This Fortune 500 Company Had Never Used Excel Until 2016 - The $300B Tech Gap in Store Development
"I got employee of the year in 2016 for introducing Excel to my company."That's the state of technology in the $300 billion store development industry.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Genevieve Davis and Alim Uderbekov from Surfaice. These two met on a beach in California (yes, really) and decided to tackle one of the most analog industries out there with AI agents.Here's what we covered:✅ Why companies building hundreds of stores aren't using Procore (hint: it's expensive and they're retailers, not developers)✅ The "McDonald's is a race car" analogy - why 40,000 cookie-cutter restaurants are actually the perfect use case for AI in construction✅ How code is becoming a commodity and why that changes everything about vertical software✅ Why AI won't take your job, but people who know how to use it willLink in comments - give it a listen if you're in retail, store development, or just want to hear how two people turned a beach conversation into a company.Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “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.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:46 Introduction to Surface and Founders' Backgrounds 06:48 The Vision Behind Surface and AI in Construction 09:41 The Meeting of Minds: Genevieve and Alim's Collaboration 12:45 Current Challenges in Store Development 15:30 AI's Role in Automating Construction Processes 18:32 Efficiency Gains and Time Savings with AI 21:44 The Future of Store Development and Human Touchpoints 24:30 Defensibility and Business Model of Surface 27:25 Funding and Future Plans for Surface 39:13 Investment Insights and Strategic Partnerships 41:31 Customer Engagement and Feedback 44:33 AI in Construction: Transforming Workflows 47:14 Navigating the Go-To-Market Strategy 54:20 Understanding Competition in the AI Space 59:25 Customization and Onboarding Process 01:03:07 Future of AI in Construction
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Bricks & Bytes
LIVE at SpeckleCon 2025 - Bricks & Bytes - Full Stream
In this special episode, we're broadcasting live from SpeckleCon 2025 in London, where the future of construction technology is being written in real-time. We sat down with some of the biggest names in AEC tech to talk about the one thing everyone's finally paying attention to: data.
We hear from Suffolk Construction and Pomerlau on turning BIM chaos into usable data, MultiConsult's Morten on giving engineers superpowers with Python, Martin Day's warning that we're all horses before the industrial revolution, Oliver Thomas on why small firms will beat the giants in the AI race, and Speckle's Dimitrie and Virginia on their push to become the data platform that finally fixes this broken industry.
Key Takeaways:• Data accessibility is the new battleground - visibility matters more than authoring tools• General contractors are leading the charge on data infrastructure• Off-the-shelf LLMs don't work well for AEC without fine-tuning• The visualization industry is getting disrupted by AI right now• Open source doesn't mean free, but it does mean you own your exit strategy• Outcome-based pricing is coming for construction software• The market for design seats might be 50% smaller than we think once AI hits
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How Our High School Band Led To HVAC Software - Building HVAKR
From indie rock band to HVAC software startup—how's that for a pivot?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Davis Muxlow and Andrew Krippner from HVAKR and we got to learn about building construction tech from the ground up, the innovator's dilemma killing legacy software companies, and why making products faster might actually hurt your revenue... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How a church worship team "audition" turned into a college band and eventually a software company✅ Why legacy HVAC programs are making engineers slower despite new updates✅ The double-edged sword of efficiency: one engineer now doing the work of three✅ How AI is forcing SaaS companies to rethink their entire pricing modelThese guys went from mechanical engineering students with a Slack channel full of startup ideas to building a product that's actually making their customers more productive.The kicker? Their product works so well that customers need fewer seats. That's the kind of problem you want to have.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.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:19 The Musical Beginnings 05:20 From Bandmates to Entrepreneurs 09:13 The Path to HVACR 15:07 Building the Foundation of HVACR 19:02 The Accelerator Journey 25:10 The Product Unveiled 31:15 The Importance of Design in HVACR 35:18 Streamlining HVAC Design Processes 40:43 Design as a Differentiator 41:38 Innovative Pricing Models 44:35 Streamlining Sales Processes 48:12 Effective Trial Management 54:40 Customer-Centric Product Development 57:10 Building a Personal Brand 1:03:02 The Value of Transparency 1:04:13 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Product Design 1:09:25 Metrics of Success in Software Usage
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Bricks & Bytes
90% of Construction Firms Have ZERO Employees - The Reality of Residential Construction in America
How do you run a $2 trillion segment of the economy with just a book?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Dmitry Alexin from Handoff and we got to learn about how AI is transforming residential construction, why 90% of US construction firms are one-person operations struggling with back-office work, and how a former IMF economist ended up building technology that delivers cost estimates in 30 seconds... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why traditional construction cost data is stuck in the physical book era and how real-time APIs are changing the game✅ How contractors can now delegate entire workflows to an AI agent through simple voice commands while driving between jobs✅ Why selling to residential contractors requires throwing out the enterprise playbook and leading with instant product value✅ The surprising shift of professionals from marketing and accounting backgrounds entering residential construction with a software-first mindsetWatch now to hear Dmitry's journey from GDP forecasting during the Ebola pandemic to revolutionizing how residential contractors run their businesses.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.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:40 Introduction to Handoff and Its Purpose06:41 Dmitry's Background and Transition to Construction09:30 The Data Challenge in Construction12:49 Building the First Real-Time API for Construction Prices15:35 The Evolution of Handoff and Its Features18:37 The Importance of Accurate Estimating21:37 The Role of AI in Construction Estimating24:40 Understanding Labor and Material Costs27:32 Streamlining Procurement Processes30:36 Product-Led Growth Strategy33:35 Overcoming Skepticism in the Industry37:55 Leading with Value: Product-Led Growth38:42 Go-To-Market Strategies: Finding Your Audience43:24 Targeting Residential Contractors: A Strategic Choice46:54 The Role of AI Agents in Construction Tech49:25 Learning from Failures: Experimentation in Startups55:35 Future of Construction: Robotics and Material Science58:60 Funding Insights: Building a Diverse Investor Base01:05:05 Advice for Technical Founders: Embracing Humility01:07:15 Join the Team: Opportunities at Handoff
Buildots Acquisition, Procore Groundbreak’s Awkward Week, Pre-Con Is On Fire
Buildots acquired workforce tracking company Genda – combining progress monitoring with real-time worker data in a way their competitors can't match.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Patric, and Dustin dig into the week's biggest stories in construction tech, from strategic acquisitions to what actually happened at Groundbreak.Key topics discussed:Why Buildots bought Genda and how tracking workforce alongside progress creates a competitive edge (especially for catching inflated change orders)Dustin's firsthand account of Procore's Groundbreak keynote – an hour about AI agents, but almost nothing about solving real construction problemsThe awkward moment when Tooey handed over CEO duties, and why the transition felt rushed and unpreparedLuigi La Corte from Provision explains how skimping on branding early hurt their credibility with customers (even while being capital efficient)A proper argument about 2D takeoffs: Dustin thinks they'll be commoditized, Luigi defends why 99% accuracy mattersCandid Intelligence's claim they can compress years of pre-construction work into hours (and what that actually means)The reality that contractors will never blindly trust AI quantities – and for good reason"If you don't do your own branding early, someone else will do your branding for you." – Luigi La Corte, ProvisionDustin also teases some Groundbreak gossip he can't share yet. You'll have to wait until next week.Sponsors: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.ioChapters:00:00 Intro01:30 Introduction to BuildDots and Recent Acquisition04:32 The Importance of Workforce Tracking in Construction07:23 Challenges in Merging Progress and Workforce Tracking10:21 Insights on Acquisition Strategies and Market Dynamics13:30 Evaluating the Impact of Acquisitions on Competitive Landscape16:25 Procore and Autodesk: A Shift Towards AI19:12 Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision at Procore29:01 Introduction and Recent Developments30:49 Debate on Commoditization of Construction Tech33:58 The Importance of Data Sets in Estimation37:03 Challenges in Achieving Accuracy in Construction Estimates40:56 The Role of AI in Construction Management43:49 The Future of AI and Human Collaboration48:01 Capital Efficiency and Branding in Construction Tech51:53 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement53:19 Trust in Quantification Tools55:34 Transitioning Leadership in Tech Companies57:15 Innovations in Pre-Construction Processes01:01:34 Challenges in Construction Technology Adoption01:08:39 Building a Startup in Construction Tech01:11:29 Investor Relations and Business Growth Strategies
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
$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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