Dev Amratia - Building Real Artificial Intelligence in Construction Tech - CEO of nPlan
Note: This is a repost from an episode which was released on Groundbreakers.
"AI is not just about replacing humans, it's about elevating them." - Dev Amratia, CEO of nPlan, shares how AI is transforming construction project management.
In this episode, we had Dev Amratia and we got to learn about nPlan's journey in revolutionizing construction risk management, the power of AI in forecasting project timelines, and the importance of company culture in building a successful startup... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How nPlan uses AI to analyze over 760,000 construction projects
✅ The concept of "adding the egg" in product development
✅ Why outcomes-based services are gaining traction in construction tech
✅ The importance of a growth mindset in startup leadership
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to discover how AI is reshaping the future of construction project management.
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
---------------------------------------------------
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.
This episode is brought to you by Shft—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
read more
Bricks & Bytes
Trials And Triumphs: AI, Robotics, and Investment Strategies | May Roundup with Owen & Martin
Join Owen and Martin as they take you on a journey of May's most groundbreaking conversations in the world of construction tech.
From Berlin to Amsterdam, the pair uncover the secrets behind the industry's most innovative minds and reveal the strategies that are transforming the way we build. Explore billionaire investment strategies from ex Goldman Sachs Managing Director and masterclass framework for innovation implementation.
Prepare to be inspired:
The power of constraint: How limitations can actually fuel creativity and drive innovation.
The rapid iteration mindset: Why embracing constant change and experimentation is key to staying ahead.
The future of automation: How robotics, AI, and data are revolutionising architecture and construction.
The untapped potential of retrofitting: Why upgrading existing buildings could be the next big thing.
And much more.
—---------------------------
Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X?Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
----------------------------
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
—----------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------
(00:00 - 00:37) - Intro to Our Sponsors
(00:37 - 04:09) - What happened last month in Bricks and Bytes
(04:09 - 18:30) - What did we learn last month
(18:30 - 34:48) - Guests we had this month
(34:48 - 36:23) - Bricks and Bytes Broadcast
"A tech-enabled general contractor reduced construction costs by 30% and build times by 25% - not by replacing trades, but by empowering them with better tools."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Salman from Mosaic who shared how they're revolutionizing the built-to-rent housing sector by bringing together software and construction expertise.Tune in to find out about:✅ How Mosaic achieves 30% cost reduction compared to traditional commercial GCs✅ Their approach to "gentle disruption" that works with existing trades rather than replacing them✅ How they're scaling to 2,000 units under construction with just 60 employees✅ Why the future of construction might be in data granularity rather than new materials or roboticsListen to the full conversation on Spotify and learn how Mosaic is addressing the housing crisis by making construction more efficient without reinventing the wheel.--------Chapters00:00 Intro03:30 Introduction and Mishaps04:36 The Mission Behind Mosaic07:35 Understanding Technology-Powered General Contracting10:50 Current Projects and Clientele15:21 Value Proposition for Developers15:49 Exploring Built-to-Rent Communities21:12 Cost Efficiency and Scheduling Benefits23:50 The Secret Sauce of Technology30:39 Minimizing Third-Party Behavior Change37:42 Management Tools and Future Innovations39:04 Core Business Artifacts and Cost Models41:02 Leveraging Historical Data for Costing44:03 Granular Cost Representation and Construction Practices45:34 Mosaic's Team Structure and Efficiency Metrics46:34 Profitability and Growth Dynamics at Mosaic49:11 Future Growth and Market Expansion Strategies51:48 Licensing Technology and Productization57:14 Cultural Mindset for Achieving Profitability1:01:25 Enhancing Trade Relationships through Technology1:04:52 Collaborative Cost-Saving Dynamics in Construction1:08:54 Identifying Opportunities for Cost Savings
read more
Bricks & Bytes
"Tariffs Will Bankrupt Contractors" - Contracts Hiding Risk & Free Solution from Document Crunch
"Knowledge is power when dealing with tariffs. The lack of it caused numerous contractors to go out of business during the last supply chain disruption. We're not going to let that happen again."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, Josh Levy from Document Crunch shared how they're helping construction companies navigate the recent tariff changes with China, Canada, and Mexico - completely free.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Document Crunch's growth to 100+ countries as a document compliance platform ✅ The free Tariff Risk Assessment Tool that audits contracts for tariff-related risks ✅ Why cost isn't the only risk - supply chain disruptions will follow ✅ How contractors can protect themselves against material price escalationListen now on Spotify to learn how to protect your projects from unexpected costs and delays Get free access to their Tariff Assessment Tool here : https://www.documentcrunch.com/2025-tariffs----------------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-----------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Document Crunch and Recent Growth02:56 Evolution of Document Crunch's Services05:48 Impact of Geopolitical Changes on Construction09:03 Introduction of the Tariff Risk Assessment Tool11:48 Industry Response to Rising Costs14:52 Functionality and Use of the Tariff Risk Assessment Tool18:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Apple Kills Cold Calling, In Office Scares CEO’s, Insurance Proves Climate Change Fears
20 cold calls a day, $150 million in legal fees, and why the smartest CEOs are terrified of in-person competitors.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric are joined by Justin Levine, CEO of Shepherd, for a no-holds-barred discussion about the future of business, technology, and construction.What we dive into:Apple's new AI call screening feature and why it spells doom for sales teamsThe shocking reality of 20 cold calls per day (and why most are terrible)Remote vs. office work: which startup would you fear more as a competitor?Why VCs are hilariously bad at cold outreach emailsConstruction insurance secrets that could save companies millionsThe $270 million Millennium Tower disaster (where legal fees cost more than the actual fix)Why hiring remotely means you need more experienced peopleThe race to build the first $100 billion construction tech companyKey Quote: "If there's a competitor that's going to do exactly what we do - one fully remote, one five days in office - I am 100% more scared of the five day in office per week." - Justin LevineFrom San Francisco's absurd delivery fees to the future of AI gatekeepers, this episode reveals uncomfortable truths about modern business that every entrepreneur needs to hear.--------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:20 Introduction and Coffee Talk04:20 Construction Assurance and Safety07:31 iOS Updates and Cold Outreach Challenges10:20 Innovations in Construction Insurance13:23 Wrap-Up Policies and Cost Efficiency16:22 Cold Outreach Strategies in 202519:11 The Future of AI in Sales and Marketing28:01 The Importance of Mindset in Growth28:39 Transparency in VC Interactions29:27 Challenges of Cold Outreach in VC30:24 The Role of Experience in Fundraising33:54 Finding the Right Investor Fit40:41 Understanding Investor Strike Zones43:41 Defining Alpha in Venture Capital44:59 The Long-Term Journey of Startups47:42 The Bathtub Analogy in AI and Data Ownership49:58 The Debate on Hustle Culture in Startups50:22 The Value of In-Person Work Culture58:59 The Challenges of Remote Work01:08:15 Remote Work Considerations in Different Industries01:09:11 Remote Work vs. Co-location in Tech and Hardware01:11:42 The Impact of Time on Productivity01:12:28 Rising Costs in Construction Insurance01:16:32 The Challenges of Construction Defects01:21:16 Reducing Insurance Premiums through Technology01:26:59 Business Models in Construction Insurance01:32:01 Future Trends in Construction Technology
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
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 $250M worth of AI startupsWhy construction tech companies are becoming consultancies (and if that's good or bad)The real reason behind tariffs that nobody talks aboutForward deployed engineers - the new trend taking over AEC techWhy some founders are burning out while others thrive"VCs pushing 9 to 6 are idiots. Most founders have no liquid capital and are actually struggling to make ends meet. You need to do whatever makes you most effective because it's not about hours you work, it's about output." - DustinFrom supply chain disasters to startup strategies, this episode unpacks the macro forces reshaping how we build - and who survives the chaos.------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/----------------------Chpaters00:00 Introduction and Current Events04:45 Impact of New Tariffs on Construction07:48 Economic Implications of Tariffs10:55 Labor Market Dynamics in Construction13:52 Challenges in Project Management16:57 Future of Construction Projects19:52 Immigration and Labor Supply22:51 Market Reactions and Predictions25:47 Conclusion and Future Outlook31:58 Infrastructure Investment and Economic Resilience33:43 Restoration Business Dynamics34:53 Market Optimism and Economic Trends39:48 Technology in AEC: Forward Deployed Engineering52:11 Software Stack Consolidation and Customization58:09 Partnerships in Technology Solutions01:05:24 The 996 Work Culture Debate01:08:10 Personal Work Routines and Mental Health01:11:01 Decision-Making in Business01:16:24 The Role of Bias in Decision-Making01:21:02 Expertise and Learning in Business01:26:01 Hiring and Team Dynamics01:31:27 The Future of AI Note-Taking
read more
Bricks, Buck$ 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 $6.5 billion acquisition of Johnny Ive's design firmHow construction companies are getting fed up with AI promisesThe deadly mistakes founders make with venture debtWhy hiring "missionaries" beats "mercenaries" every timeThe real cost of delayed hiring decisions on cash burnWhy Ivy League credentials might actually hurt you in construction techThe truth about TAM calculations and industry sizing myths"I talked to a VC yesterday, and we were guesstimating... 90% to 95% of AI companies are just going to go to zero." - Dustin DeVanTune in for unfiltered insights on AI hype, hiring secrets, and what really matters in construction tech.----------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:13 Welcome Back and Conference Insights04:12 AI in the AEC Industry: Challenges and Opportunities07:11 Builder AI: A Case Study in Failure10:15 The Impact of AI on Communication and Critical Thinking13:21 Navigating Debt and Financial Stability in Startups16:21 The Future of Software in Construction19:08 The Role of Communication in a Tech-Driven World33:39 Navigating Venture Debt and Equity Financing39:18 Understanding Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Its Implications47:16 The AI Hype: Reality vs. Expectations53:18 Evaluating the Impact of Emerging Technologies01:05:30 The Role of Data in AI Development01:12:23 The Future of AI and Its Limitations01:18:19 Hiring Strategies in the AEC Tech World01:21:59 Understanding Talent Acquisition and Onboarding01:31:33 The Impact of Backgrounds on Hiring Success01:38:54 Assessing the True TAM of the Construction Industry----------------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/
read more
Bricks, Buck$ 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
.avif)
