#033 - Scott Ellison - 'Go to market' in the construction tech
Excited to share this brilliant and latest episode of the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of construction, technology, and business.
In this episode, Scott Ellison, a strategy consultant, talks about his personal connection to the construction industry and his journey to becoming an advisor and investor in tech companies. Here are some of the highlights:
⁃ How Scott's personal connection to the construction industry started with his uncles, who were general contractors, and his job working in a hardware store.
⁃ The impact of the ubiquity of smartphones, cloud, and SaaS on the construction industry and how it has led to a slower but steady shift towards digitisation.
⁃ The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech and how it needs to be laid down first before we can fully appreciate the benefits of new ways of capturing information.
⁃ Go-to-market strategies, such as product-led growth that have created value in certain sector.
Tune in to the episode to learn more about Scott's insights and his thoughts on the future of the construction industry!
If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.
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Scott Ellison - Investor | Advisor | Judge | Mentor
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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek: www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:05 - Intro
00:01:05 --> 00:01:45 - Sponsor
00:01:45 --> 00:03:33 - Scott's background and personal connection to the construction industry
00:03:33 --> 00:04:26 - The impact of technology on the construction industry
00:04:26 --> 0006:38 - The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech
00:06:38 --> 00:08:12 - The challenge of data islands and pockets in the construction industry
00:08:12 --> 00:10:40 - Go-to-market strategies in built tech, and how it can make or break a startup
00:10:40 --> 00:13:06 - Table stakes in the game of building a successful startup
00:13:06 --> 00:14:35 - Playbook in construction tech
00:14:35 --> 00:20:30 - Introduction to the concept of Product-Led Growth (PLG)
00:20:30 --> 00:24:25 - The unique dynamics of construction industry
00:24:25 --> 00:26:04 - The concept of respect to disrupt ratio
00:26:04 --> 00:27:17 - Setting up a strategy for a startup
00:27:17 --> 00:32:35 - The challenges faced by people from outside and inside the industry when introducing change
00:32:35 --> 00:34:52 - Key metrics in early-stage investing
00:34:52 --> 00:37:41 - Individual (jockey) over the idea (horse) in early-stage investing
00:37:41 --> 00:39:15 - Exciting ideas and technologies in construction tech
00:39:15 --> 00:41:02 - Scott's advice to companies in the construction tech on hiring, firing, marketing and finance
00:41:02 --> 00:42:25 - The student debt crisis in the US and how it impacts the construction industry's ability to attract top talent
00:42:25 --> 00:44:43 - Robotics and technology changing the construction industry workforce
00:44:52 --> 00:46:36 - Thoughts on hot trends in construction industry
00:46:36 --> 00:48:55 - Scott's passions
00:48:55 --> 00:49:37 - Top skill for entrepreneurs
00:49:37 --> 00:50:10 - More information about Scott
00:50:10 --> 00:50:28 - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#015 - George Dobbins - Building the Best Leadership Teams & BETA
How do you build the most effective c-suite and executive leadership team?
Today, we speak with @George Dobbins, Co-Founder of @Beaumont Bailey and Mentor at @Pi Labs.
Listen in to hear George's advice on:
Building effective leadership teams
Key mistakes when starting up and building your c-suite
George's relationship with an ex Dragon (from Dragon's Den)
Recommendations on the best restaurants in the UK
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In releasing this podcast, we are also delighted to announce our partnership with @beta.
BETA is the UK’s leading build environment & technology networking platform. Their main aim is to connect traditional industry with technology partners as well as connecting construction & proptech companies with advisors, VC’s, angel investors, technology partners AND contacts at some of the top corporations in the UK, Europe and globally.
More info in the comments.
Thanks for all your support on the podcast so far. We have more exciting guests lined up in the coming months.
Please also help us out by reviewing our podcast on whichever platform you get your podcast from.
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Bricks & Bytes
#050 - Hattie Walker- Arnott - Founder of AI-RE - Real Estate In 2023
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes we got a chance to talk with Hattie Walker- Arnott, founder of AI-RE, to discuss innovation and disruption in real estate 2023.
Tune in to find out about:
The impact of large language models and AI
Areas of disruption in Real Estate
Blockchain hype In 2023
What it takes to become a tech advisor
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Hattie Walker-Arnott | Senior Regeneration Advisor at Perspicio | Founder of AI-RE | ConTech
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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:
(0:00:00-0:09:08) - Intro
(0:09:08-0:10:24) - How to manage between ideas effectively
(0:10:24-0:12:27) - Definition of Real Estate 2023
(0:12:27-0:16:12) - Innovation taking place in Real Estate
(0:16:12-0:36:57) - Areas of Real Estate that needs to be disrupted
(0:36:57-0:40:30) - Blockchain Hype
(0:40:30-0:47:20) - What it needs to become a Tech Advisor
(0:47:20-0:52:33) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#064 - Anande Bergman - Step-By-Step: How Automation Is Changing Everything In Construction
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Anande Bergman, Developer Relations At VIKTOR and expert in AEC business process automation.
Learn about the step-by-step processes of automation, parametric design, breathtaking automation in construction, the future of automation, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
Differences and similarities between an Engineer and a Developer
Fundamentals and the steps of automating processes
The basics of parametric design
The future and current state of automation in construction
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Anande Bergman | Developer Relations at VIKTOR | ConTech
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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:
(0:00 - 3:00) - Intro
(3:00 - 4:15) - Differences in Engineer and Developer
(4:15 - 6:22) - Differences and Similarity between Aerospace Engineering and Structural Engineering
(6:22 - 14:30) - Fundamentals and Steps of Automating Processes
(14:30 - 21:25) - Cool Automations in Construction
(21:25 - 25:20) - How to Identify Areas that Could be Automated
(25:20 - 31:07) - What is Parametric Design?
(31:07 - 34:40) - Are People Resilient for Automations or Not?
(34:40 - 40:30) - Future of Automations
(40:30 - 44:12) - Outro
€69M for Carbon Capture, Trimble Buys Flashtract & Why VC Success from Accelerators is Misleading - Bricks, Bucks & Bytes
Is raising venture capital really a sign of success for startups?
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explore Neustark's €69M growth round. We learn how they're making carbon capture a scalable industrial process, not just a scientific breakthrough.
We also dive into Trimble's acquisition of Flashtract, following similar moves by Autodesk and Procore. This trend is reshaping construction payment solutions.
Patric also shares some candid thoughts on startup accelerators and what really matters for success. Hint: it's not just about fundraising.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why Neustark's focus on industrialization sets them apart in the crowded climate tech space
✅ The evolving landscape of construction payment solutions and what it means for startups ✅ The surprising stats on startup success rates from accelerators (and why they might not matter)
✅ Why building a sustainable business trumps fundraising hype every time
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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00:00 Intro
01:04 Neustark: Industrializing Carbon Capture and Storage
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
$1B Logistics Deal, $30M Saudi Tech Funding, and 3 Construction Market Insights: Gross Margin, Distribution & Impact Of Global Trade Shifts - Bricks, Bucks & Bytes
Is Saudi Arabia outpacing Silicon Valley in construction tech? A recent $30M funding round suggests so...
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored Tendered's major Series A funding, signaling the Middle East's growing importance in construction innovation.
We also dissected a billion-dollar logistics acquisition that could reshape the industry's tech landscape.
Plus, we uncovered why gross margins might be the hidden key to startup success in construction.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why Saudi Arabia is becoming a hotbed for construction tech
✅ How global trade shifts are impacting construction and logistics
✅ The surprising truth about product differentiation and deployment complexity
✅ Why distribution, not just product, creates category winners
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Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Funding News
01:32 Tendered: Revolutionizing Heavy Equipment Operations
25:03 The Signal of the Acquisition for the Logistics Technology Market
28:18 Asset-Like Transportation Solutions in Logistics
29:06 Comparing Funding in Logistics and Construction
29:20 The Risks and Opportunities of Focusing on the Saudi Arabian Market
29:50 Conclusion
31:06 The Correlation Between Logistics and the Wider Economy
36:21 The Impact of Geopolitical Events on Trading and Logistics Companies
45:07 The Importance of Gross Margin and Contribution Margin
55:05 The Seasonality of the AEC Sector
56:43 Avoiding Mistakes and the Role of Distribution in Becoming a Category Creator
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
BONUS - How India’s FIRST Unicorn In Construction Tech Was Created – InfraMarket - with Shubhankar Bhattacharya
From delivering concrete in Mumbai to becoming India's second-largest concrete supplier - how did InfraMarket do it?
In this episode, we had Shubh from Foundamental, an early investor in InfraMarket, and we got to learn about the unique challenges of the Indian market, InfraMarket's innovative acquisition strategy, and their journey to becoming a construction tech unicorn.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How InfraMarket built trust by simply delivering on time in a market where that's not guaranteed
✅ The company's "outcome as a service" approach and its path to profitability
✅ InfraMarket's strategic expansion into consumer-facing products and global markets
✅ The role of working capital in scaling a construction materials business
✅ Insights on InfraMarket's upcoming IPO and India's growing stock market
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Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
4:13 - Presence Of Foundamental in India
8:12 - Space That Foundamentals are Focussing In India
11:45 - Labor Shortage In India
14:00 - Impact on Interest Rates In Construction Industry In India
16:20 - Dollar Milkshake Theory
20:00 - Misinconceptions in terms of Investing in India
23:00 - How Shubh Ended Up Investing In InfraMarket
37:40 - Acquisition Strategy
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Why 70% Of Investors Have A Negative Impact On Your Startup And The Future Of Energy Assessments - Bricks, Bucks & Bytes
Is remote sales killing your construction tech startup? One founder learned it the hard way. By listening to an investor who had no idea.
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Kelvin, a French startup using AI for home energy audits, which just raised 4.7 million euros.
We explored Turner & Townsend's latest construction cost survey, revealing cooling inflation across the sector.
Also, we delved into Vinod Khosla's controversial take that 90% of VCs add no value, with Patrick offering his candid perspective.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why Kelvin's remote energy assessment model may face challenges
✅ How construction labor shortages are reaching critical levels worldwide
✅ The dangers of taking advice from investors unfamiliar with construction
✅ Why construction cost inflation varies dramatically by region
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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
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Company Mentioned:
Kelvin
Turner and Townsend
Enter
Enpal
Schneider Electric
Mac Markler
Kosla Ventures
Modulus
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Name
02:17 Kelvin: Using Technology for Energy Efficiency Audits
03:21 Construction Costs and Inflation
09:19 Challenges of Remote Data Assessment in Construction
35:15 The Dishonesty in the Investment World
49:00 The Lack of Exits in Construction Tech
53:27 Finding Value in Investors
55:43 Insights from Ex-Employees of Construction Tech Companies