Go To Market Strategies & Investing In Construction Tech | Lisa Diaz (Ex-Goldman Sachs Managing Director)
How do you find the most promising startups in construction tech?
Join us for a breathtaking episode as we sit down with Wall Street mastermind Lisa Giuffra Diaz - Founder of Turf Advisory. She bought her first stocks when she was just 14 - and when she missed her train at Grand Central, she found her millions.
Listen to this ex-Goldman Sachs powerhouse, as she reveals the roadmap to construction’s investment-oasis. From Wall Street boardrooms to construction sites, Lisa shares her path to identifying construction-tech winners – and separating wheat from the chaff. Find out how she targets the most promising ventures, tackles industry challenges, and learns from her missteps.
This is a bookmark episode for all tech startups, VCs, and business owners in the construction world.
Key Takeaways:
The Founder Filter: Understand Lisa's rigorous vetting process, highlighting how to spot founders with the resilience and vision to succeed
Pain Point Power (Attention startups and VCs): Discover the importance of identifying and solving genuine issues construction workers face as the cornerstone of successful investment
Building Beyond Borders: Get the inside track on Lisa's international expansion and how she conquered the shift to construction
The Margin Mission: Why thin margins are a construction epidemic, and how Lisa's focus on efficiency is turning the tide
The Rise of MWBEs: Explore how platforms like Tough Leaf empower minority and women-owned businesses in construction, and why investors are taking note
Financial Grit: Learn why investors demand strong financial discipline and a clear path to profitability in today's economic climate
Lessons from Failure: Gain insights from investment missteps and learn the importance of prudence when backing construction tech startups
And much more.
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This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future.
Visit: https://maketheshft.digital
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BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:02:44) Intro
(00:02:37-00:12:30) Why Lisa Choose Construction
(00:12:30-00:19:00) What Makes Construction Different From Other Sectors
(00:19:00-00:21:15) How To Recognize A Bad Investment
(00:21:15-00:24:07) About Turf Advisory
(00:24:07-00:34:58) Tips To Improve Annual Recurring Revenue
(00:34:58-00:40:31) Impact Of Business Cycles For Startups
(00:40:31-00:45:10) Worst Investment Decision Made By Lisa
(00:45:10-00:47:18) How To Prevent Misallocation Of Funds
(00:47:18-01:07:05) Process To Follow While Onboarding People
(01:07:05-01:11:10) Importance of Communication For Introvert Engineers
(01:11:10-01:22:56) Quick QnA With Lisa
(01:22:56-01:24:23) Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
Sold For $275M - Dustin DeVan’s Construction Tech Journey
Note: This is a Re-Release of an episode that was originally released on Groundbreakers.
"I raised $250,000 pitching random people in coffee shops." - Dustin DeVan's unconventional approach to startup funding
In this episode, we had Dustin DeVan, founder of Building Connected and Ediphi, sharing his journey from selling a company for $275 million to starting anew in the construction tech space.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The power of cold emails in securing VC meetings
✅ Why San Francisco's startup ecosystem is no longer what it used to be
✅ How to build a successful construction tech startup in today's market
✅ The challenges of innovating within large, established companies
Listen now on Spotify to hear Dustin's insights on fundraising, scaling startups, and the future of construction technology. A must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of construction tech.
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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 & Bytes
Dev Amratia - Building Real Artificial Intelligence in Construction Tech - CEO of nPlan
Note: This is a repost from an episode which was released on Groundbreakers.
"AI is not just about replacing humans, it's about elevating them." - Dev Amratia, CEO of nPlan, shares how AI is transforming construction project management.
In this episode, we had Dev Amratia and we got to learn about nPlan's journey in revolutionizing construction risk management, the power of AI in forecasting project timelines, and the importance of company culture in building a successful startup... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How nPlan uses AI to analyze over 760,000 construction projects
✅ The concept of "adding the egg" in product development
✅ Why outcomes-based services are gaining traction in construction tech
✅ The importance of a growth mindset in startup leadership
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to discover how AI is reshaping the future of construction project management.
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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BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.
This episode is brought to you by Shft—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end.
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 & Bytes
Trials And Triumphs: AI, Robotics, and Investment Strategies | May Roundup with Owen & Martin
Join Owen and Martin as they take you on a journey of May's most groundbreaking conversations in the world of construction tech.
From Berlin to Amsterdam, the pair uncover the secrets behind the industry's most innovative minds and reveal the strategies that are transforming the way we build. Explore billionaire investment strategies from ex Goldman Sachs Managing Director and masterclass framework for innovation implementation.
Prepare to be inspired:
The power of constraint: How limitations can actually fuel creativity and drive innovation.
The rapid iteration mindset: Why embracing constant change and experimentation is key to staying ahead.
The future of automation: How robotics, AI, and data are revolutionising architecture and construction.
The untapped potential of retrofitting: Why upgrading existing buildings could be the next big thing.
And much more.
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Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com
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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This episode is brought to you by Shft—helping contractors like you leverage BIM to secure a leading position in the race towards construction’s digital future.
Visit: https://maketheshft.digital
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BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.
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(00:00 - 00:37) - Intro to Our Sponsors
(00:37 - 04:09) - What happened last month in Bricks and Bytes
(04:09 - 18:30) - What did we learn last month
(18:30 - 34:48) - Guests we had this month
(34:48 - 36:23) - Bricks and Bytes Broadcast
$500k Salaries for Mechanics, VC’s Getting Defrauded, DOT Causes Chaos
"You give me money, and I tell you, 'I'm going to circle back in 18 months and let you know what I did with your money.' That's what a safe note is."In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Martin, Mike Powers, Dustin DeVan, and Patric Hellermann dive into the messy reality of construction tech funding, government policy shakeups, and the AI hype that's burning through millions.Key topics discussed:The brutal truth about EU vs US startup ecosystems and where the smart money is goingWhy safe notes are "stupid money" and how founders are getting away with zero accountabilityCharlie Javis sentenced to 7 years for defrauding JPMorgan with fake user numbersConstruction AI is boring: why every startup is chasing the same chatbot dreamDepartment of Transportation's new ruling that just invalidated 40,000+ DBE certifications overnightHeavy equipment mechanics earning $500K through on-demand platforms while dealers pay them $80KPlus, guest interviews with:Alex Kraft, founder of Heave, on disrupting the $180/hour equipment repair racketWissam Akra, CEO of Toughleaf, breaking down the DOT policy bomb that's reshaping billions in infrastructure contracts"Think about how absolutely stupid that method is. You come to me, you offer me money, and I tell you, 'I'm going to circle back in 18 months and let you know what I did with your money.' That's what a safe note is." From government shutdowns to mechanics making half a million on an app, this episode exposes what's really happening behind the scenes in construction tech.--------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
Chapters00:00 Intro01:35 Introduction and Government Shutdown Discussion04:07 Comparing EU and US Startups05:29 The Future of Startups in the EU08:29 Investment Trends in the US and EU11:00 Challenges in Construction Tech Across Borders14:06 Transactional Models and Regional Specificity15:41 Startup Ecosystems in Construction17:17 The Future of Construction Tech Startups18:23 AI in Pre-Construction and Its Limitations22:24 Fraud in Startups: A Cautionary Tale30:52 Introducing HEAVE: A Marketplace for Heavy Equipment Repairs38:19 Transforming an Antiquated Industry40:39 Service Agreements and Customer Trust42:16 Innovative Pricing Models in Equipment Maintenance47:46 Changes in DBE Certification and Its Impact55:31 The Future of Construction Tech and Compliance
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
NEOM Cancelled, 21K Dead, SoftBank's $5.4B Bet, Track3D Raises $10M
Is Saudi Arabia's $500B Dream Dead? Plus: The $5.4B Robotics Deal That Changes EverythingIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive into the biggest construction and tech stories shaking up the industry right now.What we cover:NEOM's collapse - Why Saudi Arabia is pulling the plug on "The Line" and what it means for construction startups in the region (spoiler: 21,000 workers died building this dream)SoftBank's massive $5.4B bet - Breaking down the ABB Robotics acquisition and what "physical AI" really means for constructionThe humanoid vs. specialized robots debate - Which will actually take over construction sites first?Calvin from CrewScope on using gamification to boost worker productivity (yes, leaderboards for drywallers are real)NK from Track3D reveals how they raised $10M to turn reality capture data into instant project insights - no BIM model requiredThe AI circus continues - From OpenAI "killing 1000 startups" to Nvidia's brilliant financing scheme with xAIKey quote: "People have been trying solutions for so long. I don't think it's on the industry - they've been trying. It's on us as technology providers. Our technology is not simple enough." - NK Chaitanya, Track3DPlus: Owen somehow gets invited to speak at an RICS conference after failing their exam three times. Sometimes persistence beats credentials.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.io
Chapters00:00 Intro01:15 Introduction and Personal Insights on Health Tracking04:01 The Impact of Technology on Health and Well-being07:22 Exploring the Neom Project and Its Challenges09:55 The Future of Neom and Its Implications for Startups12:43 Investor Perspectives on Government-Funded Projects16:02 The Robotics Acquisition and Market Dynamics24:27 Understanding the Robotics Value Chain29:17 The Impact of Chinese Robotics on Western Markets30:49 SoftBank's Strategic Acquisition of ABB Robotics32:45 The Future of Robotics in Construction34:19 AI's Influence on the Robotics Industry39:49 Exploring CrewScope's Innovative Approach to Construction52:43 Building Partnerships in the Construction Industry53:11 Transformative Labor Savings in Construction55:01 Building Partnerships for Innovation55:13 Behavioral Change in Technology Adoption56:27 Automating Construction Monitoring with Track3D58:11 Expanding Go-To-Market Strategies59:59 Simplicity in Reality Capture Solutions01:01:41 Customer Preparedness and Market Dynamics01:04:34 The Role of Technology in Construction Verification01:06:43 Pricing Strategies for Construction Technology01:08:47 Global Team Dynamics in Tech Development01:09:49 The Future of Construction Technology
This female founder just broke a construction tech record that no one saw comingIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, Maria, Kevin, and Stjepan dive deep into the biggest moves shaking up construction tech right now.Key topics discussed:- Maria Davidson's historic $94M fundraise - the most ever raised by a female founder in construction tech- Why mixing venture capital with strategic partnerships is the secret sauce for growth - Procore's surprising new CEO choice and what it means for the industry- Oracle's aggressive push into construction tech and the M&A war heating up- Why Zoom is killing your career and you need to get back to face-to-face meetings- The hidden AI revolution happening in construction companies (that management doesn't know about)- Data center boom creating massive opportunities and risks for contractors- How to build authentic relationships that actually close enterprise deals
Key quote:"I'm very surprised by this selection because this person was already on the board of Procore where Procore has been stagnant since they went IPO. You've been sitting at the table the entire time and the stock's done nothing." - Dustin on Procore's new CEO pickFrom record-breaking fundraises to controversial leadership decisions, this episode reveals the power moves and industry secrets that are reshaping construction tech forever.-----------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:25 Introduction and Technical Difficulties04:08 Celebrating Investment Success07:13 The Value of Strategic vs. Venture Capital10:04 Hiring and Building a Strong Team13:08 The Importance of Candidate Experience16:16 Future Plans and Market Expansion19:11 Navigating Industry Challenges and Opportunities25:51 Navigating the Solar Industry and Employment Challenges28:09 Strategic Partnerships and Investment in Construction Tech30:55 Innovations in Project Management and Supply Chain Solutions34:26 Procore's New Leadership and Industry Implications43:24 Oracle's Strategic Positioning in Construction Tech45:30 M&A Activity in Construction Tech46:30 Oracle's Strategic Moves48:18 The Importance of Community in Construction Tech49:22 The Future of Major Players in Construction Tech50:26 Building Relationships Beyond Zoom56:17 Cultural Considerations in Business01:00:25 AI in AEC: Perspectives and Opportunities01:04:22 Building a Business Around AI01:08:28 The Power of Authentic Communication----------🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P7JkiN9X3N4Kh6jlDsOgi?si=91JP5nxvQbKStkp8AQdAOg 📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comEnjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.
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Oracle $100B Hour, AI Government Fail, OpenSpace CEO, Barefoot Office Debate
Oracle's CEO Just Made $100 Billion in One Hour While Your Government Wastes Millions on AI That Doesn't WorkIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Martin dive deep into the wild world of tech promises, government failures, and what's really happening behind the scenes in construction technology.Key Topics:Oracle's shocking $300 billion OpenAI deal and Larry Ellison's instant $100 billion windfallWhy the UK government's Microsoft Copilot trial was a complete disasterThe brutal truth about why companies keep buying expensive software that doesn't workOpenSpace CEO Jeevan Kalanithi reveals how reality capture is evolving beyond just taking picturesWhether going barefoot in the office makes you a genius or just weirdWhy pre-construction technology is decades behind field management toolsThe real reason AI won't save construction anytime soonSpecial guest Jeevan Kalanithi from OpenSpace joins to discuss their major Waypoint conference announcements and shares his thoughts on the AI race in construction.Key Quote: "No one's ever going to get fired because they bought Microsoft or Oracle. That's why Microsoft Teams is everywhere, even though it's trash." - DustinFrom billion-dollar stock moves to taxpayer waste to the future of building, this episode exposes the gap between tech hype and construction reality.
Chapters00:00 Intro01:45 Introduction and Travel Updates04:37 Oracle's Rise and AI Partnerships07:32 Oracle's Financial Forecast and Market Impact10:26 Productivity Trials and Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot13:05 Government Trials and AI in Planning15:52 Debate on Office Attire and Footwear27:44 The Importance of Company Culture30:13 Fashion and Professionalism in the Workplace34:46 Funding Announcements and Market Dynamics41:20 Reality Capture and Its Future in Construction55:20 Trends in RealityCapture59:11 The Importance of Data Consolidation01:02:11 Safety and Progress Tracking in Construction01:07:02 Navigating Competition in the Market01:09:58 The Role of AI in RealityCapture01:13:50 Future Directions and Company Vision