Journey From Carpentry to ConTech CEO That Raised $13.6 Million | Fraser Patterson
How do you go from dusty job sites to a Silicon Valley boardroom?
In this episode, we meet Fraser Patterson - Founder and CEO at Skillit, a New York based con-tech company that’s changing the way construction businesses find skilled workforce.
His journey began in a Hogwarts-like boarding school in Scotland. After finishing education, he became a carpenter, where he came face-to-face with the frustrations of outdated hiring practices in the construction industry. This sparked the Aha moment. He found Skillit, an online platform helping construction businesses find skilled workers from the palm of their hands. The concept attracted millions in venture capital.
Fraser's success is proof that technology is starting to replace the rusty old ways of construction. He shows that groundbreaking ideas can come from anywhere, and the right mix of research, audacity, and data can bring change to giant industries.
Join us as we listen to Fraser's extraordinary path and get a peek into the future of construction recruitment.
Tune in and learn why:
Data is the new oil. The massive impact of data on long-standing, rigid sectors like the construction industry
Finding the right Founder-Investor Fit is key to long-term success
Progress requires a deep understanding of how the world works, and not just raw brain power
The biggest problems create the biggest opportunities
Innovation begins outside the comfort zone: Why your life-changing idea may come from the most unexpected place
And much more ..
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X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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This episode is brought to you by Shft—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end.
Visit: https://maketheshft.digital
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:02:35) Intro
(00:02:35-00:06:40) Fraser's Journey
(00:06:40-00:16:00) Software As A Business
(00:16:00-00:24:40) How Construction Sector Is Revolutionized
(00:24:40-00:31:25) Make or Break For Someone Building A Product In Construction
(00:31:25-00:49:29) Experience of Raising Money
(00:49:29-00:52:21) Number One Skill That A CEO Should Learn
(00:52:21-00:53:08) Outro
read more
Bricks & Bytes
Big Tech, VC Billions & AI Architects | Martin & Owen Exclusive
"If you could interview one Venture Capitalist in the world, who would it be?"
In today's episode, hosts Owen and Martin sit down and talk about the fascinating intersection of construction, technology, and Big-Money investment. Join them as they look back on their own evolution in a field slow to embrace change.
Martin takes us down the rabbit hole where startups meet venture capitalists. And Owen pulls the curtain on the beginning of Bricks & Bytes - and gives us a glimpse of the future. This is their story: the triumphs, the experts, and the startling revelations.
Tune in and find out:
The funny story of Martin's horror on finding a basement without reinforcement
What’s the much awaited Super Series? What’s in it for startup founders?
Why does Owen think it's still early days for robots?
Are there really NO predefined verticals?
Vinod Khosla is Martin's dream venture capitalist. Why?
All this and a lot more ..
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Get the latest in Construction-Technology, meet the venture capitalists, hear from the founders and join a thriving community.
Sign up for our newsletter at: https://bricksbytes.show
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future.
Visit: https://maketheshft.digital
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:03:50) Intro
(00:03:50-00:10:30) How Bricks & Bytes Started
(00:10:30-00:16:36) Shift of Bricks & Bytes into Investors and Startup Founders
(00:16:36-00:21:00) Future VCs Guests Coming Soon
(00:21:00-00:27:55) Fun Conversation
(00:27:55-00:28:22) Outro
read more
Bricks & Bytes
Factories in Shipping Containers to Build Houses - Facit Homes
"A £650,000 micro-factory can build 100 homes per year, while a traditional modular factory costing £100M+ struggles to deliver 200 homes annually. The math speaks for itself."
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Bruce and Oliver from Facit Homes and Facit Technologies sharing their journey of revolutionizing home construction through digital fabrication and micro-factories. Their approach challenges traditional modular construction, showing how bringing manufacturing to the site can be more efficient and cost-effective.
Tune in to learn about:
✅ Why micro-factories are winning over traditional modular factories
✅ How Facit grew without external investment for 15+ years
✅ The real cost comparison: £2,400 vs £120,000 per house in factory overhead
✅ Why software alone can't solve construction's biggest challenges
Listen to the full episode to understand why the future of construction might be closer to the building site than you think.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:50 Introduction to Facet Homes
06:39 Innovative Manufacturing in Home Construction
09:51 The Microfactory Approach
12:45 Design Philosophy and Flexibility
15:39 Scalability and Customization of Homes
18:52 Target Customers and Engagement Process
21:46 B2B and B2C Dynamics
24:40 Cost Efficiency and Time Savings
27:50 Building Trust in a Skeptical Industry
30:46 Labor and Automation in Construction
33:42 Cultural Changes in Construction
36:40 Future Vision for Facet Homes
44:24 Building the Future: Microfactories and Scalability
47:57 Challenges in Construction: Building a Company
53:51 Investor Perspectives: Overcoming Prejudice in Construction
58:13 Expanding Horizons: Going Beyond the UK
1:06:45 The Evolution of Construction: Modern Methods and Digital Fabrication
1:08:21 Improving Processes: The Future of Construction Technology
read more
Bricks & Bytes
The Race To Net Zero by 2050. Is It Actually Possible?
In a world teetering on the brink of environmental crisis, we go on a journey where hope meets innovation.
In today's episode, we sit down with Anil Sawhney - author of International BIM Implementation Guide and the Head of Sustainability at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
In an open chat, Anil delves into the heart of future development, talks about the importance of sustainability in the construction industry – and shows us why it is more critical than ever.
He takes us on a journey to the future, discussing the need for new regulations and standards to drive change, the skill gaps that need to be bridged, the possibility of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and much more.
Tune in and find out:
What does "building green" really mean? It's not just about the planet! We need buildings that are good for people, cost less to run, and use fair practices.
How can we build smarter? How to integrate sustainability principles into core work processes – teach builders new ways of doing things and use tech to track how our buildings impact the earth.
Can technology help us make buildings that help the planet? The journey ahead to a net zero by 2050.
Innovation meets hope. Exciting developments in construction technology and digital tools to measure, report and reduce carbon emissions.
To learn more about the future of sustainable development and investment opportunities, sign up for our newsletter : https://bricksbytes.show
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This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future.
Visit: https://maketheshft.digital
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:05:30) Intro
(00:05:30-00:08:45) Future of Construction Tech According to RICS
(00:08:45-00:11:40) Role as a Head Of Sustainability
(00:11:40-00:34:20) How to measure Sustainabiliy in Built World
(00:34:20-00:43:21) Zero by 2050 In Construction
(00:43:21-00:44:44) Outro
Retrofitting Yellow Machines: The $250,000 Labor Cost Savings in Construction
Are robots taking over construction sites? The future of "yellow machines" might surprise you.
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Teleo, a startup retrofitting heavy machinery for remote operation and semi-autonomous functionality.
We also explored the intriguing case of ServiceTitan's IPO plans, shedding light on the complex dynamics of venture capital and founder equity.
Additionally, we delved into the challenges and opportunities in automating construction equipment across various environments.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The battle between full autonomy and teleoperation in construction robotics
✅ Why retrofitting existing machinery could be a game-changer
✅ How controlled vs. uncontrolled environments impact automation adoption
✅ The potential pitfalls of aggressive venture funding for founders
Listen now on Spotify to stay ahead of the curve in construction tech innovation.
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Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Robotics Space
03:02 Teleoperation vs. Full Autonomy
05:58 Applications in High-Risk Environments
08:55 Market Dynamics and Venture Backability
12:03 OEMs vs. Startups in Innovation
14:59 The Future of Autonomous Machinery
17:54 Service Titan's Path to IPO
31:09 The Russian Roulette of Venture Capital
34:41 Conflicts of Interest in Business Decisions
39:12 The Cost of Venture Capital
41:51 Understanding IPOs and Profitability
44:04 Economic Predictions and Their Implications
52:57 The State of Construction Technology in Europe
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
What We Learned After a Year of Talking to Construction Tech's Biggest Names
"Follow the money to grow, follow your passion to build. While US construction tech startups have raised $30B, India's $1B investment is yielding better returns."
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we did our November Monthly Review where we reflected on an action-packed month of content creation and exciting future plans.
We even explored fascinating market dynamics, founder insights, and geographic opportunities in construction tech.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Our successful launch of the AI in Construction Report and first steps into monetization
✅ Highlights from our Boston trip interviewing startups at Suffolk's boost cohort
✅ Behind the scenes of the upcoming Ediphi super series releasing in January
✅ Plans for New York and San Francisco tour in 2025, plus a potential India expansion
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear Owen, Martin, and Patric discuss their key takeaways from November, upcoming content plans, and Patric’s take on why founders often over-obsess with product and under-obsess with distribution.
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Chapters
00:00 End of Year Reflections
03:01 Cultural Differences in Business Mindset
05:50 The Impact of Travel on Business
08:47 Exploring AI in Construction
12:11 The Role of Community in Innovation
14:55 Challenges in Design and Construction Software
17:52 The Disconnect Between Traditional and Startup Worlds
21:00 The Influence of Trust in Business Relationships
24:07 Venture Capitalists in Government
26:59 The Future of Governance and Innovation
32:48 Understanding Argentina's Political Landscape
35:09 The Importance of Product Distribution
40:40 Marketing Challenges in Construction Tech
43:47 Trends in AEC Technology
44:29 Talent Acquisition in the AEC Sector
46:03 Investment Trends in Construction Tech
50:34 Cultural Insights: Christmas Traditions
57:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
156 Indian Companies Grew 20% Annually for 20 Years: What It Means for Construction Tech
Did you know that India has 156 publicly listed companies that have grown their revenue by over 20% annually for the past 20 years? That's more than the US, China, Japan, and Germany combined!
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about the upcoming IPOs of Swiggy and BlackBuck in India, signaling a vibrant economy and thriving tech sector.
We also discovered that B2B marketplaces are flourishing in India, with BlackBuck's successful IPO setting a positive example for similar companies worldwide.
Additionally, we learned about the opening IPO window in Western markets, with companies like ServiceTitan and Klarna preparing to go public.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The surprising growth rates of Indian companies
✅ How B2B marketplaces are thriving in India
✅ The opening IPO window in Western markets
✅ Upcoming construction tech IPOs to watch
Listen now on Spotify to gain insights into the rapidly evolving construction tech landscape and investment opportunities in India and beyond.
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Cintoo's $37M Series B, Reality Capture Market Growth, Partech's Investment Strategy - How Cintoo Is Revolutionizing Reality Capture in Construction
Is the construction tech market becoming more obvious? Are we on the cusp of a tech IPO boom?
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Cintoo's $37 million Series B funding round led by Partech, signaling growing interest in reality capture and data compression for construction sites.
We also explored the potential for a surge in tech IPOs in 2025, as evidenced by Thrive Capital's rumored $1 billion investment in Databricks at a $55 billion valuation.
Additionally, we discussed the evolving landscape of construction tech investing, where specialist knowledge becomes less critical as companies mature and become more "obvious" to generalist investors.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The growing market for reality capture in construction
✅ How to interpret large late-stage funding rounds
✅ The potential for a tech IPO boom in 2025
✅ The changing dynamics of specialist vs. generalist investors in construction tech
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to dive deeper into these insights and more.