#043 - Adria Tarrida - Advancing Sustainability in Construction through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Adria Tarrida, Co-Founder and CEO of HESTI, on our Bricks and Bytes podcast. Adria discussed Advancing Sustainability in Construction through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Here are some of the highlights from the episode:
- Implement a problem-centric, rather than solution-focused approach.
- Adopt a purpose-driven mindset for both positive impact and financial success.
- Understand your target audience by applying the ‘Mom’s Test’.
- Continuously iterate and involve customers to develop effective solutions.
- Learn from other industries in order to innovate.
- Discern the challenges of MMC adoption.
- Build trust with customers through structural warranties.
- Explore crowdfunding as a potential source of funding.
- Stay curious, continue to learn, and connect with people.
If you found this episode helpful, we would greatly appreciate your feedback and sharing it with your network and on social media. Please support our mission to create interesting and helpful content related to the construction industry.
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Adria Tarrida, Co-Founder and CEO of HESTI
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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:
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Bricks & Bytes
#044 - Justin Saeheng - Lessons in Adaptation: Translating Rapid Evolution from Big Tech to Construction Tech
In this episode, we had Justin Saehang, a Construction Tech Startup Advisor and Founder of Almansor Group, sharing insights on the differences between Big tech and Construction tech. He provided valuable advice for startups in construction, from product management to scaling teams. A must-listen for those driving innovation in the industry.
Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
Justin's diverse career showcases curiosity and a love for learning.
Construction tech faces challenges due to slow adoption.
Big tech's execution benefits construction companies.
Demographics and leadership influence tech adoption in construction.
Data analysis drives improvements in the construction industry.
Understanding the field deeply is essential for building successful construction products.
Flexibility and feedback-driven adjustments are key to building effective products.
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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Justin Saeheng, Construction Tech & Industrial Start-up Advisor - Almansor Group
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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:
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Bricks & Bytes
#066 - Jamie Dalton - From Hard Hats To High Tech: Bridging The Construction Tech Gap
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Jamie Dalton, Founder of Built In Digital.
Learn about software adoption in construction, high-impact technology areas across the AEC industry, mixed reality, and more!
Tune in to find out about:
Impact of software adoption on construction
How to convince people to use tech
How to train staff with new tech products
Areas of the AEC industry that need technology
Logical thinking and problem-solving
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Jamie Dalton | Founder of Built In Digital and Technical Services Manager at ISG | ConTech
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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 - 00:02:43) - Intro
(00:02:43 - 00:05:24) - How Built In Digital started
(00:05:24 - 00:09:35) - Key Lessons Learnt
(00:09:35 - 00:14:35) - How to convince people to use tech in their business
(00:14:35 - 00:30:40) - How to train staff with new products
(00:30:40 - 00:35:10) - What areas of Construction need Technology
(00:35:10 - 00:41:46) - Mixed Reality
(00:41:46 - 00:44:44) - How to think logically
(00:44:44 - 00:44:44) - Outro
On today's show we have Sankha Deep who is the founder and product lead at Lattice - construction supply chain visibility platform.
In this episode, we talk about:
supply chain issues
implementation of construction technology
good and bad software
new business models.
If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.
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Sankha Deep | Founder and product lead at Lattice
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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform
- connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:08 - Intro
00:01:08 --> 00:01:51 - Sponsor
00:01:51 --> 00:07:13 - Differences and similarities in the tech scene between the UK and India
00:07:13 --> 00:09:33 - Introducing Lattice
00:09:33 --> 00:12:11 - Software implementation in construction technology
00:12:11 --> 00:14:12 - Picking a software suitable for your business’s needs
00:14:12 --> 00:18:10 - Core problems that Lattice solves
00:18:10 --> 00:23:39 - Business model as a service
00:23:39 --> 00:25:07- Lessons that construction industry can learn from other industries
00:25:07 --> 00:26:31 - Sankha’s experience in fintech
00:26:31 --> 00:28:15 - Cost differences in fintech and construction industry
00:28:15 --> 00:30:48 - Ways of preventing founders from creating a bad software
00:30:48 --> 00:32:11 - Secret source for a sucessulf business
00:32:11 --> 00:33:31 - Sankha’s usual day
00:33:31 --> 00:34:12 - Book recommendation
00:34:12 --> 00:36:54 - Number one productivity hack
00:36:54 --> 00:38:45 - Our book recommendation
00:38:45 --> 00:39:43 - Our top podcast guests
00:39:43 --> 00:40:18 - More about Sankha
00:40:18 --> 00:40:36 - Outro
$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 $300B on AI infrastructure construction, creating massive opportunities in the data center space.
Through Patric Hellermann's investor lens, we discovered why focusing on core infrastructure and authoring tools might be smarter than chasing AI-first solutions.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Stratus is transforming MEP contractor workflows from design to fabrication
✅ The emerging opportunities in data center construction and infrastructure
✅ Why owning authoring tools beats single-point AI features
✅ The strategic advantage of avoiding overcrowded AI-first solutions
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Stratus and AI in Construction
05:44 Understanding Stratus: MEP Workflows and Digital Solutions
11:21 The Role of AI in Design and Construction
17:00 The Future of Engineering: Human Touch vs. AI
24:01 Emerging Companies and Innovations in Construction Tech
24:35 Automation in Engineering Workflows
25:50 Massive Investments in AI Infrastructure
27:52 Emerging Startups in AI Data Centers
31:40 The Role of AI in Construction
35:00 Navigating the AI Gold Rush
37:33 The Inefficiency of Venture Capital Allocation
read more
Bricks, Buck$ 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 $2B company, ICON's 3D printed homes only show a tiny 0.5% carbon advantage over regular timber construction.
We also explored why Q4 2024 was special for construction tech - it grabbed nearly 1% of all VC funding, the second-highest share ever. Even more impressive given that 2024 saw the lowest overall VC funding since 2014.
The most striking insight came from questioning the basics - why use concrete, a material best for large-scale projects, to print single-family homes?
Tune in to find out about:
✅ What's driving Asia-Pacific's growing lead in construction tech funding
✅ Why 3D printed concrete homes struggle in wet climates
✅ Which parts of construction tech are actually getting funded
✅ How early-stage funding stayed strong while growth rounds dropped
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches
01:03 Recent News: ICON's Layoffs and Valuation
02:49 Exploring 3D Concrete Printing Technology
05:49 Sustainability Concerns in Concrete Printing
08:59 Comparative Analysis: Concrete vs. Timber Homes
12:04 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
14:56 Automation and Efficiency in Home Construction
18:09 Future of 3D Concrete Printing Technology
21:54 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
22:56 Market Fit for 3D Concrete Homes
24:04 Impact of Staff Reductions on Valuation
25:47 Understanding Company Valuations and Experiments
27:07 Applications of 3D Printing in Housing
29:02 First Principles of Cost in Construction
30:58 Trends in AEC Tech Funding
39:10 Market Dynamics and Future Predictions
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Bricks, Buck$ 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
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.
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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