Second-Time Founders Still Fail - Solar Market Lessons from Kreo Spinoff
"Don't build shitty products for problems that don't exist."This brutal advice from Maksim hit different. After spinning off from his first AEC tech company Kreo, he's now building PVFarm - solar design software that's pulling in $40K average revenue per customer.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Maksim and we got to learn about why distribution beats product in AEC, how he cracked the $150M solar design market, and why most startup marketing tactics fail in construction tech... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why relationship-based sales trump amazing products in AEC ✅ The two pathways to selling enterprise software in construction✅ Why LinkedIn outreach and email marketing don't work for AEC startups ✅ How vertical integration beats horizontal CAD tools for specific building typesListen now on Spotify to hear how Maksim went from building multiple failed products to finding product-market fit with a 40-hour learning curve software that customers love.-----------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/-----------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maxim and His Journey in AEC Tech03:02 Lessons Learned from Creo: Market Understanding and Sales Strategies05:58 The Relationship Between Sunbeam and PVFarm09:12 Understanding Sunbeam's Focus and Product Offerings11:57 The Importance of Collaboration in Design14:54 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Solar Design Software17:57 Market Size and Growth Potential in Solar PV20:56 Go-to-Market Strategies and Customer Engagement23:58 Building Value Through Education and Relationships26:55 Webinars as a Tool for Engagement and Education33:28 The Value of Community Engagement33:56 Marketing Strategies That Fail36:00 Leveraging AI for Usability39:26 Navigating the AI Landscape41:14 Building Robust Tools in a Competitive Market43:52 The Go-Kill Framework for Product Ideas46:22 The Role of a CEO in a Tech Startup51:53 Balancing Discipline and Flexibility in Teams52:41 Successful Products in AEC54:51 Building in Different Markets57:12 The Importance of Community in Tech59:20 Managing Remote Teams01:01:08 The Intersection of Jiu-Jitsu and Business
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Bricks & Bytes
Why Construction Lacks Qualified Project Managers - Project Manager Shortage & AI Automation Solutions From Tech Leaders In Construction
"The world has an enormous shortage of qualified project managers - to the tune of tens of millions of people."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Greg from Nodes & Links and we got to learn about how AI is solving construction's biggest workforce crisis, why American customers bite your hand off for ROI while Europeans think about it for budget cycles, and the physics behind project acceleration... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why the construction industry needs a billion more project managers and how AI workers will fill the gap ✅ How one customer saved $63,000 per scheduler per year using automation software✅ The brutal reality of startup hiring - 0.3% acceptance rate from 15,000 CVs reviewed ✅ Why the CEO's job is preventing failure while everyone else maximizes successListen now on Spotify to discover how construction scheduling is being revolutionized and what it means for the future of mega projects worldwide.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com---------Chapters00:00 Intro03:00 Introduction to Nodes and Links05:43 Evolution of Project Management Software08:54 The Role of AI in Construction11:39 Challenges in Project Management14:33 Customer Onboarding and Experience17:36 Pricing and Business Model20:35 Scaling Challenges in Tech23:29 Identifying Customer Pain Points34:14 Maximizing Productivity in Construction Projects35:55 Client vs Contractor Needs in Software37:07 Global Operations and Team Management38:36 Building High-Performance Remote Teams39:59 The CEO's Role in Preventing Failure43:29 Insights from 'The Physics of Project Acceleration'46:27 Recent Funding and Growth Strategies49:53 Understanding Profitability in Construction Tech52:01 Raising Capital in Construction Technology54:56 Calculating Capital Needs for Growth56:55 Vision for the Future of Project Management59:02 Cultural Nuances in Global Construction Practices
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Bricks & Bytes
Fieldwire's $300m Exit Journey
Every construction startup gets acquired for less than $100 million.That's what Yves Frinault was told when he pitched Fieldwire back in 2013. They called it the "$100 million curse" that killed every construction tech company.But Yves had a different plan.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Yves Frinault and we got to learn about how military training shaped his leadership style, why gaming experience was crucial for building construction software, and the near-death moment that almost killed Fieldwire... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ How paratrooper training taught him fairness in leadership ✅ Why he went from half salary to a successful Series A in months ✅ The product lessons he learned from video game design ✅ How Fieldwire broke the $100M curse with their Hilti acquisitionListen now on Spotify and discover how one founder changed construction tech forever.-------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:30 From Military to Tech: A Unique Journey04:23 Lessons from Gaming: Insights for Construction Tech07:24 The Birth of FieldWire: Inspiration and Initial Steps13:24 Navigating Growth: Key Milestones and Customer Insights19:04 Marketing Strategies: The Power of Ads and Product-Led Growth25:13 Scaling Up: Targeting Different Customer Segments30:56 Enterprise vs. SMB: Understanding Market Dynamics40:35 Balancing Customization and Scalability41:59 Testing Frameworks and Product Development46:35 The Hilti Acquisition Journey51:55 Cultural Integration Post-Acquisition57:10 Negotiating Acquisition Deals01:01:33 Pricing Strategies in Construction Tech01:04:20 Go-to-Market Strategies in Construction Tech01:07:20 The State of Exits in Construction Tech01:10:19 Key Decisions that Shape Success01:13:15 Future Aspirations and New Ventures
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Bricks & Bytes
Homes Built In 35 Days for $100/sqft - Why This Physicist Is Building Factories For Construction Sites
This physicist turned construction revolutionary by building houses faster than McDonald's serves burgers!In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sits down with Oleg, co-founder of Cuby, who's cracked the code on industrial-scale homebuilding with mobile micro-factories that can pump out a 2,000 sq ft house every single day.Key topics discussed:Why construction is still stuck in the stone age (and how Cuby is dragging it into the future)The mobile micro-factory concept: bringing manufacturing directly to construction sitesHow they're producing homes at $100/sq ft with just 4-person assembly teamsThe IKEA + Starbucks approach to standardized, quality housingWhy most construction tech startups fail (and what Cuby does differently)400,000+ engineering hours invested in solving the "kit of parts" puzzlePlans to deploy 200 factories across the US in the next 10 years"If you solve the logistic problem, you will solve the construction problem. But one of the main problems is not easy just to solve the logistic problem. Because we are speaking not only related the logistic of materials. This is the logistic of tools. This is the logistic of information. This is the logistic of assembling." - OlegFrom lean manufacturing principles borrowed from Toyota to AI-powered quality control, discover how this team is industrializing an industry that hasn't changed since Jesus was a carpenter.
How Starpath Robotics Plans to Mine Space Water From Moon- Is It Even Possible?
Construction robots: From hot dogs to highways?
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored how robotics is changing construction.
We learned about Starpath Robotics' plan to mine water on the Moon for rocket fuel. This could change how we explore space.
We also covered how construction companies are now more open to using robots. This is due to a lack of skilled workers.
Patric and Gabriele shared insights on investing in construction tech startups.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why robotics companies should start with specific problems
✅ How construction robots can help with labor shortages
✅ What investors look for in robotics startups
✅ The importance of building a track record in robotics
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Billion-Dollar Blindspots: Are Construction Tech's 'Best' Lists Building on Quicksand?
Is the construction industry building its future on a foundation of hype? Think again. The latest market maps and "best-of" lists might be leading you astray.
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored McKinsey's updated report projecting a $22 trillion construction market by 2040, alongside the industry's looming labor crisis.
We discussed the expansion of the Bricks and Bytes podcast network, including new shows like "BitBuilders" focusing on robotics in construction.
Patric also shared his critical analysis of "best-of" lists and market maps in construction tech, revealing surprising insights about company success rates.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why the construction industry is facing its most challenging and high-activity era ever
✅ How robotics might transform on-site construction in unexpected ways
✅ Why well-funded companies often underperform compared to their less publicized counterpart
✅ The importance of looking beyond funding and PR when evaluating construction tech startups
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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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Company Mentioned:
- McKinsey
Gecko Robotics
Monumental
Mighty Buildings
Nexii
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00:01.08 - 14:00: Introduction and Bricks and Bytes podcast network updates
14:00 - 20:10: McKinsey's updated construction productivity report
20:10 - 29:00: Labor shortage in construction industry
29:00 - 38:00: Potential solutions to labor shortage
38:00 - 44:00: Attracting talent to construction industry
44:00 - 50:30: Patric Hellermann's analysis of "best-of" lists
50:30 - 54:00: Detailed breakdown of study results
54:00 - 57:30: Discussion on implications of the study
57:30: Closing remarks and end of episode
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
The Niche Domination Strategy - Why 1% of a Huge Market Could Kill Your Startup
Is your startup targeting just 1% of a massive market? Think again. This common pitch strategy might be hurting your chances with investors.
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Opus Flow's €1.7 million investment to boost their ERP solution for sustainable installers.
We also explored the 3D visualization market, discussing by 7.2 (formerly known as Apex Partners)'s investment in Lumion, a key player in AEC software.
Patric also shared valuable insights on building successful startups in crowded markets like construction tech.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why focusing on a specific niche can be more powerful than chasing a small slice of a big market
✅ How Opus Flow stands out in the competitive ERP space
✅ Why adding AI isn't always enough to beat established players like Lumion
✅ The importance of profitability in your core business before expanding
-----------------------------
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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Company Mentioned:
- OpusFlow
- Lumion
- Enscape
- Twinmotion
- Inframarket
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
06:32 Navigating the Crowded Market: Opus Flow's Differentiation
10:40 The Challenges of a Red Ocean Market and Margin Compression
13:00 The Importance of Partnerships and Distribution for Opus Flow
21:37 Becoming a Category Leader: Challenges and Opportunities for Opus Flow
24:03 Introduction to the Rendering Industry
26:28 Challenges Faced by Startups
31:20 The Importance of Differentiation and Capturing Entire Workflows
36:12 The Significance of Focusing on Specific Niches
44:46 Building a Profitable Core Business
48:30 The Misconception of Targeting a Small Percentage of a Large Market
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Why 2D Design Still Beat 3D & The Surprising Impact of AI on Architectural Firms and Pricing
Is the future of architecture in 2D, not 3D? Testfit founder's has got a surprising take…
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned how TestFit grew from a weekend project to raising a Series A, changing how architects do feasibility studies.
We also discovered why small firms might replace big ones like Gensler, as AI changes how architecture works.
Patric shared why "outcome as a service" companies are shaking up the construction tech world.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why 2D design might still beat 3D and VR
✅ How AI could change the money side of architecture
✅ Why keeping customers matters more than getting new ones in construction tech
✅ The role of VC money in an industry that rarely reinvests in itself
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Company Mentioned:
TestFit
Gensler
Autodesk
Prologis
Katera
Good Eggs
--------------------------------------
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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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:31 Issues with the Design Stack
18:44 The Importance of 2D Design
23:43 Automation and Problem Solving
26:01 Challenges in the Design Stack
26:53 Building Meaningful Automation in AEC
30:07 The Impact of Narratives in the Venture Industry
33:24 The Future of Architecture and Design in an AI-Driven World
34:21 The Potential Fragmentation of the AEC Industry
41:07 Picking VCs and the Importance of Customer Retention