#073 - Sarah Crawley - How Husband-Wife Duo Is Running A $1.7 Million Funded Construction Tech Company
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Sarah Crawley, Co-Founder of SymTerra
In this episode, we learn about the importance of networking, starting a tech business from scratch with just an idea, tips for raising funds for your startup, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
The importance of establishing trust and strong relationships in the construction sector, where daily challenges are a norm.
The critical role of patience and respectful persistence in navigating the sales process in the construction industry.
How angel investors decide to fund startups, focusing on the importance of a good founding team, their story, and what makes their startup special.
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Sarah Crawley | Co-Founder of SymTerra
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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 - 00:08:35) - Intro
(00:08:35 - 00:12:15) - About Synterra
(00:12:15 - 00:15:06) - How to start a company from an idea
(00:15:06 - 00:20:56) - How to manage people to build tech as a Non-Tech Founder
(00:20:56 - 00:26:20) - Tips for someone looking to raise fund for their startup
(00:26:20 - 00:29:53) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#083 - Digital Transformation or Digital Demise? Construction’s Struggle With Digitisation, Tips For Start-Ups Building In Construction Tech, The Gold-Rush For Data
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Res Orgut, a mentor at Formwork Labs.
In this episode, we learn about the significance of innovation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning in the construction industry.
Tune in to find out about:
How program management offices are often catalysts for digital transformation by improving processes, governance, and standardization
The importance of problem-solving, connecting solutions to real needs
The rise of the role of data analyst in the construction industry and what this actually means
The rise of the role of data analyst in the construction industry and what this actually means for improving performance through analytics
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Res Orgut | Mentor at Formwork Labs
Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:02:28) Intro
(00:02:28-00:06:50) Role of Mentor at FormerLabs and Associate Director
(00:06:50-00:16:55) Biggest Challenge in AEC Startup
(00:16:55-00:19:30) LLMs in PMOs
(00:19:30-00:29:20) Use cases of AI and LLMs in Startup
(00:29:20-00:32:37) Success in Project Management
(00:32:37-00:32:37) Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#080 - How Mentorships Are Shaping Construction Tech Success And The Best Mentorship Strategies If You’re In Construction - Elinor Moshe
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Elinor Moshe, Founder and Mentor at The Construction Coach
In this episode, we learn about the transformative power of mentoring, the importance of self-awareness, practical tips for personal growth, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
The benefits of mentoring and how it can help you achieve success faster
Tips for self-reflection and listening to your inner voice
The problem of “Action Faking” - doing courses, reading books, listening to podcasts without implementation
Common challenges in construction, such as a mismatch of skills, interests, and burnout, and how to overcome them through self-awareness and introspection.
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Elinor Moshe | Founder and Mentor at The Construction Coach
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Timestamps:
(00:00:25-00:07:00) Intro
(00:07:00-00:13:10) Why Mentoring is Good
(00:13:10-00:21:42) The Process of Mentoring
(00:21:42-00:24:45) Tips for Those Considering Leaving Their Job
(00:24:45-00:27:45) Necessary Skills for Success in Construction Industry
(00:27:45-00:33:50) A Mental Exercise to Understand Yourself Better
(00:33:50-00:38:02) The Concept of Action Faking
(00:38:02-00:38:38) Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#082 - "Most of it doesn't work" - The Truth Behind Construction Tech, Why The Construction Productivity Problem is BS and Why AutoDesk Can't Handle Feedback - With Darren Young
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Darren Young, Director of Construction Technology at UMC
In this episode, we learn the importance of personal relationships at work, developing a mindset to challenge conventional thinking, re-evaluating the construction industry's so-called productivity problem, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
How personal relationships impact work and why some people you help will still dislike you
Why IT departments often frustrate their internal customers
How social media provides exposure but fails to build real professional networks
Why much construction tech fails to move the needle on efficiency
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Darren Young | Director of Construction Technology at UMC
Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:08:45) Intro
(00:08:45-00:16:14) Role of Director of Construction Technology
(00:16:14-00:24:00) Controversial Topics
(00:24:00-00:27:20) The Impact of Social Media on Networking
(00:27:20-00:41:35) Why Construction Productivity is BS
(00:41:35-00:50:22) Cultivating a Mindset for Independent Thinking Beyond the Norm
(00:50:22-00:50:22) Outro
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
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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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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