10x Faster Structural Drawings: Genia's AI Co-Pilot for a New Era of Design
Imagine generating structural engineering drawings 10 times faster. That's what Genia is doing, and it's changing the game for structural engineers.
Recently we were invited to the BOOST cohort from Suffolk Technologies where we had a chance to interview Zhihao, co-founder and CEO of Genia, and we got to learn about how their generative design co-pilot is transforming the industry.
Tune in to find out about:
How Genia uses AI to generate structural drawings while ensuring accuracy and code compliance.
Why Genia is reducing human errors and material use by 5-20% in designs.
How they are building trust with engineers through transparent calculations and detailed analysis reports.
How their technology is automating end-to-end processes that were once manual and time-consuming.
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Bricks & Bytes
How Checkatrade Connects Millions of UK Homeowners with Vetted Professionals
"We all have a plan until we get punched in the face" - A mindset that helped transform a 25-year-old directory business into a tech-enabled marketplace.
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Jambu, CEO of Checkatrade, who shared how he's leading the UK's largest trade platform through its next evolution. From his early days at Uber to now running a company with 500+ employees, Jambu opened up about the realities of leadership and transformation.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why Checkatrade is moving from an advertising model to a full-service marketplace
✅ How a tornado in West Sussex sparked the creation of a company that now serves millions
✅ Why the next wave of generational growth in trades is coming (and what's driving it)
✅ The truth about being a CEO - from 4:30 AM starts to the constant challenge of sustainable leadership
Catch the full episode to hear Jambu's insights on the future of home improvement, dealing with competition, and why he believes trades will be one of the most lucrative careers in the coming years.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
05:10 Introduction to Checker Trade and Jambu's Role
10:09 Jambu's Journey to CEO
15:07 The Incumbent vs. Startup Mindset
20:04 The Future of Checker Trade and Technology Integration
25:07 Market Dynamics and Competition
30:06 Customer Experience and Go-To-Market Strategy
34:55 The Future of Trades and Opportunities
40:06 Advice for Tradespeople
48:11 The Multifaceted Role of a CEO
58:53 The Challenges and Responsibilities of Leadership
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Bricks & Bytes
Navitas Capital’s Take on How AI Will Change Construction and Investing - Jenny Song, Principal at Navitas Capital
AI is transforming construction tech, but talent and distribution are the real game-changers.
In this episode, we had Jenny Song from Navitas Capital, and we got to learn about their unique approach to investing in construction tech, the critical role of AI talent, and how they evaluate startups... and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Navitas' focus on value-add investments and long-term relationships
✅ How AI is reshaping construction tech startups
✅ The importance of distribution and defensibility in AI solutions
✅ Why understanding the fragmented construction market is key
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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 Introduction to Navitas and their Focus on the Built Environment
08:13 Interest from Generalist Investors in Construction Tech
15:35 Investment Pace and Philosophy
22:05 Working with Founders and Communication Cadence
24:49 Geographic Focus and Investment Criteria
28:25 Evaluating Startups: Key Factors
33:35 Tech Trends: AI and Embodied AI
35:43 Investment in Document Crunch
42:31 Defensibility of AI Solutions
46:47 The Importance of Talent
51:04 Tech-Enabled Operators in Construction
55:56 Ideal Exits: Acquisitions and IPOs
59:57 Common Mistakes in Investing in Construction Tech
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Bricks & Bytes
BBBC 04/05 - Electrifying Real Estate, VC Choice of Clothing, Are Incubators worth it?
In this episode, we dive deep into Camion, a London-based startup that's revolutionizing the real estate industry by helping owners and investors electrify their portfolios at scale.
With a recent €2.4 million pre-seed funding round, Camion is tackling the complex challenges of EV charging infrastructure and grid capacity constraints head-on.
Join us as we explore how this innovative company is poised to shape the future of electrification in real estate and discuss the value of startup incubators and accelerators for early-stage founders.
Show Notes:
Camion's data-driven platform is designed to identify and equip electrification-ready properties, enabling real estate owners and investors to build out charging networks for their portfolios and tenants.
Europe needs to invest a staggering €450-500 billion in its transmission and distribution grids to accommodate the rise of renewables and increased demand from electric vehicles.
Camion is streamlining the complex relationships between landlords, renters, grid operators, hardware providers, and financiers to facilitate efficient deployment of EV charging infrastructure.
The Camion team boasts diverse expertise, with backgrounds spanning Tesla, grid operations, and CBRE, positioning them well to address the multifaceted challenges in this space.
Tailwinds for Camion's business include strong political will for electrification and projections that power demand will double by 2050.
The hosts also discuss the value of startup incubators and accelerators, exploring when they can be beneficial for founders and when they might not offer the best deals.
Tune in for valuable insights on the cutting-edge of real estate electrification and navigating the early stages of building a startup in the construction tech space.
Chapter
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:45 Camion: Electrifying Real Estate
08:03 Increasing Property Value with EV Charging
10:48 Simplifying the Complex Process of EV Charging Infrastructure
$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
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