Why Latin America Needs Its Own Construction Tech Solutions - Bernardo Gamboa, Partner at Global Projects Strategy
Is Latin America the next frontier for construction tech?
In this episode, we had Bernardo Gamboa, Partner at Global Projects Strategy, who shared fascinating insights into the construction tech landscape in Latin America.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The unique challenges and opportunities in the Latin American construction market
✅ How financial solutions are driving tech adoption in the region
✅ Why US companies struggle to expand into Latin America
✅ The exciting potential for AI and data-driven solutions in construction
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00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Background of Bernardo
3:45 - About BuildTech
06:47 - First Mover Advanatages That Bernardo Had In Latin America
11:30 - Examples Of Big Companies In Latin Amrerica
14:04 - Construction Tech Scenarios In Latin America
15:40 - Labor Shortage In Latin America
22:37 - Key Areas Of Investments For Bernardo
30:26 - Understanding Construction In Latin America
35:00 - Challenges In Integrating New Technologies In Construction In Latin America
39:00 - Things That Bernardo Looks Before Investing
48:50 - Future Of VC Culture In Latin America
59:20 - What Excites Bernardo About The Future Of Construction In Latin America
01:04:18 - Outro
"We've done over 160 acquisitions since 2002. Some small, some billion-dollar companies." - Alex Brihac, VP of Strategy at HexagonIn today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Alex Brihac from Hexagon, a $6 billion company that most in construction tech haven't heard of! We learned about their acquisition strategy, how they evaluate companies, and their vision for construction tech's future.Tune in to find out about:✅ How Hexagon decides between building vs buying technology (they spend $800-900M annually on R&D!)✅ Their four-pillar framework for evaluating acquisition targets✅ Why they sometimes acquire service businesses, not just technology companies✅ How founders should approach acquisition conversations with strategic buyersListen now on Spotify to hear insights from a company that's been quietly reshaping the construction tech landscape through strategic acquisitions for decades.--------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/bricksbytespodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_ZgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
Chapters00:00 Intro04:17 Introduction to Hexagon and Its Significance07:11 Understanding Hexagon's Technology and Services10:20 Research and Development Strategy13:21 Future Trends and Strategic Focus16:20 Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy22:10 Evaluating Potential Acquisitions28:25 Acquisition of Traditional Businesses and Services39:17 Shifting Payment Models in Technology40:03 Strategic Acquisitions and Market Dynamics43:08 Evaluating Potential Acquisitions44:05 Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy47:17 Current Trends in M&A Market50:23 Competitive Landscape in Acquisitions55:17 Advice for Founders on Negotiating Acquisitions59:15 Day-to-Day Responsibilities and Strategic Focus01:03:16 Creating Successful Strategies and Execution
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Bricks & Bytes
BBBC 27/04/24 - Incoming IPO, $3.5bn Raised, Pointless Conversations and 2024 Business Draft
In this episode of Bricks & Bytes Broadcast, Patric, Owen, and Martin explore the remarkable $3.5 billion funding journey of EquipmentShare, a construction tech company that's modernizing the industry.
They delve into the challenges and opportunities of construction technology, discussing the crucial role of human touchpoints in B2B marketplaces and the importance of building trust in an industry heavily reliant on relationships.
The conversation also touches on the potential risks and rewards of EquipmentShare's substantial funding, and whether this gamble will pay off in the long run.
Key Takeaways:
Equipment Share has raised billions of dollars in funding, primarily through a combination of debt and equity financing.
The company focuses on modernizing the construction industry with innovative technology-driven solutions, particularly in equipment rental and fleet management.
Human touchpoints are important in B2B marketplaces, as they allow for personalized advice and build trust in an industry that relies on relationships.
Founders should prioritize important conversations that contribute to their business in the short term or help make informed decisions about the long-term path.
The hosts engage in a business draft game, selecting their top business idols or people they would have on their boards.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Equipment Share
07:10 Why Does Equipment Share Need So Much Funding?
16:32 Non-Ideal Conversations and Prioritization
Company Mentioned:
EquipmentShare: https://www.equipmentshare.com/
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Bricks & Bytes
Space, Robots, and 'Add the Egg' Philosophy- September's Bricks & Bytes Highlights
September in review: From Paris to Boston, construction tech is booming!
In this month's roundup, Owen and Martin dive into the exciting developments in the world of construction tech. We've hit major milestones, with over 1,000 email subscribers and 900 YouTube followers!
Tune in to catch up on:
✅ Upcoming Super Series episodes, including a robotics company from Amsterdam
✅ Insights from our new podcast verticals: Bitbuilders, Groundbreakers, and Corporate Innovations
✅ The fascinating world of construction in space
✅ How much top construction firms are really spending on innovation
Listen now on Spotify to stay up-to-date with the latest in construction tech.
$1.5M AI Employee Bonuses, Procore Growth Slowdown? & LinkedIn Growth Hacks with Derek Wong
What happens when AI hype, billion-dollar bets, and the cold reality of hardware vs. software collide — plus, how to dominate LinkedIn without sounding like everyone else?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes Owen, Martin, Patric, and Dustin are joined by LinkedIn strategist Derek Wong to unpack:Which AI giant will actually have the best model by the end of August — and why public betting markets might be getting it wrongThe surprising slowdown at Procore vs. Trimble’s surge — and what it says about the future of construction techWhy hardware “moats” can be a game-changer for tech companiesThe right and wrong ways to use AI in business (and why LLMs aren’t your calculator)Derek’s playbook for turning LinkedIn into the ultimate “box of donuts” for winning high-value customers"Hardware is an amazing bathtub — once you control the install base, your software gets stickier and your distribution gets easier." — Patric Hellermann-----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/----- Chapters00:00 Intro01:13 Earning Potential and Career Strategies05:26 AI Models and Company Performance10:07 Evaluating AI Tools and Their Limitations14:42 Practical Applications of AI in Business17:52 Understanding User Interaction with AI Tools19:58 Market Dynamics in Construction Technology22:54 Contrasting Business Models: Procore vs. Trimble24:45 Valuation Insights and Market Perception31:25 The Future of Procore: Leadership and Vision39:28 Building Relationships through Content on LinkedIn46:45 Mind Share and Brand Recognition48:27 The Importance of Target Audience50:26 Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Profile52:03 The Dangers of Self-Labeling54:26 Clarifying Your Value Proposition55:29 Content Strategy for Engagement57:57 The Role of Content in Building Relationships59:43 Understanding Your Goals on LinkedIn01:01:58 The Future of AI and Construction01:08:00 The AI Race and Its Implications01:09:46 Innovations in Modular Housing
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Turner's 44% Growth, Figma IPO Rogue Calculations, Meta's $150B Block & AI's 85% Fail Rate with Dex from Propel People
Construction companies are posting "impossible" growth numbers while tech giants can't spend their billions. What's really happening?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the shocking stories reshaping the construction industry, plus a special guest appearance from construction tech veteran Dex who just raised $3 million to solve the industry's biggest crisis.What we cover:Turner Construction's mind-blowing 44% revenue growth (and why it's "impossible")The Figma IPO scandal that cost early investors millionsWhy Meta can't spend $150 billion even though they want toConstruction's $20 billion labor shortage crisisWhy 85% of AI projects fail (and the patterns that actually work)Energy bottlenecks blocking massive infrastructure spendingDex's new startup Propel People tackling the skilled worker shortageKey Quote: "This is highway robbery for the existing investors... they just lost a ton of value." - Patric on the Figma IPO controversyFrom billion-dollar construction wins to IPO disasters, energy grid meltdowns to recruiting revolutions - this episode reveals the hidden forces driving massive changes across the industry. Whether you're in AEC, tech, or just curious about where the economy is heading, these insights will change how you see the business world.-------Chapters00:00 Intro01:00 Origins of 'Okay' and Its Cultural Significance03:40 Turner's Impressive Growth in Construction06:21 Diversification and Strategic Partnerships in Construction09:23 Turner's Expansion into European Markets12:14 Figma's IPO and Market Dynamics15:01 Valuation Challenges and Investor Sentiment18:16 Banking Practices and IPO Pricing Strategies25:21 The State of AI in Enterprises29:16 Challenges of Pilot Programs30:53 Historical Insights on Project Failures35:00 Ensuring Technology Adoption41:43 Energy Infrastructure Bottlenecks47:36 Introduction to Propel People52:13 Building a Recruiting Platform for Construction56:24 Sourcing Talent in the Construction Industry58:18 Evolution of Technology in Construction60:11 The Role of Social Media in Recruitment63:04 Founder-Led Sales and Market Insights67:05 Setting Foundations for Success in Startups
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
$555K Salary for Construction Engineers, Trunk Tools $40M Round, Stone Carving Robots with Monumental Labs
OpenAI is paying construction engineers $555K – but there's a catch that nobody's talking about.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Dustin expose the shocking reality behind AI salaries in construction, debunk viral industry charts, and reveal why your favorite building materials might be making a comeback.What we cover:Why OpenAI is paying engineers 5x more than top architecture firmsThe truth behind "construction AI growth" charts flooding social mediaHow AI coding tools are changing the startup game (and why most companies are doing it wrong)Trunk Tools' massive $40M funding round – and what it means for the industryInside Dexto's $15M bet on prefabrication technologyWhy stone buildings could dominate the future (thanks to robots)The real strategy behind why successful startups raise more money than they needKey quote: "I've never met a civil engineer or an architect making that much money. Ever." – Dustin DeVan on OpenAI's salary offeringsFrom fake data manipulation to robotic stone carving, this episode pulls back the curtain on where construction tech is really headed. Whether you're an investor, founder, or just trying to understand why your industry is changing so fast – this one's a must-listen.--------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:25 Introduction and Welcome Back02:43 Exploring AI in Engineering Jobs04:55 Salary Insights for Engineers at OpenAI08:60 The Future of Engineering Roles and Compensation11:46 Equity and Compensation in Tech Companies17:32 Navigating AI Technologies in Business21:53 Funding and Growth in the AI Sector22:30 The Evolution of AI in Construction Tech25:37 The Importance of Founder Branding in Tech31:10 Analyzing AI Adoption Across Industries36:41 Dextal: Revolutionizing Prefabrication Technology51:55 Introduction to Robotic Stone Carving52:32 Innovative Building Techniques with Stone54:04 The Role of AI in Stone Carving55:53 Future of Stone Construction57:22 Business Model and Customization59:29 Reviving the Craft of Stone Carving61:11 Challenges in Stone Architecture64:32 Sustainability of Stone as a Building Material65:50 Personalization in Sculpture67:18 Market Demand for Stone Products70:51 The Future of Robotics in Construction
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
$5B Heat Crisis, 89% Productivity Drop, Startup Reality Check, SuperSede Plastic Innovation, $10M Raise Success with Sean Petterson
Is your construction project secretly losing $5 billion a year? This industry insider just exposed the shocking truth about why 89% of construction firms are failing.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the hidden forces reshaping the AEC industry, plus exclusive interviews with game-changing founders who are disrupting everything.What we cover:The $5 billion heat crisis destroying construction schedules (and why Martin thinks it's just an excuse)Why 70% of construction tech startups are failing at Series A funding roundsSean Petterson from SuperSede reveals how recycled plastic is replacing plywood foreverThe brutal truth about why all construction software has terrible UX designMo Akbari's controversial take on how AI could kill DocuSign overnightPatrick's explosive Coca-Cola business model that could transform constructionWhy Europe's buildings are designed to overheat (and what that means for your projects)Key Quote: "If you build shit companies and you raise your seed round on a shit promise and you can't deliver on that shit promise, well, at series A and B, it's easier to be found out." - Patric HellermannFrom climate disasters to funding secrets to revolutionary materials, this episode pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in construction tech. Warning: You might never look at your projects the same way again.----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/-------Chapters00:00 Intro01:07 Introduction and Technical Glitches04:14 Cultural Insights from Corfu07:07 Heat and Productivity in Construction10:05 Debating Heat Management Solutions13:09 Innovations in Construction for Heat Management16:12 Building Regulations and Overheating Concerns19:08 The Role of Insulation and Building Design22:06 Funding Analysis and Market Trends36:22 Funding Trends in Construction Tech41:08 Challenges in Achieving Series A and B Funding44:36 Introduction to Super Seed and Its Innovations51:58 Super Seed's Unique Product Offerings57:31 Scaling and Capacity Building in Manufacturing01:02:34 Brand Strategy and Market Positioning01:04:54 Navigating Industry Standards and Specifications01:13:46 Choosing the Right Communication Tools01:14:42 The Importance of User Experience in Construction Tech01:16:56 Evaluating Product Design and Usability01:19:38 Metrics for Assessing User Experience01:25:19 The Role of AI in Product Development01:29:24 The Future of Document Signing Solutions01:32:55 The Impact of Pricing on Market Competition01:35:24 Mo's Upcoming Project Reveal