3-4X BETTER ROI THAN HEAT PUMPS - VARM's Mission to Insulate 1 Million Homes by 2033
"Insulation has a 3-4x better ROI than heat pumps and 10x better than solar systems. Most people get this wrong when retrofitting their homes."In today's episode of the podcast, we had Chris from VARM, who shared his journey of building a VC-backed installation business aimed at becoming the European champion in the space.Tune in to find out about:✅ How VARM is building a "cloud installer network" - a franchise model on steroids✅ Why Chris pivoted from longevity e-commerce to climate tech after successfully exiting his first business✅ The surprising fundraising reality: "VCs and markets and investments are very often done based on FOMO"✅ Their ambitious mission to insulate 1 million houses over 10 yearsListen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how VARM is revolutionizing the insulation industry with their innovative business model and scaling strategy.-----Chapters00:00 Intro06:20 The Journey to Vaughan: Chris's Background09:19 From Management Consulting to Entrepreneurship12:17 Building a Sustainable Business: The Vision for Varm15:19 Why Insulation? The Case for Energy Efficiency18:24 Blown-In Insulation: A Smart Choice21:20 The Business Model: Cloud Installer Network24:08 Empowering Installers: The Business in a Box27:25 Growth Strategy and Customer Acquisition36:04 Community Engagement and Education39:26 Content Marketing Strategies40:59 Learning Through Experience43:12 The Cloud Installer Model45:52 Investor Relations and Fundraising47:38 Resource Allocation and Growth48:45 Understanding Competition51:09 Creating Win-Win Situations52:24 Market Expansion Plans55:55 Defining Success Metrics57:40 Cultural Fit in Hiring1:04:25 Advice for Founders in Physical Industries
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Bricks & Bytes
Construction Scheduling Is Dead - Broken Scheduling Systems & Modern AI Solutions from $600M Firm
"Construction scheduling is completely broken. We're still using PDF files and sticky notes to manage million-dollar projects."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Patrick Hennessy from Harkins Builders and we got to learn about why traditional project management tools are failing the construction industry, how AI could revolutionize daily site operations, and the brutal truth about construction tech pricing... and many more!Patrick runs planning and analytics for a $600M general contractor and shares unfiltered insights from the trenches of construction technology adoption.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Primavera P6 and traditional scheduling software creates more problems than it solves✅ How AI daily briefs could replace morning huddles and transform job site management✅ The real reason construction software pricing is getting out of control and what contractors should demand✅ Why construction tech websites are completely useless and how startups are losing millions in delayed sales cyclesListen now on Spotify and get the inside perspective on where construction technology is actually heading from someone who evaluates and implements it every day.----------Chapters
00:00 March Madness and Personal Reflections01:15 Understanding Project Controls at Harkins Builders04:06 The Role of Technology in Project Management09:17 Harkins Builders: Company Size and Structure11:36 Innovation in Construction: VDC vs. Project Controls13:01 Evaluating Scheduling Software: The Future of Collaboration16:06 Traditional vs. Modern Scheduling Practices20:14 Data Collection and Its Impact on Scheduling25:28 Accelerating Tech Adoption in Construction29:32 The Quest for Comprehensive Software Solutions33:29 The Importance of Clear Messaging in Construction Tech37:16 Navigating Cold Outreach and Sales Tactics41:15 The Challenge of Point Solutions vs. Comprehensive Platforms44:46 Understanding Pricing Models in Construction Software55:32 The Impact of AI on Construction Processes
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Bricks & Bytes
File-Based Design Is Dying - Solving Architecture's Profitability Crisis with Cloud-First Solutions
"The future of building design is on the cloud. File-based design systems are becoming obsolete."In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes podcast, we had Altaf from Snaptrude who shared fascinating insights about the evolution of design software in architecture and construction.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why cloud-based design tools are 10x faster than traditional file-based systems✅ How data connectivity is transforming early-stage design workflows✅ Why architects are wasting billable hours on rework and value engineering✅ The coming inflection point for cloud-based design tools (predicted mid-to-late next year)Altaf also revealed they're working on AI copilots that will revolutionize how architects make design decisions based on sustainability data. Don't miss this conversation about the tools that will shape our built environment.----Download the Future of Design report here : https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/-----Chapters00:00 Intro05:38 Introduction and Personal Updates08:42 The Future of Design and Construction11:45 SnapTrude: A Modern Approach to Design14:35 Collaboration and Interoperability in AEC17:32 Transitioning from Concept to Detailed Design20:38 Data Management and User Experience23:35 The Role of AI in Design Software26:46 Building Foundations for Future Growth29:47 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback32:44 Emerging Design Tools Landscape35:19 SnapTrude's Growth Strategy36:56 Focus on the US Market38:31 Investor Insights and Funding Journey40:41 Advice for Innovators in Design Tech42:37 Future of Design: Cloud and AI Integration45:23 Architects and New Tools Adoption48:36 Inflection Point for Cloud Adoption49:28 ROI and Productivity in Architecture51:18 Sustainability in Design54:06 Communication and Efficiency in Design
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Bricks & Bytes
Building A Construction Marketplace in Africa With Kagure Wamunyu
"WhatsApp processes billion-dollar construction orders while ERPs sit unused as glorified data entry systems in Africa.."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kagure Wamunyu from Jumba and we got to learn about how African tech companies must build entire ecosystems from scratch, why 60% of Kenya's GDP runs on mobile money, and how construction distribution works in emerging markets... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Uber Kenya became the first 100% cash market using manual Excel reconciliation ✅ Why Kenyans build homes instead of buying them due to 15% mortgage rates✅ The reality of building construction tech in Africa where you become multiple businesses ✅ How WhatsApp has become the primary business operating system across African companiesFrom civil engineering to dropping out of Oxford PhD to revolutionize construction supply chains across Africa, Kagure shares the untold story of adapting global tech solutions to local market realities.Her journey from handling driver strikes as Uber's face in Kenya to building Jumba shows how founders in emerging markets navigate challenges that don't exist elsewhere.Watch now on Youtube to hear the full conversation about building in markets where traditional assumptions don't apply.
00:00 Intro01:55 Kagure's Journey: From Nairobi to Tech Innovator04:52 The Uber Experience: Adapting Technology to Local Markets07:53 Understanding Mobile Money: The Backbone of Kenyan Transactions10:53 Navigating Challenges: From Uber to EdTech13:59 The Birth of Jumba: Merging Construction and Technology16:48 Jumba's Business Model: Connecting Hardware Stores and Manufacturers20:09 Strategic Product Focus: Cement, Steel, and Beyond22:56 Scaling Operations: The Role of Hardware Stores in Construction25:45 SaaS Development: Building Technology for the Construction Industry28:30 Streamlining Financial Processes with SaaS29:35 Building Tech Products in Africa34:35 Navigating Talent and Fundraising in Kenya39:35 Understanding African Market Dynamics43:54 Sales Strategies in Construction Tech48:30 Challenges and Advantages of Being a Female Founder49:57 Lessons Learned and Future Ambitions
Unicorns, Coast's $40M Raise, and $34 Billion in Construction Tech Funding - Why Headcount Growth Might Be Misleading
Construction tech funding is booming, but is it all hype?
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Coast's impressive $40 million Series B raise for their financial services platform in transportation.
We also got insights on the surprising growth in construction tech funding, reaching 0.53% of total venture capital.
Plus, we heard a critical take on using headcount growth as a measure of startup success.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why Coast is attracting big investment
✅ The unexpected trends in construction tech funding
✅ Why unicorns in the sector are both rising and falling
✅ What really matters when evaluating startups (it's not just numbers)
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Company Mentioned
Coast
Brex
Veev
Nexii
Autodesk
Trimble
FlashTrack
Procore
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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:32 Introduction to Coast: Financial Services Platform for Transportation
06:12 Coast's Funding and Investors
10:23 Assessing the Viability of Coast's Target Market
13:42 Analysis of Coast's Funding Rounds and Revenue Growth
18:07 Discussion on Investor Perceptions and Series B Funding
19:09 Market News: ConstruTech Funding Landscape
23:21 Analysis of Funding Trends in ConstruTech
27:45 Hype and Funding Rounds in Construction Technology
32:18 The Growth of Highly Substantiated Companies
36:26 The Asian Market and Funding Rounds
37:25 The Changing Landscape of Exits
41:41 Headcount Growth as a Metric for Startup Evaluation
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Fencing - The Hidden Gold Mine in Construction Tech & Nexii's Surprising Comeback
Is the fencing industry secretly one of the most profitable sectors in construction?
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about EverFence's $7.7 million Series A funding, showing strong interest in the fencing market.
We also discussed Nexii's attempt to relaunch after going into liquidation, highlighting the challenges in offsite modular construction.\
Plus, we got candid insights from Patric on why advice from generalist VCs might be hurting construction tech startups.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why fencing companies can see up to 200% profit margins
✅ The pros and cons of asset-heavy vs. asset-light models in construction
✅ How bad VC advice is affecting construction tech startups
✅ Why founders should be wary of VCs who can't admit what they don't know
----------------------------
Company Mentioned:
EverFence
Ergion
Nexii
--------------------------
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
GUEST: Holobuilder’s Path To $34m Exit, Mo Akbari’s Journey Building The Pioneering Reality Capture Tool
Ever wonder how a startup goes from $8M to a big exit in construction tech?
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about HoloBuilder's journey from raising $8M to being acquired by Faro.
We also found out that despite big investments, the reality capture market still has room to grow. Companies like Cupix and Faro are leading, but there's space for new ideas in robotics and AI.
Plus, we got insights on how some VCs are betting on AI startups, hoping to find the next big winner.
Tune in to discover:
✅ Why job site pizza beats expensive marketing in construction tech
✅ The potential of scan-to-BIM technology
✅ How some AI startups raise millions with just a pitch deck
✅ Why product adoption matters more than fancy tech in construction
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn more about construction tech and startup funding strategies.
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Company Mentioned:
Faro
Frankfurt Airport
Siemens
Autodesk
Contilio
Disperse
OpenSpace
Cupix
Doxel
HoloBuilder
Matterport
Hansel Phelps
Buildots
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:09 The Journey of HoloBuilder: From Manufacturing to Construction
08:41 The Go-to-Market Strategy of HoloBuilder
14:20 The Decision to Exit HoloBuilder
23:15 The Three Components of Reality Capture in Construction Tech
28:03 Competition in the Reality Capture Space
35:18 Success Factors in Reality Capture Solutions
39:56 The Evolving Reality Capture Market and Market Leaders
41:33 Funding Challenges and Valuation Drops in Construction Tech
45:26 The Importance of Adoption and User Engagement in Construction Tech
57:34 Niche Markets and Disrupting Workflows in Construction Tech
01:09:43 Building Strong Customer Relationships in the Construction Tech Industry
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
€5.7M VC Bet To Retrofit Europe’s Housing Stock, "Pay What You Want" models and Nemetschek to India - Bricks, Bucks & Bytes
Could a "Cloud Installer" approach help insulate 30 million European homes faster?
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Varm's €5.7M seed round for their innovative insulation business. They're using a "Cloud Installer" approach to scale across Europe.
We also discussed Nemetschek Group entering India's construction software market, starting with university partnerships.
Plus, Patric Hellermann shared why he's excited about Varm and his thoughts on "pay what you want" pricing for software.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How insulation can cut energy costs by up to 40%
✅ Challenges of selling €2,500 software licenses in India
✅ Varm's plan to train and equip local insulation businesses
✅ Why "pay what you want" pricing might not work for high R&D software
---------------------
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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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
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Companies Mentioned :
Foundamental
VARM
Koala Insulation
Enpal
Thermondo
1.5 degrees
Service Titan
Autodesk
Bentley
Hexagon
Nemechek Group
Trimble
Rayon
AOPropTech
Emerge
Pale Blue Dot
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Funding Round
02:32 Varm's Focus on Insulating Existing Buildings
05:41 Cloud Installer: Varm's Business Model
10:09 Blow-In Insulation: A High ROI Measure
28:06 Introduction to Nemechek Group's Expansion into India
31:59 The Potential of the Indian AEC Software Market
36:26 Challenges of Pricing Models in the Indian Market