#033 - Scott Ellison - 'Go to market' in the construction tech
Excited to share this brilliant and latest episode of the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of construction, technology, and business.
In this episode, Scott Ellison, a strategy consultant, talks about his personal connection to the construction industry and his journey to becoming an advisor and investor in tech companies. Here are some of the highlights:
⁃ How Scott's personal connection to the construction industry started with his uncles, who were general contractors, and his job working in a hardware store.
⁃ The impact of the ubiquity of smartphones, cloud, and SaaS on the construction industry and how it has led to a slower but steady shift towards digitisation.
⁃ The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech and how it needs to be laid down first before we can fully appreciate the benefits of new ways of capturing information.
⁃ Go-to-market strategies, such as product-led growth that have created value in certain sector.
Tune in to the episode to learn more about Scott's insights and his thoughts on the future of the construction industry!
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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Scott Ellison - Investor | Advisor | Judge | Mentor
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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
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:05 - Intro
00:01:05 --> 00:01:45 - Sponsor
00:01:45 --> 00:03:33 - Scott's background and personal connection to the construction industry
00:03:33 --> 00:04:26 - The impact of technology on the construction industry
00:04:26 --> 0006:38 - The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech
00:06:38 --> 00:08:12 - The challenge of data islands and pockets in the construction industry
00:08:12 --> 00:10:40 - Go-to-market strategies in built tech, and how it can make or break a startup
00:10:40 --> 00:13:06 - Table stakes in the game of building a successful startup
00:13:06 --> 00:14:35 - Playbook in construction tech
00:14:35 --> 00:20:30 - Introduction to the concept of Product-Led Growth (PLG)
00:20:30 --> 00:24:25 - The unique dynamics of construction industry
00:24:25 --> 00:26:04 - The concept of respect to disrupt ratio
00:26:04 --> 00:27:17 - Setting up a strategy for a startup
00:27:17 --> 00:32:35 - The challenges faced by people from outside and inside the industry when introducing change
00:32:35 --> 00:34:52 - Key metrics in early-stage investing
00:34:52 --> 00:37:41 - Individual (jockey) over the idea (horse) in early-stage investing
00:37:41 --> 00:39:15 - Exciting ideas and technologies in construction tech
00:39:15 --> 00:41:02 - Scott's advice to companies in the construction tech on hiring, firing, marketing and finance
00:41:02 --> 00:42:25 - The student debt crisis in the US and how it impacts the construction industry's ability to attract top talent
00:42:25 --> 00:44:43 - Robotics and technology changing the construction industry workforce
00:44:52 --> 00:46:36 - Thoughts on hot trends in construction industry
00:46:36 --> 00:48:55 - Scott's passions
00:48:55 --> 00:49:37 - Top skill for entrepreneurs
00:49:37 --> 00:50:10 - More information about Scott
00:50:10 --> 00:50:28 - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#015 - George Dobbins - Building the Best Leadership Teams & BETA
How do you build the most effective c-suite and executive leadership team?
Today, we speak with @George Dobbins, Co-Founder of @Beaumont Bailey and Mentor at @Pi Labs.
Listen in to hear George's advice on:
Building effective leadership teams
Key mistakes when starting up and building your c-suite
George's relationship with an ex Dragon (from Dragon's Den)
Recommendations on the best restaurants in the UK
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In releasing this podcast, we are also delighted to announce our partnership with @beta.
BETA is the UK’s leading build environment & technology networking platform. Their main aim is to connect traditional industry with technology partners as well as connecting construction & proptech companies with advisors, VC’s, angel investors, technology partners AND contacts at some of the top corporations in the UK, Europe and globally.
More info in the comments.
Thanks for all your support on the podcast so far. We have more exciting guests lined up in the coming months.
Please also help us out by reviewing our podcast on whichever platform you get your podcast from.
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Bricks & Bytes
#050 - Hattie Walker- Arnott - Founder of AI-RE - Real Estate In 2023
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes we got a chance to talk with Hattie Walker- Arnott, founder of AI-RE, to discuss innovation and disruption in real estate 2023.
Tune in to find out about:
The impact of large language models and AI
Areas of disruption in Real Estate
Blockchain hype In 2023
What it takes to become a tech advisor
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Hattie Walker-Arnott | Senior Regeneration Advisor at Perspicio | Founder of AI-RE | ConTech
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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:
(0:00:00-0:09:08) - Intro
(0:09:08-0:10:24) - How to manage between ideas effectively
(0:10:24-0:12:27) - Definition of Real Estate 2023
(0:12:27-0:16:12) - Innovation taking place in Real Estate
(0:16:12-0:36:57) - Areas of Real Estate that needs to be disrupted
(0:36:57-0:40:30) - Blockchain Hype
(0:40:30-0:47:20) - What it needs to become a Tech Advisor
(0:47:20-0:52:33) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#064 - Anande Bergman - Step-By-Step: How Automation Is Changing Everything In Construction
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Anande Bergman, Developer Relations At VIKTOR and expert in AEC business process automation.
Learn about the step-by-step processes of automation, parametric design, breathtaking automation in construction, the future of automation, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
Differences and similarities between an Engineer and a Developer
Fundamentals and the steps of automating processes
The basics of parametric design
The future and current state of automation in construction
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Anande Bergman | Developer Relations at VIKTOR | ConTech
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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 - 3:00) - Intro
(3:00 - 4:15) - Differences in Engineer and Developer
(4:15 - 6:22) - Differences and Similarity between Aerospace Engineering and Structural Engineering
(6:22 - 14:30) - Fundamentals and Steps of Automating Processes
(14:30 - 21:25) - Cool Automations in Construction
(21:25 - 25:20) - How to Identify Areas that Could be Automated
(25:20 - 31:07) - What is Parametric Design?
(31:07 - 34:40) - Are People Resilient for Automations or Not?
(34:40 - 40:30) - Future of Automations
(40:30 - 44:12) - Outro
New Steel Tariffs Hit, Is A 12hr Work-day Unreasonable, Decision Making Frameworks, ChaGPT NoteTaker Kills Startups
50% Tarrifs are about to break construction - And That's Only The BeginningIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, our hosts dive deep into the chaos reshaping the construction industry and startup world. What we cover:The shocking 50% steel and aluminum tariffs that just doubled construction costs overnightWhy rebar prices have exploded 26% and added $14,000 to every homeHow 68% of builders are now facing project delays due to supplier chaosThe brutal truth about why VCs pushing "996" work culture are dead wrongChatGPT's bombshell announcement that just killed $250M worth of AI startupsWhy construction tech companies are becoming consultancies (and if that's good or bad)The real reason behind tariffs that nobody talks aboutForward deployed engineers - the new trend taking over AEC techWhy some founders are burning out while others thrive"VCs pushing 9 to 6 are idiots. Most founders have no liquid capital and are actually struggling to make ends meet. You need to do whatever makes you most effective because it's not about hours you work, it's about output." - DustinFrom supply chain disasters to startup strategies, this episode unpacks the macro forces reshaping how we build - and who survives the chaos.------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/----------------------Chpaters00:00 Introduction and Current Events04:45 Impact of New Tariffs on Construction07:48 Economic Implications of Tariffs10:55 Labor Market Dynamics in Construction13:52 Challenges in Project Management16:57 Future of Construction Projects19:52 Immigration and Labor Supply22:51 Market Reactions and Predictions25:47 Conclusion and Future Outlook31:58 Infrastructure Investment and Economic Resilience33:43 Restoration Business Dynamics34:53 Market Optimism and Economic Trends39:48 Technology in AEC: Forward Deployed Engineering52:11 Software Stack Consolidation and Customization58:09 Partnerships in Technology Solutions01:05:24 The 996 Work Culture Debate01:08:10 Personal Work Routines and Mental Health01:11:01 Decision-Making in Business01:16:24 The Role of Bias in Decision-Making01:21:02 Expertise and Learning in Business01:26:01 Hiring and Team Dynamics01:31:27 The Future of AI Note-Taking
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Builder AI $450M Bankruptcy - The Beginning Of The End for AI Startups? Johnny Ive's $6.5B Hire by OpenAI, Hiring Missionaries vs Mercenaries, TAM Reality Check
A $450 million AI startup just went bankrupt after lying about their revenue - and this might be just the beginning of the AI apocalypse.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patrick dive deep into the shocking collapse of Builder AI and what it reveals about the entire AI industry. From fraudulent revenue claims to human workers disguised as AI, this cautionary tale exposes the dark side of Silicon Valley's latest obsession.Key topics discussed:Builder AI's spectacular $450M bankruptcy and 25% revenue overstatementWhy 90-95% of AI companies are headed for failure according to VCsOpenAI's questionable $6.5 billion acquisition of Johnny Ive's design firmHow construction companies are getting fed up with AI promisesThe deadly mistakes founders make with venture debtWhy hiring "missionaries" beats "mercenaries" every timeThe real cost of delayed hiring decisions on cash burnWhy Ivy League credentials might actually hurt you in construction techThe truth about TAM calculations and industry sizing myths"I talked to a VC yesterday, and we were guesstimating... 90% to 95% of AI companies are just going to go to zero." - Dustin DeVanTune in for unfiltered insights on AI hype, hiring secrets, and what really matters in construction tech.----------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:13 Welcome Back and Conference Insights04:12 AI in the AEC Industry: Challenges and Opportunities07:11 Builder AI: A Case Study in Failure10:15 The Impact of AI on Communication and Critical Thinking13:21 Navigating Debt and Financial Stability in Startups16:21 The Future of Software in Construction19:08 The Role of Communication in a Tech-Driven World33:39 Navigating Venture Debt and Equity Financing39:18 Understanding Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Its Implications47:16 The AI Hype: Reality vs. Expectations53:18 Evaluating the Impact of Emerging Technologies01:05:30 The Role of Data in AI Development01:12:23 The Future of AI and Its Limitations01:18:19 Hiring Strategies in the AEC Tech World01:21:59 Understanding Talent Acquisition and Onboarding01:31:33 The Impact of Backgrounds on Hiring Success01:38:54 Assessing the True TAM of the Construction Industry----------------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Why Data Centers Might Crash, Autodesk Alienates Christians, Y Combinator Predatory Practices, Paper Beats Digital, with Softbank's $100B Pledge
"Data centers might be overbuilding. When industries overshoot, they always crash back to reality." - Dustin DeVan on our latest episodeIn today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about the $500B "Stargate" project between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle that's having trouble finding backers as data center costs rise.We got to hear why Autodesk's God-themed ad campaign shows they don't understand their construction customers, despite having amazing 91% profit margins. Also, we heard TestFit CEO Clifton Harness explain how their tools cut dirt costs from 30% to 20% on industrial projects through better site grading.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why smart capital is hesitant to invest in data center construction right now ✅ How Y Combinator takes 7% equity while giving little value to founders ✅ Why Safe Notes are becoming unpopular with serious investors ✅ The real reason construction permits are harder to get in the US vs Europe------------Timestamps00:00:00 Intro00:01:07 Introduction and Event Season Insights00:04:09 Data Center Construction: Boom or Bust?00:07:11 Stargate Project and AI Infrastructure Challenges00:10:03 Market Dynamics and Overcapacity Concerns00:12:59 Energy Consumption and Utility Challenges00:16:07 Investment Hesitations in Data Center Technologies00:19:04 Marketing Strategies and Autodesk's Controversial Campaign00:40:42 Distraction Tactics in Business00:42:05 Stock Valuations and Market Strategies00:43:06 Analyzing Autodesk's Financial Performance00:50:10 The Role of Boards in Corporate Governance00:52:07 Civil Engineering Innovations and Controversies00:59:11 Sales Strategies and Company Growth01:08:47 Introduction to Bricks and Bytes01:09:07 Understanding Market Segmentation01:10:01 Debating Y Combinator's Impact01:11:05 The Value of Mentorship in Startups01:13:16 Critique of SAFE Notes01:14:57 The Complexity of Infrastructure Costs01:22:08 Comparing Planning Systems: Anglosphere vs Europe
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
How China Builds Nuclear Plants Cheaper, Construction's $860bn Problem, Robotics in Solar & Trump 2.0 Germany Effects
EXPOSED: How China is Building Nuclear Power for 90% Less While the West Falls Behind"Every level that you move up the construction chain, you're saving 50 bips of interest. From capital provider to owner to GC to sub to supplier to manufacturer rep - seven, eight steps, 4%. That's why a million-dollar generator costs owners $1.7 million." - Mike Powers, BuildVisionIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, our hosts dive into why China can build nuclear reactors at a fraction of Western costs while the US and Europe struggle with massive delays and budget overruns.Key topics include:Why China can build nuclear reactors for $2.7B while Western projects balloon to $40B+The efficiency secrets behind China's massive infrastructure projectsSmall Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to nuclear's problemsGermany's trillion-dollar infrastructure investment planHow robotics is revolutionizing solar panel installationWhy industry events might be useful for startups but painful for everyone else"Nuclear is a cash machine when you operate it, but it ruins you when you build it, when you have to maintain it, when you have to repair it, and it completely ruins you once you have to decommission it." - Patric------------Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Energy and Global Context06:06 Cost Disparities in Nuclear Energy Projects12:02 China's Nuclear Ambitions and Infrastructure Efficiency19:54 Understanding the Economics of Nuclear Energy31:46 The Future of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)36:31 Energy Independence and Nuclear Power39:44 Germany's Political Landscape and Infrastructure Spending48:55 AI in Construction: Ownership of Workflows54:23 Streamlining Construction Financing and Working Capital01:08:52 Market Dynamics and Demand Aggregation01:10:46 Introduction of James Emerick and Cosmic Robotics01:11:52 Innovations in Construction Robotics01:14:42 Expanding Robotics Applications Beyond Solar01:18:05 Global Competition in Robotics and Solar Installation01:19:50 Future Projections for Solar Demand01:21:24 Business Models in Robotics01:23:10 Path to Becoming a Robotics Engineer01:24:20 The Role of Events in Networking and Business01:31:52 Event Experiences and Startup Strategies
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