#074 - Chris Barber - How Chris Turned an Idea from the Pub into a Startup
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Chris Barber, Co-Founder of C-Link and Prosper
In this episode, we dive into the realities of starting a business, lessons learned by Chris along the way, the Project Bank Account campaign, the early days of C-Link, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
The importance of having a technical co-founder when building a software company
Why communicating your vision clearly is key to scaling your team
How bootstrapping for years forces smarter marketing with limited resources
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Chris Barber | Co-Founder of C-Link and Prosper
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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 - 00:02:34 ) - Intro
(00:02:34 - 00:08:27 ) - Introduction to C-Link and Prosper,
(00:08:27 - 00:15:18) - Project Bank Account Campaign
(00:15:18 - 00:21:12) - What would Chris do differently when starting out C-Link in 2024
(00:21:12 - 00:32:24) - Vision of C-Link
(00:32:24 - 00:35:09) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#075 - How the Next Wave of AI will Reshape Construction with Hugh Seaton
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Hugh Seaton, CEO at The Link.
In this episode, we learn about large language models, how AI like ChatGPT can transform construction, the risks involved in the usage of AI, the importance of hiring people for attitude over ability, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
How ChatGPT can automate up to 15-20% of field paperwork in construction
AI risks like generating false information require humans to keep in the loop for now to check outputs.
Hiring for attitude over ability results in engaged employees who grow into roles as companies and tech evolve.
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Hugh Seaton | CEO at The Link
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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 - 00:04:40) - Outro
(00:04:40 - 00:12:15) - Rise of the AI Wave
(00:12:15 - 00:23:50) - Deep Dive into 'The Link'
(00:23:50 - 00:29:22) - Effective Techniques for Hiring Competent Team Members
(00:29:22 - 00:32:20) - Analysis of the Construction Industry in China
(00:32:20 - 00:34:29) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#032 - John Orr - Designing for a Sustainable Future: Insights from Academia
What is academia's role in ensuring the industry is fit for the future?
On today's podcast, we have John Orr - Professor of Structural Engineering At Cambridge University.
As a top-tier university ranked in the world's top 5, Cambridge is a powerhouse of knowledge, and we are privileged to have John share his expertise with us.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why interdisciplinary education can help solve complex problems
The future of design for structures
Collaboration and its importance in both innovation and climate change
How to become a Cambridge University Professor
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John Orr
Professor of Structural Engineering. Chartered engineer, academic, industrial consultant in embodied carbon. Aiming to transform real estate and construction.
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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:
(00:00:00-00:01:50) - An Exciting Introduction and a Word from Our Sponsor
(00:01:50-00:03:46) - From PhD to Cambridge Professor: John Orr's Journey in Structural Engineering
(00:03:46-00:04:42) - Why Now is the Perfect Time to Be in Structural Engineering
(00:04:42-00:06:51) - What Makes Cambridge-Trained Engineers Stand Out from the Rest?
(00:06:51-00:09:42) - How to Make Structural Engineering More Attractive and Accessible
(00:09:42-00:11:31) - The Role of Structural Engineering in Reducing Carbon Emissions
(00:11:31-00:13:12) - Strategies to Improve Structural Engineering's Sustainability Impact
(00:13:12-00:17:46) - Tackling the Thorny Issue of PI Insurance in Structural Engineering
(00:17:46-00:19:45) - A Glimpse into the Future of Construction
(00:19:45-00:23:25) - The Revolutionary ACORN Project and its Integration with Robotics
(00:23:25-00:24:52) - Predicting the Most Significant Developments in Structural Engineering's Future
(00:24:52-00:26:19) - John Orr's Vision for the Future of Construction
(00:26:19-00:27:34) - Balancing Academia and Practical Applications in Structural Engineering
(00:27:34-00:29:32) - Understanding the Impact of Part Z in Structural Engineering
(00:29:32-00:30:04) - Insights into the Fascinating Work of Part Z
(00:30:04-00:31:23) - The Potential Effects of Part Z on Structural Engineering
(00:31:23-00:32:15) - John Orr's Key Message on Structural Engineering's Role in Building a Sustainable Future
(00:32:15-00:34:15) - Navigating the Intersection of Individual Action and Regulatory Frameworks
(00:34:15-00:38:11) - How to Become a Cambridge Professor in Structural Engineering
(00:38:11-00:39:07) - John Orr's Diverse Range of Hobbies and Interests
(00:39:07-00:39:31) - Get to Know John Orr a Little Better
(00:39:31-00:39:48) - A Memorable Outro and Final Thoughts.
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Bricks & Bytes
#042 - Erin Khan - Bridging the Gap: Effective Strategies for Adopting Construction Tech
Tune in to today's episode with Erin Khan, founder of Erin Khan Consulting. Discover effective technology implementation strategies, from starting small to building communities and raising awareness. Gain valuable insights for aligning tech solutions with the construction industry's needs.
In this episode, we uncover :
- Balance innovation and standardization for employee well-being.
- Start small, gain buy-in before scaling technology.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Involve stakeholders to manage risks effectively.
- Seek enthusiastic advocates for tech adoption
- Tailor solutions to unique team requirements.
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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Erin Khan, Construction Technology Expert, Erin Khan Consulting
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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:
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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