#024 - Nick Decker - Go To Market, Marketing & Sales In Construction Tech
Where and how do you focus when it comes to launching your construction tech to the market?
Today on Bricks & Bytes, alongside Nick Decker of Egnyte - we discuss go-to-market strategies, marketing and sales in construction technology
Tune in to learn:
Nick's rise from estimator to high level marketing positions
Go To Market strategies
KPI's & Metrics contech companies should be tracking
Implementation
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Nick Decker Construction Industry - Egnyte.
Lead - Construction Market
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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:
(0:00:00-00:01:46) - Intro & sponsor
(00:01:46-00:04:35) - Key lessons
(00:04:35-00:06:29) - Why did Nick switch fields?
(00:06:29-00:10:57) - How would a startup determine their go to market strategy?
(00:10:57-00:13:59) - Founder's vision
(00:13:59-00:16:11) - Bad examples in construction and why we need new people?
(00:16:11-00:17:59) - Social platform for a startup
(00:17:59-00:20:45) - What is Egnyte?
(00:20:45-00:22:34) - Who are Egnyte's customers?
(00:22:34-00:23:36) - Expansion of Egynte
(00:23:36-00:24:36) - Views on customer success
(00:24:36-00:27:55) - KPI's and metrics
(00:27:55-00:29:20) - Customer acquisition
(00:29:20-00:32:41) - Risk management
(00:32:41-00:34:15) - Does Egnyte work for designers or contractors?
(00:34:15-00:36:10) - Best tip for implementing construction tech solutions
(00:36:10-00:36:54) - Hobbies
(00:36:54-00:38:39) - How many times have you visited UK?
(00:38:39-00:38:58) - More about Nick
(00:38:58-00:39:16) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#047 - Prakash Senghani - Exploring Generative AI and Digital Transformation in Construction
In today's episode, we are delighted to introduce our esteemed guest,
Prakash Senghani, a Digital Construction thought leader and the Co-Founder and CEO of Navatech Group. Join us as we engage in a deep discussion on the Exploring Generative AI and Digital Transformation in Construction.
Don't miss out on these key highlights from the podcast:
Prakash Senghani's personal journey in the construction tech industry.
Lessons learned: Embrace opportunities and overcome fear of failure.
Reflections on working in the UK and the UAE construction industries.
Tech-savvy population in the UAE accelerating tech adoption.
Importance of software adoption in construction tech.
Digital transformation, data management, and generative AI.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and industry expertise from
Prakash Senghani. Stay informed and connected with our podcast for more enriching discussions on interesting topics on construction.
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Prakash Senghani, Co-Founder and CEO of Navatech Group
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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
Timestamp:-
00:00:00 --> 00:01:10 - Intro
00:01:10 --> 00:01:52 - Sponsor
00:01:52 --> 00:07:45 - Prakash's background and moving from the UK to the UAE
00:07:45 --> 00:08:52 - Openness of people to technologies in the UAE
00:08:52 --> 00:10:30 - Type of technologies mostly used in the UAE
00:10:30 --> 00:13:06 - Key lessons Prakash learned during his journey
00:13:06 --> 00:15:32 - Digital transformation and innovation in large organisation vs. small startup
00:15:52 --> 00:17:03 - Definition of digital transformation
00:17:03 --> 00:17:57 - Understanding data as key to success
00:17:57 --> 00:20:51 - The way startups sell their solutions to large companies
00:20:51 --> 00:25:43 - Best ways of implementing technology
00:25:43 --> 00:26:50 - Improvement of BIM technology over time
00:26:50 --> 00:28:15- Prakash’s definition of generative AI
00:28:15 --> 00:29:37 - Introduction of safety.ai
00:29:37 --> 00:32:19 - Generative AI use cases in construction industry
00:32:19—> 00:33:47 - Generative AI and its adoption amongst people
00:33:47 --> 00:38:45 - Future use of AI in construction industry and its impact on people
00:38:45 --> 00:42:35 - Comparing life in the UK to the life in the UAE
00:42:35 --> 00:44:09 - How to become a board advisor
00:44:09 --> 00:44:56 - More about Prakash
00:44:56 --> 00:45:18 - Outro
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#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
Live from AU, Hosts World Travels, University Entrepreneurship Culture, NFL Insider
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen reports live from Autodesk University in Nashville while Martin shares insights from ETH Zurich's startup conference and Patrick breaks down why popular AI bubble theories are dead wrong.Key Topics Discussed:Why European universities systematically crush entrepreneurial thinkingThe truth behind construction tech's massive funding rounds (80-120M per quarter)How to spot real market bubbles vs. media hype around AI stocksWhy hardware startups face an uphill battle against venture capital preferencesThe innovation crisis at large tech companies like AutodeskPatrick's exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the LA Rams stadiumMartin's analysis of timber-earth construction panels and venture backabilityKey Quote: "You're basically being taught all the time to stay within reason. And if you want to build a really awesome company, you have to be going against the grain and doing things that other people will call you crazy for." - Patric on why universities fail at creating entrepreneursFrom concrete innovation to NFL stadium construction secrets, this episode exposes the uncomfortable truths about where construction technology is really headed.
Microsoft just bet $10M on construction AI - but industry insiders think it's a massive mistake.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patrick, and Dustin dive into the biggest tech moves shaking up construction while welcoming guests from two hot startups that just raised millions.Key topics discussed:Microsoft's massive $10M AI bet with Balfour Beatty - and why some think it's overpricedBluebeam acquires Firmus AI in a surprising exit storyAutodesk's crushing $1.7B earnings that made investors very happyWhy Figma's stock crashed despite good earningsOneCrew raises $7.5M to modernize paving contractorsBuildFactory's $3.3M raise for prefab marketplace (plus an epic stealth mode fail)OpenAI's ironic $400K job posting for a content strategist"Those are amazing companies, but both those pieces of software need to be shot behind the tool shed. Like they are so old." - Dustin DeVan on legacy construction softwareFrom billion-dollar acquisitions to startup war stories, this episode reveals what's really happening behind the scenes in construction tech - including how one founder got exposed by a LinkedIn web scraper and why some think Microsoft is charging contractors way too much for basic AI tools.
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 Intro01:26 Introduction and Martin's Travels03:11 Microsoft's Investment in AI for Construction15:48 Acquisition of Firmus AI by Bluebeam23:50 Autodesk's Latest Earnings Report29:22 Earnings Insights and Market Reactions32:20 Autodesk's Strategic Shifts and Growth Potential34:24 Figma's Earnings and Market Positioning37:11 Figma's AI Initiatives and Future Directions51:05 OneCrew's Innovative Approach to Paving Software01:01:00 AI in Construction: The Future of Scheduling and Management01:04:37 Navigating the Challenges of Selling to Government Agencies01:05:42 Britton Langdon's Journey: From Stealth to Startup01:07:40 The Prefabrication Marketplace: Bridging Supply and Demand01:14:22 Quality Control in Prefabrication: Ensuring Standards01:20:12 Defining Prefab: Strategies for Cost and Efficiency
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Robotics Mega Show with Dusty Robotics and ex-Waymo exec & CTO of Bedrock Robotics
Why these ex-Waymo engineers decided to conquer construction with their new startup, Bedrock Robotics.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patrick dive deep into the robotics revolution hitting construction with two industry-changing guests. Mo joins as co-host, bringing his Silicon Valley robotics expertise to unpack the biggest funding rounds and breakthroughs happening right now.Key topics discussed:- Why Dusty Robotics chose layout printing over flashier robot applications- How ex-Waymo engineers are retrofitting excavators with self-driving tech- The brutal truth about why most construction robotics startups failWhy accuracy is becoming the ultimate moat in construction robotics- How labor shortages are forcing the industry to embrace automation- The surprising lesson from building 60 robots in-house before outsourcing- Why Field AI's $405 million funding signals a tipping point for the industry- How construction sites are actually the perfect training ground for real-world roboticsKey quote: "Obviously everything's going to be built by robots in the future." - Tessa Lau, Dusty RoboticsFeaturing Tessa Lau, founder of Dusty Robotics (the most respected robotics company in construction tech), and Kevin Peterson, CTO of Bedrock Robotics (fresh out of stealth with $80 million to automate heavy machinery). This episode reveals why construction might be the key to unlocking robotics everywhere else.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P7JkiN9X3N4Kh6jlDsOgi?si=91JP5nxvQbKStkp8AQdAOg 📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/
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Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/
Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.
Chapters00:00 Intro01:06 Introduction to Robotics in Construction03:53 Current Trends and Sentiments in Robotics06:45 Barriers to Adoption in Robotics09:40 Autonomy vs. Collaboration in Robotics12:40 Field AI and Its Impact on Construction15:29 Dusty Robotics: Revolutionizing Job Sites18:18 The Future of Construction with Robotics21:04 Challenges in Construction Tech23:53 The Importance of User Experience in Robotics26:55 Lessons Learned from Robotics Development29:36 The Role of Accuracy in Robotics32:50 Proprietary Hardware vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions39:43 Prototyping and Time to Market42:40 Manufacturing Challenges in Robotics44:46 Adoption of Robotics in Construction46:23 Pricing Strategies for Hardware47:41 Building a Thriving SaaS Business49:20 Transitioning from Self-Driving Cars to Construction53:30 Unique Product Offerings in Construction Robotics56:29 Collaboration Between Humans and Machines59:24 Adapting to Change in Construction01:11:09 The Future of Robotics in Construction
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Construction Productivity Myths, UAE Real Estate, TIMES VC Rankings, with Barton Malow
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the biggest misconceptions shaking up construction and venture capital. Plus, we're joined by Victor Muchiri from Barton Malow (a $5 billion general contractor) who reveals what tech actually works in the field.What we cover:Why Dubai developers are bringing $19 billion worth of construction in-house (and whether this trend will hit the West)The shocking truth about that McKinsey productivity chart everyone uses in pitch decksWhy 8 out of 10 construction companies can't even define what a "project" isTime Magazine's controversial VC rankings that reward management fees over actual returnsVictor's insider perspective on which construction technologies actually deliver resultsThe Pablo Escobar business model lesson that might change how you think about valuationsKey quote: "Construction companies can't even define what a project is. Eight different customers cannot define internally what a project is. One customer had eight different definitions. This is your business - the project is the equivalent of the order in manufacturing." - PatricFrom Sequoia being mysteriously absent from "top VC" lists to why rats eating cash might be better than some investment strategies, this episode challenges everything you think you know about construction productivity, venture capital, and business models.------------Chapters00:00 Introduction and Awkward Beginnings03:08 Dubai's In-House Construction Trend11:01 The Best Owner Logic in M&A18:40 Market Dynamics and Developer Strategies21:19 Construction Productivity and Industry Comparisons30:45 Luxury and Value in Construction32:09 The Economics of Markup and Intangible Assets34:32 Current Trends in the UK Construction Market36:02 Introduction to Barton Mello and Its Operations38:36 Innovations in Construction Technology41:31 Data Strategies in Construction45:10 Defining Projects in Construction49:59 Standardization Challenges in Construction53:15 Engaging with Startups in Construction Technology54:35 Navigating AEC Tech Startups56:01 The Importance of Industry Expertise57:09 Defining Success in Venture Capital58:36 Exploring America's Top Venture Capital Firms59:53 Evaluating Venture Capital Performance01:01:42 Critiquing the Scoring Criteria of VC Firms01:04:49 The Role of Sequoia in Venture Capital01:08:25 Understanding the Power Law in VC Investments01:10:19 The Impact of Management Fees on VC Performance01:13:13 The Purpose Behind Controversial Lists01:15:33 Top Podcasts and Their Influence