#077 - AI's Transformative Impact on Architecture and Engineering - Conversational Design, Predicting Delays and Saving £200bn
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Alan Mosca, Co-Founder and CTO at nPlan
In this episode, we learn about how AI is starting to transform construction planning, design, and risk analysis, how generative AI is helping architects rapidly iterate over design options, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
How NPlan accurately analyses historical project data to predict future delays and budget overruns with over 90% accuracy
His predictions for design to be completed with conversational AI
What jobs AI threatens the most
Tips for technical founders in ensuring their AI products solve real problems and the importance of vertical specialisation.
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Alan Mosca | Co-Founder and CTO at nPlan
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00 - 00:02:13) - Intro
(00:03:31 - 00:08:18) - How Alan got into machine learning and AI
(00:08:19 - 00:16:12) - Use of AI to predict construction project risks
(00:16:13 - 00:24:18) - How to apply AI/ML to optimization and planning in construction
(00:24:19 - 00:45:26) - Impact of AI in construction
(00:45:26 - 00:48:26) - Outro
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Julian Clayton, the VP of Product for General Contractors at Procore.
In this episode, we learn about Julian’s journey, Innovations and product management at Procore, the role of a VP in the product team and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
What VP of Product does
How innovation happens and new products are launched
How the implementation of products are managed
Strategies to keep yourself motivated
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Julian Clayton | VP of Product for General Contractors at Procore | 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:
(0:00-12:30) - Intro
(12:30 -14:50) - What a VP of Product does
(14:50-18:00) - How innovation happens while launching a new product
(18:00-24:00) - How you manage the implementation of new products
(24:00-28:10) - How do you decide on products to be released in future
(28:10-32:10) - Strategies that keep you motivated
(32:10- 33:01) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#053 - Linden Dover - Strategies For Startup Growth In Construction Tech
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Linden Dover, Founder of Weaver. We discuss his journey of building a tech startup, B2B and B2C dynamics in the construction industry, future of home renovation and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
Strategies for growing a startup
Challenges while onboarding construction workers in tech
B2C challenges in construction tech
The future of home renovation
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Linden Dover | Founder of Weaver | ConTech
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We are travelling to Chicago to Procore Groundbreak on September 19th and 20th to interview innovators in construction technology - let us know if you are coming!
If you are, use promo code BRICKS100 for $100 off your ticket price.
Check https://www.procore.com/groundbreak
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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:
(0:00:00-0:05:54) - Intro
(0:05:54-0:10:07) - How to manage tech background in any startup
(0:10:07-0:19:34) - Strategies for growing a startup
(0:19:34-0:25:24) - How to onboard construction workers in tech
(0:25:24-0:27:05) - B2C challenges in construction tech
(0:27:05-0:37:04) - Thoughts on home renovation with tech and its future
(0:37:04-0:37:25) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#069 - Valentina Shegoyan - Securing Venture Capital In Real Estate Technology
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Valentina Shegoyan, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures
In this episode, we learn venture capital investing, the future of real estate, what VCs look for in startup founders, and much more!
Tune in to find out:
Valentina’s journey to becoming a top VC
How the venture capital industry works and how to get funding as a startup
The qualities VCs look for in startup founders beyond just a good pitch
How real estate is becoming more data-driven and tech-enabled
Advice for startups on applying to accelerator programs and pitching to investors
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Valentina Shegoyan | Managing Partner at REACH UK - Second Century Ventures
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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 - 00:01:03) - Intro
(00:01:03 - 00:05:20) - Becoming a Managing Partner at a Venture Capital Firm
(00:05:20 - 00:06:04) - Insights Gained as a Managing Partner at Second Century
(00:06:04 - 00:12:40) - Understanding Venture Capital and Its Investments
(00:12:40 - 00:16:02) - Three Strategies for Engaging with Venture Capitalists
(00:16:02 - 00:24:24) - Traits Indicative of a Successful Founder
(00:24:24 - 00:29:30) - Predictions for the Future of the Real Estate Market
(00:29:30 - 00:32:10) - Dynamics of VC-Founder Relationships and Aligning Incentives
(00:32:10 - 00:36:41) - Early-Stage and Later-Stage Venture Capital Investing
(00:36:41 - 00:39:28) - Outro
Retrofitting Yellow Machines: The $250,000 Labor Cost Savings in Construction
Are robots taking over construction sites? The future of "yellow machines" might surprise you.
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Teleo, a startup retrofitting heavy machinery for remote operation and semi-autonomous functionality.
We also explored the intriguing case of ServiceTitan's IPO plans, shedding light on the complex dynamics of venture capital and founder equity.
Additionally, we delved into the challenges and opportunities in automating construction equipment across various environments.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The battle between full autonomy and teleoperation in construction robotics
✅ Why retrofitting existing machinery could be a game-changer
✅ How controlled vs. uncontrolled environments impact automation adoption
✅ The potential pitfalls of aggressive venture funding for founders
Listen now on Spotify to stay ahead of the curve in construction tech innovation.
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Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Robotics Space
03:02 Teleoperation vs. Full Autonomy
05:58 Applications in High-Risk Environments
08:55 Market Dynamics and Venture Backability
12:03 OEMs vs. Startups in Innovation
14:59 The Future of Autonomous Machinery
17:54 Service Titan's Path to IPO
31:09 The Russian Roulette of Venture Capital
34:41 Conflicts of Interest in Business Decisions
39:12 The Cost of Venture Capital
41:51 Understanding IPOs and Profitability
44:04 Economic Predictions and Their Implications
52:57 The State of Construction Technology in Europe
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Bricks, Buck$ 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 $1B investment is yielding better returns."
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we did our November Monthly Review where we reflected on an action-packed month of content creation and exciting future plans.
We even explored fascinating market dynamics, founder insights, and geographic opportunities in construction tech.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Our successful launch of the AI in Construction Report and first steps into monetization
✅ Highlights from our Boston trip interviewing startups at Suffolk's boost cohort
✅ Behind the scenes of the upcoming Ediphi super series releasing in January
✅ Plans for New York and San Francisco tour in 2025, plus a potential India expansion
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear Owen, Martin, and Patric discuss their key takeaways from November, upcoming content plans, and Patric’s take on why founders often over-obsess with product and under-obsess with distribution.
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Chapters
00:00 End of Year Reflections
03:01 Cultural Differences in Business Mindset
05:50 The Impact of Travel on Business
08:47 Exploring AI in Construction
12:11 The Role of Community in Innovation
14:55 Challenges in Design and Construction Software
17:52 The Disconnect Between Traditional and Startup Worlds
21:00 The Influence of Trust in Business Relationships
24:07 Venture Capitalists in Government
26:59 The Future of Governance and Innovation
32:48 Understanding Argentina's Political Landscape
35:09 The Importance of Product Distribution
40:40 Marketing Challenges in Construction Tech
43:47 Trends in AEC Technology
44:29 Talent Acquisition in the AEC Sector
46:03 Investment Trends in Construction Tech
50:34 Cultural Insights: Christmas Traditions
57:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
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Bricks, Buck$ 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.
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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.