#038 - Vlad Opanasiuk - Construction Transformation: Automation, Open Source & Tech Integration
In this episode, we sit down with Vlad Opanasiuk, CEO of REDD, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities in automating construction processes. He shares insights from a startup accelerator, highlighting the importance of quick execution and adaptability in the industry.
During the episode, we dive into:
Automation in construction beyond robot factories.
Vlad's experience in a startup accelerator (Entrepreneur First).
Construction industry challenges in venture capital circles.
Construction digital integration
Data collection driving AI success
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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Vlad Opanasiuk, CEO @ REDD (Revolutionary Engineering & Digital Design)
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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:
00:09 - Owen's Intro
00:54 - Shout out to our sponsor
01:09 - Podcast Starts - What is design automation?
05:37 - How do you think the industry is about automation?
09:13 - Incubator and launchpad
12:10 - How venture capitalist invests
14:57 - Ideas don't really matter
16:10 - None of the team had technical background
19:11 - Construction industry is a difficult industry for VC circles
21:58 - Not everything is software
23:00 - We are not selling designs. We are selling risks
26:00 - BIM and ML integration
30:15 - REDD - Revolutionary Engineering & Digital Design
33:10 - Outsourced RnD Department
34:00 - Is this for investor or engineer?
37:15 - What is the main obstacle and why is it not possible to do?
39:21 - how deep the product is, what's the range of this product?
43:48 - Plant based replacement concept
48:55 - Off topic question
52:20 - Ending
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Bricks & Bytes
#078 - 3 ESG Metrics That Your Startup Needs Before Approaching Investors In Construction Tech - Jimmy Jia - Pi Labs
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Jimmy Jia, Venture Partner, ESG at Pi Labs.
We learn about how ESG is transforming investment decisions, what ESG metrics startups should focus on, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
How ESG metrics are becoming key drivers for construction tech investors
The right time for startups to begin tracking ESG factors
Tips from an ESG investor on how startups should approach funding
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd really appreciate if you could leave a rating and review.
(00:00:00 - 00:02:00) - Intro
(00:02:00 - 00:04:41) - About Energy Efficiency of buildings
(00:04:41 - 00:10:26) - About Sustainable Finance
(00:10:26 - 00:15:30) - ESG issues and complexities
(00:15:30 - 00:29:30) - Financial accounting for sustainability
(00:29:30 - 00:36:40) - Building green startups
(00:36:40 - 00:43:32) - Balancing work and environmental goals
(00:43:32 - 00:43:46) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#052 - Josh Levy - From Construction to Contracts : How Document Crunch is Improving Contracts
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes we have Josh Levy, CEO of Document Crunch. We discuss the importance of building a strong team culture, contracts in the construction industry, maintaining work-life balance as a CEO and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
Key factors in building a team within your business,
Common Issues with construction contracts,
How to sell software in construction industry,
Interview techniques when hiring,
Challenges of being a CEO,
Learning and improvement culture in early stage startups.
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Josh Levy | CEO of Document Crunch | ConTech
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We are travelling to Chicago to Procore Groundbreak on September 19th and 20th to interview innovators in construction technology - let us know if you are coming!
If you are, use promo-code BRICKS100 for $100 off your ticket price.
Check https://www.procore.com/groundbreak
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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:
(0:00:00-0:14:00) - Intro
(0:14:00-0:18:15) - Difficulties in complying with every construction contract procedure
(0:18:15-0:20:20) - Common issues with construction contracts
(0:20:20-0:28:38) - Experience selling software to the construction industry
(0:28:38-0:30:25) - Key factors in building the team at Document Crunch
(0:30:25-0:34:30) - Interview techniques when hiring
(0:34:30-0:43:35) - Challenges of being a CEO
(0:43:35-0:44:39) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#020 - Mark Hurst - Scaling your startup & Proptech Espresso
On todays show we welcome Mark Hurst who runs HurstX.
Mark has worked as tech executive, investment banker, management consultant and held operations and business development positions in the proptech space.
In this episode we deep dive into:
Scaling companies
Sales
Advisory roles
Web3 applications within proptech space
If you’re enjoying our podcast, please check us out on Spotify or Apple and wherever you listen to your podcast. And if you enjoyed - 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.
Link to the Mark's substack: https://rew3.substack.com
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Mark Hurst - CEO at HurstX Solutions and host of Proptech Espresso Podcast
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Today's Sponsor:
@Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:01:34) - Intro
(00:01:34-00:02:17) - Sponsor
(00:02:17-00:05:32) - History of Mark Hurst journey in Proptech
(00:05:32-00:07:45) - Networking as a significant part of Mark’s journey
(00:07:45-00:10:13) - Mark’s definition of Proptech
(00:10:13-00:11:22) - Real estate industry as the biggest asset in the world
(00:11:22-00:14:37) - History of Mark’s Proptech Espresso Podcast
(00:14:37-00:19:24) - What are the key tips that you could give to people involved in sales within the industry?
(00:19:24-00:22:10) - Engagement with customer as a critical part of the sales process
(00:22:10-00:25:10) - Why would someone want to partner with Hurst Tech?
(00:25:10-00:28:15) - Is there any process that you follow when working with founders and startups?
(00:28:15-00:31:15) - Things that help you grow your business
(00:31:15-00:35:13) - Mark’s thoughts on Web3 in the real estate industry
(00:35:13-00:36:33) - Construction use cases for blockchain
(00:36:33-00:39:20) - Web3 in residential and commercial construction
(00:39:20-00:40:54) - If you had an unlimited budget where would you invest it?
(00:40:54-00:41:38) - What book could you recommend?
(00:41:38-00:42:28) - More about Mark
(00:42:28-00:42:45) - Outro
$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