Go To Market Strategies & Investing In Construction Tech | Lisa Diaz (Ex-Goldman Sachs Managing Director)
How do you find the most promising startups in construction tech?
Join us for a breathtaking episode as we sit down with Wall Street mastermind Lisa Giuffra Diaz - Founder of Turf Advisory. She bought her first stocks when she was just 14 - and when she missed her train at Grand Central, she found her millions.
Listen to this ex-Goldman Sachs powerhouse, as she reveals the roadmap to construction’s investment-oasis. From Wall Street boardrooms to construction sites, Lisa shares her path to identifying construction-tech winners – and separating wheat from the chaff. Find out how she targets the most promising ventures, tackles industry challenges, and learns from her missteps.
This is a bookmark episode for all tech startups, VCs, and business owners in the construction world.
Key Takeaways:
The Founder Filter: Understand Lisa's rigorous vetting process, highlighting how to spot founders with the resilience and vision to succeed
Pain Point Power (Attention startups and VCs): Discover the importance of identifying and solving genuine issues construction workers face as the cornerstone of successful investment
Building Beyond Borders: Get the inside track on Lisa's international expansion and how she conquered the shift to construction
The Margin Mission: Why thin margins are a construction epidemic, and how Lisa's focus on efficiency is turning the tide
The Rise of MWBEs: Explore how platforms like Tough Leaf empower minority and women-owned businesses in construction, and why investors are taking note
Financial Grit: Learn why investors demand strong financial discipline and a clear path to profitability in today's economic climate
Lessons from Failure: Gain insights from investment missteps and learn the importance of prudence when backing construction tech startups
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.
—---------------------------
Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:02:44) Intro
(00:02:37-00:12:30) Why Lisa Choose Construction
(00:12:30-00:19:00) What Makes Construction Different From Other Sectors
(00:19:00-00:21:15) How To Recognize A Bad Investment
(00:21:15-00:24:07) About Turf Advisory
(00:24:07-00:34:58) Tips To Improve Annual Recurring Revenue
(00:34:58-00:40:31) Impact Of Business Cycles For Startups
(00:40:31-00:45:10) Worst Investment Decision Made By Lisa
(00:45:10-00:47:18) How To Prevent Misallocation Of Funds
(00:47:18-01:07:05) Process To Follow While Onboarding People
(01:07:05-01:11:10) Importance of Communication For Introvert Engineers
(01:11:10-01:22:56) Quick QnA With Lisa
(01:22:56-01:24:23) Outro
read more
Bricks & Bytes
Sold For $275M - Dustin DeVan’s Construction Tech Journey
Note: This is a Re-Release of an episode that was originally released on Groundbreakers.
"I raised $250,000 pitching random people in coffee shops." - Dustin DeVan's unconventional approach to startup funding
In this episode, we had Dustin DeVan, founder of Building Connected and Ediphi, sharing his journey from selling a company for $275 million to starting anew in the construction tech space.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ The power of cold emails in securing VC meetings
✅ Why San Francisco's startup ecosystem is no longer what it used to be
✅ How to build a successful construction tech startup in today's market
✅ The challenges of innovating within large, established companies
Listen now on Spotify to hear Dustin's insights on fundraising, scaling startups, and the future of construction technology. A must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of construction tech.
----------------------------
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/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
read more
Bricks & Bytes
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
"AI Can't Handle Full Design Workflows!" - Automation Promises & Real-World Limitations from AEC Experts
"Is it possible to get from concept to fully constructible building designs in hours? "In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Augmenta's $10 million seed funding for their AI-powered design platform that aims to automate electrical designs for buildings.We also learned about the ongoing debate between automated design platforms versus improved authoring tools, and which approach might ultimately capture more value in the MEP/S design space.Patric shared his investor's perspective that data infrastructure, authoring tools, and systems of record may be better investment targets than pure AI solutions, as they're likely to embed AI capabilities and control workflows long-term.Tune in to find out about:✅ The challenge of creating "fully constructible" designs through automation✅ Why minimum feature sets in building design software are exceptionally high✅ The reality that vectorial AI systems will always need human refinement✅ How the MEP design workflow might evolve with AI assistance------------Chapters00:00 Intro03:40 Augmenta's Seed Funding and Automation in Design07:02 Challenges of Constructible Designs11:35 The Importance of Minimum Feature Sets15:01 Marketing vs. Reality in Construction Tech18:19 Competition in the Automation Space20:16 Navigating the Complexities of MEP Design24:11 The Future of Automated Building Design30:11 The Role of AI in Design Automation34:26 The Intersection of Authoring Tools and Automation39:00 The Evolving Landscape of AI in Construction
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
"$65 Billion Wasted!" - How Twin Knowledge's AI Prevents Costly Construction Rework
"$65 billion worth of rework happened in the United States last year in construction. The expectation in the market is that construction projects run over budgets and timelines."In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Twin Knowledge, an AI-powered platform that raised $3.7M to help construction and real estate stakeholders QA/QC building drawings before they hit the field.We discovered how the company is tackling the massive $65B rework problem by creating AI assistants that help query unstructured data across different silos.Also, we learned about the power of "white glove" implementation approaches in construction tech from JP Bowgen of Camber Creek.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why developers feel the most pain from drawing errors✅ How Twin Knowledge can help teams do "4-5X the work with half the team"✅ Why founder expertise matters more than ever in the AI boom✅ The importance of catching errors upstream before they become costly rework-------------Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe-------------LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_ZgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/---------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Twin Knowledge and AI in Construction02:53 Understanding the Accuracy and Utility of AI in Building Drawings06:14 The Impact of Rework in Construction and the Role of Twin Knowledge08:47 Evaluating the Value of Twin Knowledge in Construction Projects11:57 The Leadership Behind Twin Knowledge and Its Market Position14:56 The White Glove Approach in Technology Implementation17:57 The Future of Twin Knowledge and AI in Construction28:10 The Vision Behind Twin Knowledge30:01 Funding and Future Plans32:02 Competitive Landscape and Unique Positioning33:55 Understanding Cost Savings and Value Proposition36:09 Rework Challenges in Construction38:58 Incentives and Business Dynamics43:59 Final Thoughts on AI and Future Prospects
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Germany's Fiscal Bazooka Ignites Europe - Construction Tech Opportunities & Capital Shifts from Global VC Perspective
"Germany's fiscal U-turn might be the drop that makes Europe's bucket overflow."In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Camber Creek's unique investment approach with JP Bowgen - they raise funds from 300+ real estate companies to drive value for founders they back.We discussed Germany's recent "fiscal bazooka" - a massive €500 billion infrastructure fund alongside unlimited military spending, potentially kickstarting a new era of European optimism.Also, we learned about how building materials companies in Germany jumped 20% in share prices following this announcement, creating a flywheel effect for construction tech.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why JP predicts we'll see the first German construction tech unicorn in 4 years✅ How infrastructure investment creates opportunities for material innovation✅ The potential shift in global economic power dynamics✅ Why successful US startups are increasingly looking to expand into EuropeListen to the full conversation on Spotify.----------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 Introduction to Camber Creek and JP Bowgen06:09 Germany's Fiscal U-Turn and Historical Context11:53 Implications of Germany's Infrastructure and Defense Spending17:58 The Impact on Construction Tech and Startups24:01 Future Prospects for Investment in Germany28:59 Exploring On-Site Robotics and Supply Chain Solutions31:12 The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Europe33:28 Infrastructure Investment and Its Impact on Housing36:32 The Future of Venture Capital in Europe40:34 The Shift of Founders from the US to Europe44:11 Economic Implications of US Isolationism49:57 Cultural and Economic Power Dynamics
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Reneo’s €600M to Transform Real Estate, Nodes and Links $12m Scheduling Raise
"In Europe, you need your buildings to consume less energy because we don't have a lot of prime energy." - Patric on why Reneo's business model works beyond regulations.In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about Reneo's massive €600M funding round (with €45M in equity) to transform energy-inefficient buildings into greener assetsWe also explored Nodes and Links $12M Series B funding for their AI-powered scheduling management platform that enhances project delivery across construction and other industriesPlus, we gained valuable insight into how successful construction tech companies approach scheduling through three distinct models: full automation, analytics/visibility, and collaboration-focused solutions.Tune in to find out about:✅ How Reneo creates structural cost advantages through radical standardization✅ Why co-CEOs can work well with the right dynamic, especially during adversity✅ The critical difference between having a schedule versus the act of scheduling✅ Why one investor got excited seeing Salil Deshpande (Uncorrelated) backing Nodes and LinksListen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how these construction tech innovators are reshaping the industry.------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 Introduction and Context01:10 Overview of Reneo and Its Business Model05:54 Reneo's Unique Approach to Real Estate Investment11:49 Investment Rationale and Market Dynamics17:52 Challenges and Opportunities in the Real Estate Sector24:05 Conclusion and Future Outlook25:40 Exploring Nodes and Links in Scheduling Technology30:01 Models of Scheduling: Automation, Visibility, and Collaboration36:02 The Future of Scheduling Software: Differentiation and Optimization39:59 Investment Insights: Evaluating Funding and Market Dynamics
.avif)
