Reality Capture's $200M Investment: Where's the Profit? - Mostafa Akbari
Reality capture in construction raised hundreds of millions, but where are the profitable businesses?
In this episode, we had Mo Akbari, ex-founder of HoloBuilder, discussing the state of reality capture technology in construction. We explored funding trends, market dynamics, and the challenges of building sustainable businesses in this space.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why reality capture startups struggle to achieve profitability despite significant funding
✅ The evolution of capture technologies and AI's potential impact
✅ Insights on valuation trends and fundraising strategies in construction tech
✅ Key advice for founders building products with high user adoption
Note: This video is a repost from Bricks, Bucks and Bytes.
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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.
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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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Bricks & Bytes
Rise Of The Digital Revolution. Construction’s New Business Models And Code
Get ready to rethink construction. Industry expert reveals the tectonic shifts happening beneath construction’s surface. And shows how you can capitalise it.
Olivier Lepinoy, Director of Business Development at Vinci, esteemed Autodesk alum, and Hyper Construction think tank founder, explains why an "invisible revolution" is taking the industry by storm.
Listen to him as he exposes the stark divide between companies "playing defence" through operational efficiencies and those boldly "playing offence" by reinventing their revenue models. Plus, take a peek at futuristic hybrid models" leveraging digital platforms and data-centric roles like originators, aggregators, and consumers.
From venture capitals to cross-industry investors, explore the innovative ways leading construction giants are diversifying into new markets and services.
Key Takeaways
Why "defence-only" (cost-cutting and efficiency) isn't enough for sustained success in construction
How companies are fearlessly reshaping their business models for the digital era
The rise of venture capital funds, tech acquisitions, and surprising partnerships in the AEC space
The "hybrid model" where traditional construction meets digital platforms and data-driven innovation
And a lot more.
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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:
(00:00:00-00:02:18) Intro
(00:02:18-00:05:40) Why Business Models And Not Technology
(00:05:40-00:14:56) Case Studies of Business Models
(00:14:56-00:31:25) Business Models in Construction
(00:31:25-00:39:10) Companies In Construction vs Companies in other sectors
(00:39:10-00:41:20) Olivier's Favourite Business Model
(00:41:20-00:43:04) Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
Building The Most Wanted Robot in Construction - Dusty Robotics CEO Tessa Lau
Note: This is a Re-Release of an episode that was originally released on BitBuilders.
Did you know that a simple mistake in construction layout can cost millions?
In this episode of BitBuilders, we had Tessa Lau, CEO of Dusty Robotics, and we got to learn about transforming construction with robots, the journey from prototype to product, and why human-robot teams are the future of building... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How a home remodel sparked a construction tech revolution
✅ Why automating high-value tasks is key to robotics adoption
✅ The power of "building in public" for hardware startups
✅ What construction sites might look like in 20 years
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear Tessa's insights on innovating in traditional industries and her advice for aspiring robotics founders.
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Bricks & Bytes
How Gecko Robotics is Transforming Asset Management Using Robot Inspectors - Troy Demmer
Are robots the future of infrastructure safety? This startup's journey might surprise you.
In this episode of Bricks and Bytes, Gabriele got a chance to interview Troy Demmer, co-founder of Gecko Robotics.
We learned about Troy's journey from healthcare to robotics, the challenges of building hardware startups, and how Gecko is transforming infrastructure maintenance for both private and public sectors... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Gecko's robots collect 10 million data points in a day vs. 10,000 manually in a week
✅ The importance of finding the right early customers for hardware startups
✅ Navigating the complexities of government contracts and public sector work
✅ Why selling outcomes as a service can be a game-changer for robotics companies
For those who are new, BitBuilders is all about diving deep into the world of construction robotics and the innovators shaping the future of the built environment.
Note: This episode is a Re-Release from BitBuilders
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
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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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.
00:00 Intro to the Episode and Our Sponsors
02:00 Introduction and Background
04:12 Understanding the Built World and Asset Life Cycle
07:47 Focus on Power Boilers and Expansion to Other Structures
15:11 Delivering a Service for Asset Health Clarity
23:52 Selling a Comprehensive Health Map of Assets
25:04 Granular Data and Actionable Maps for Asset Health
27:08 Robotic Inspections and Gathering Data While Assets are Online
28:36 Data-Driven Decision-Making for Asset Lifecycle Management
29:28 Meeting Customer Needs for Novel Inspection Methods
31:14 Using Tech Stack for Future Planning and Thoughtful Decision-Making
32:42 Gecko Robotics' Small but Mighty Fleet of Robots
34:43 Supply Chain Resilience and Lessons Learned in Manufacturing Robotics
37:33 Gecko Robotics' Entry into the Public Sector and Focus on Critical Infrastructure
41:34 Working with the US Navy to Improve Ship Maintenance and Construction
48:21 Challenges of Navigating Bureaucracy in the Public Sector
50:11 Advice for Founders in the Built World: Prioritize Customer Problem-Solving
Human Touch in Construction Sales, False Tech Solutions, and Large Company Lawsuits - Bricks, Bucks & Bytes
"Try to keep all your human touch points and automate them on the backend."
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we dive into the world of B2B marketplaces in construction. We explore why human touch points are crucial for success, especially in an industry built on trust and relationships.
We also discuss the recent lawsuit between Oracle and Procore, where Oracle accuses a former employee of stealing trade secrets related to payment management software.
Plus, we explored HomeBoost, a startup offering simplified energy assessments for homes using AI. But is it too good to be true?
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The pros and cons of AI-powered home energy assessments
✅ The potential impact of the Oracle vs. Procore lawsuit on the construction tech industry
✅ Why B2B marketplaces in construction need to maintain human interactions
✅ The increasing trend of investors suing portfolio companies in recent years
Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode on Spotify and join the conversation!
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
5 Things Founders Control During Fundraising That Most Don't Know About - Bricks, Bucks and Bytes
"VC is rocket fuel. Do not spend it on a Fiat 500. Only put very expensive rocket fuel if you're actually building a rocket."
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Speckle's recent Series A raise, showcasing the renewed liquidity in early-stage funding for 2024.
We also discovered that the construction tech sector saw impressive growth in seed stage funding sizes during Q3 2023, signaling a positive shift in the market.
Plus, we gained invaluable insights from Patrick Hellermann on what really makes VCs tick when it comes to investing in startups.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The magic "100x potential" that VCs are looking for
✅ Why information asymmetry is your secret weapon between fundraising rounds
✅ How to leverage social validation to your advantage
✅ The power of building a rockstar team to secure funding
Listen to the full episode on Spotify and arm yourself with the knowledge to make your next pitch irresistible!
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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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Speckle's $12.5M Funding - How Open Source Software Is Changing Construction Design
Speckle's $12.5M Series A: A Game-Changer for AEC Data Infrastructure
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Speckle's impressive $12.5 million Series A funding round, led by Addition, to build the first data hub for the AEC industry.
We also learned about Rexel's rejection of an unsolicited $8.5 billion takeover bid from QXO, signaling potential shifts in the building materials distribution landscape.
Additionally, we gained insights into Patrick Hellermann's framework for evaluating potential investors, emphasizing the importance of avoiding detrimental influences over perceived value-add.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Speckle's open-source approach to AEC data infrastructure
✅ The potential impact of QXO's ambitious plans on the building materials distribution sector
✅ Key considerations for startups when evaluating corporate investors
✅ The importance of prioritizing non-interference and quality input from investors
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to dive deeper into these fascinating topics in construction tech and venture capital.
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Construction Tech Funding Hits $35 Billion: What's Next?
From AI-powered construction sales to billion-dollar air taxi gambles: Inside the high-stakes world of tech funding!
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Building Radar's impressive €6.5 million funding round from Socii Capital, powering their AI-driven sales automation software for the construction industry.
We also dove into Fundamentals' Q3 update on AEC Tech funding, revealing that total cumulative VC funding for construction tech has hit a whopping $35 billion - triple the 2019 level!
Plus, we had a heated discussion about Lilium, the German air taxi startup seeking a controversial bailout after burning through millions.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Building Radar is revolutionizing sales in construction
✅ The surprising increase in construction tech's share of overall VC funding
✅ Why some VCs are calling for government bailouts (and why it's raising eyebrows)
✅ The ethics of venture capital in high-risk, high-reward industries
Ready for a deep dive into the world of construction tech and VC drama? Hit play on Spotify and join the conversation!
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Company Mentioned:
Building Radar
Lilium
SpaceX
Tesla
WeWork
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