#071 - Mauricio Tessi Weiss - How VCs Shape the Construction World
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Mauricio Tessi Weiss, Founding Partner at Zacua Ventures.
In this episode, we delve into the future of Venture Capital, exploring how VCs perceive investment failures, what they seek in pitches, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
Where the construction industry fits in the world of venture capital investments
How to connect with VCs for your startup
What successful founders do right and wrong
Tips on getting in touch with VCs for your startup
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Mauricio Tessi Weiss | Founding Partner at Zacua Ventures.
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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 - 00:01:17) - Intro
(00:01:17 - 00:07:33) - How he started his career in Venture Capital
(00:07:33 - 00:10:00) - Where Construction stands in terms of Venture Capital Investments
(00:10:00 - 00:15:50) - The Future of Venture Capital
(00:15:50 - 00:22:32) - How VCs see failure in Investment
(00:22:32 - 00:25:14) - What VCs look for in your pitch
(00:25:14 - 00:33:10) - Key Traits and Mistakes Successful Founders make
(00:33:10 - 00:35:37) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#023 - James Major - Sustainability in designing homes
On today's show we have James Major who is the CEO of HUBB.pro.
James is on a mission to build a platform for house builders, property developers, architects and contractors to build high quality, low carbon and net zero homes in the most efficient way possible.
In this episode, we talk about sustainability and creation of better quality homes.
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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James Major | Founder of HUBB.pro
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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
Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:19 - Intro
00:01:19 --> 00:02:04 - Sponsor
00:02:04 --> 00:03:15 - History of James journey from consulting to Hubb Pro
00:03:15 --> 00:04:32 - Mindset of people in construction and technology industry
00:04:32 --> 00:05:54 - How was the process of transition for your?
00:05:54 --> 00:06:57 - How do you enforce keeping deadlines within your team?
00:06:57 --> 00:09:13 - Fractional roles in James’ business
00:09:13 --> 00:13:42 - The importance of having CPO role
00:13:42 --> 00:15:24 - Is having a CPO better than having a CTO?
00:15:24 --> 00:21:23 - Introducing Hubb Pro and explaining how it works
00:21:23 --> 00:21:52 - Is there any regulations that designers can follow to improve the sustainability of homes?
00:21:52 --> 00:25:38 - What do you think about market's stance on sustainability?
00:25:38 --> 00:28:58 - What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made whilst building Hubb Pro?
00:28:58 --> 00:32:09 - How much more expensive it is now to build something sustainable?
00:32:09 --> 00:33:12 - James’ productivity tip
00:33:12 --> 00:33:51 - What book could you recommend?
00:33:51 --> 00:35:10 - James' hobbies
00:35:10 --> 00:35:32 - More about James
00:35:32 --> 00:35:50 - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#065 - Ryan Hughes - Design Tools Adoption In AEC
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Ryan Hughes, R&D Team Lead and an AI Expert.
Learn about software adoption in construction, challenges implementing software across the AEC industry, knowledge graphs, computational design, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
Adoption of software in construction
Mistakes that people make when integrating software
Thoughts on Design-as-you-speak software in Construction
Knowledge graphs, computational design, and many more
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Ryan Hughes | R&D Team Lead and AI Expert | 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:
(00:00 - 08:05) - Intro
(08:05 - 12:10) - Software Adoption In Construction
(12:10 - 23:25) - How can someone start with adopting software for their company
(23:25 - 33:10) - Mistakes that people make while integrating software in their company
(33:10 - 41:20) - Thoughts on Design-as-you-speak software in Construction
(41:20 - 43:30) - Construction Scenario in Copenhagen
(43:30 - 44:16) - Outro
read more
Bricks & Bytes
#025 - Brian Nickel - BIM and manufacturing
On today's show we have Brian Nickel, founder and CEO at Allied BIM.
Brian has vast experience in the design sector as an architect, MEP designer and as Montana State University teacher teaching BIM.
His company Allied BIM enhances MEP, modular, and prefabrication construction firms by connecting design, fabrication, and field teams with easy to use workflow and allows tracking of the overall fabrication process.
In this episode, we talk about:
Building a startup
Design
Building Information Modelling
Future of fabrication
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Brian Nickel - CEO & Founder of Allied BIM
Adjunct Instruction of Montana State University
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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 --> 00:01:30 - Intro
00:01:30 --> 00:02:13 - BETA sponsor
00:02:13 --> 00:05:01 - Brian’s history
00:05:01 --> 00:08:20 - Beginning of plumbing for the mechanical industry and the birth of Allied BIM
00:08:20 --> 00:10:25 - Introducing Allied BIM
00:10:25 --> 00:12:11 - Allied BIM’s target users
00:12:11 --> 00:14:55 - Brian’s advise for people embarking to the contech world
00:14:55 --> 00:16:33 - Understanding and partnering with competition within the industry
00:16:33 --> 00:18:20 - Brian’s thoughts on future of pre-fabrication in construction
00:18:20 --> 00:20:50 - Explaining LODs in the design process
00:20:50 --> 00:22:43 - Automation in the production process
00:22:43 --> 00:25:33 - Accessibility of the fabrication equipment
00:25:33 --> 00:27:04 - Teaching at Montana State University
00:27:04 --> 00:29:18 - Automation as a key to attract future students of the construction industry
00:29:18 --> 00:33:02 - Progress on digitalisation and automation
00:33:02 --> 00:34:26 - Is Allied BIM suited best for the US market only?
00:34:26 --> 00:37:47 - Brian’s view on how to run a business
00:37:47 --> 00:39:20 - Book recommendation
00:39:20 --> 00:44:49- Driving point in Brian’s start up journey
00:44:49 --> 00:45:32 - More about Brian
00:45:32--> 00:45:48 - Outro
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
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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
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
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 $40 million Series B raise for their financial services platform in transportation.
We also got insights on the surprising growth in construction tech funding, reaching 0.53% of total venture capital.
Plus, we heard a critical take on using headcount growth as a measure of startup success.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why Coast is attracting big investment
✅ The unexpected trends in construction tech funding
✅ Why unicorns in the sector are both rising and falling
✅ What really matters when evaluating startups (it's not just numbers)
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Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
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Company Mentioned
Coast
Brex
Veev
Nexii
Autodesk
Trimble
FlashTrack
Procore
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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:32 Introduction to Coast: Financial Services Platform for Transportation
06:12 Coast's Funding and Investors
10:23 Assessing the Viability of Coast's Target Market
13:42 Analysis of Coast's Funding Rounds and Revenue Growth
18:07 Discussion on Investor Perceptions and Series B Funding
19:09 Market News: ConstruTech Funding Landscape
23:21 Analysis of Funding Trends in ConstruTech
27:45 Hype and Funding Rounds in Construction Technology
32:18 The Growth of Highly Substantiated Companies
36:26 The Asian Market and Funding Rounds
37:25 The Changing Landscape of Exits
41:41 Headcount Growth as a Metric for Startup Evaluation
read more
Bricks, Buck$ 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 $7.7 million Series A funding, showing strong interest in the fencing market.
We also discussed Nexii's attempt to relaunch after going into liquidation, highlighting the challenges in offsite modular construction.\
Plus, we got candid insights from Patric on why advice from generalist VCs might be hurting construction tech startups.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why fencing companies can see up to 200% profit margins
✅ The pros and cons of asset-heavy vs. asset-light models in construction
✅ How bad VC advice is affecting construction tech startups
✅ Why founders should be wary of VCs who can't admit what they don't know
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Company Mentioned:
EverFence
Ergion
Nexii
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Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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Bricks, Buck$ 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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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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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:
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