John Orr's Vision for the Future of Construction
(00:26:19-00:27:34) - Balancing Academia and Practical Applications in Structural Engineering
(00:27:34-00:29:32) - Understanding the Impact of Part Z in Structural Engineering
(00:29:32-00:30:04) - Insights into the Fascinating Work of Part Z
(00:30:04-00:31:23) - The Potential Effects of Part Z on Structural Engineering
(00:31:23-00:32:15) - John Orr's Key Message on Structural Engineering's Role in Building a Sustainable Future
(00:32:15-00:34:15) - Navigating the Intersection of Individual Action and Regulatory Frameworks
(00:34:15-00:38:11) - How to Become a Cambridge Professor in Structural Engineering
(00:38:11-00:39:07) - John Orr's Diverse Range of Hobbies and Interests
(00:39:07-00:39:31) - Get to Know John Orr a Little Better
(00:39:31-00:39:48) - A Memorable Outro and Final Thoughts.
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Bricks & Bytes
#042 - Erin Khan - Bridging the Gap: Effective Strategies for Adopting Construction Tech
Tune in to today's episode with Erin Khan, founder of Erin Khan Consulting. Discover effective technology implementation strategies, from starting small to building communities and raising awareness. Gain valuable insights for aligning tech solutions with the construction industry's needs.
In this episode, we uncover :
- Balance innovation and standardization for employee well-being.
- Start small, gain buy-in before scaling technology.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Involve stakeholders to manage risks effectively.
- Seek enthusiastic advocates for tech adoption
- Tailor solutions to unique team requirements.
If you're finding value in our podcast, we kindly request you to share your feedback by leaving a review. Your support enables us to attract incredible guests and deliver the finest and most enlightening content on technology in the built world.
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Erin Khan, Construction Technology Expert, Erin Khan Consulting
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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform
- connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
$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
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