AEC VC

Patric Hellermann
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Thesis and reflections of a venture capital (VC) investor in AEC technology. What fascinated me last week. Always in 10 minutes. I invest in real-world technology in: Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Supply Chains, and Blue-collar workforce and robotics. No prop-tech here. Just AEC-VC.

  1. 026 | Construction Tech Funding Hits $1 Billion in Q1 | Asia-Pacific Leads Market Share | BuildOps Reaches Unicorn Status | Robotics Cheat Sheet Unveiled

    1 MAY

    026 | Construction Tech Funding Hits $1 Billion in Q1 | Asia-Pacific Leads Market Share | BuildOps Reaches Unicorn Status | Robotics Cheat Sheet Unveiled

    About This Episode Patric shares the impressive Q1 funding numbers for architecture, engineering, and construction technology, with the sector securing $1 billion in venture capital. The episode highlights shifting global market dynamics with Asia-Pacific and Europe showing stronger construction tech market share than North America, and celebrates significant funding rounds for several portfolio companies. In This Episode Record-breaking construction tech investment analysis with $1 billion in Q1 funding, putting the sector on track for its third-highest annual total ever Surprising global market shift as Asia-Pacific and Europe demonstrate stronger construction tech investment ratios than North America, suggesting future trends may emerge from eastern markets first Inside look at major funding successes: BuildOps achieving unicorn status at $1B+ valuation, InfraMarket securing $120M, Flex raising $225M combined equity and debt, and Metalbook closing $12.5M from Asian investors Exclusive access to Patric's proprietary robotics evaluation framework being released as a daily series to help founders navigate the complex construction robotics landscape Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction (00:15) - Q1 funding numbers for construction tech (00:40) - Geographic market share insights: Asia-Pacific and Europe leading (01:15) - Portfolio company success stories and funding rounds (02:00) - Resources shared: funding data, investor relationships, and robotics cheat sheet (02:30) - Conclusion and wrap-up Resources or Companies Mentioned BuildOps: https://buildops.com/about/ InfraMarket: https://infra.market/ Metalbook: https://www.metalbook.co.in/ Connect With Us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fvTj23GIMlAT6CCm4t1lT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@foundamentalvc Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/aec-vc/id1740915855 Foundamental: https://www.foundamental.com/ Subscribe to the The Daily Blueprint: https://short.foundamentals.io/s/the-daily-blueprint Subscribe to the AEC_VC Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/aec-vc-7186650851766083584/ Patric Hellermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aecvc/ More articles from AEC_VC: https://aecvc.com/ #ConstructionTech #MarketplaceStrategy #DataInfrastructure

    3 min
  2. 025 | Compounding Optionality in ConTech | B2B vs B2C Marketplace Misconceptions | Leapfrogging Software Adoption | Strategic Data Infrastructure for AI Readiness

    17 APR

    025 | Compounding Optionality in ConTech | B2B vs B2C Marketplace Misconceptions | Leapfrogging Software Adoption | Strategic Data Infrastructure for AI Readiness

    About This Episode Patric Hellermann explores three critical concepts shaping the construction tech landscape: building businesses with compounding optionality instead of rigid long-term visions, the fundamental differences between B2C and B2B marketplaces in construction, and the opportunity for European contractors to leapfrog legacy software challenges through strategic data infrastructure implementation. In This Episode Patric explains his formula for ConTech success: building real businesses that deliver immediate value while uncovering compounding customer optionality, versus starting with rigid 10-year visions that crumble under their own assumptions. A deep dive into why traditional B2C marketplace strategies fail in construction B2B settings, where high-value transactions, non-standardized orders, and supplier utilization concerns create fundamentally different dynamics. The surprising advantage European contractors have with their lower software adoption rates (50-100 applications) compared to US counterparts (500-1000 applications), creating an opportunity to leapfrog fragmented approaches. How focused data infrastructure investment represents the strategic path forward for construction companies seeking AI-readiness, offering a competitive advantage over those burdened with disconnected point solutions. Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction (00:27) - Compounding optionality for ConTech founders (02:14) - B2C vs B2B marketplace dynamics in construction (04:39) - Leapfrogging software adoption opportunities in Europe (06:27) - Conclusion and wrap-up Resources or Companies Mentioned LinkedIn Blog Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_construction-vc-venture-activity-7317920573659992066-rE-2 B2B // B2C : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_b2bmarketplaces-constructiontech-venturecapital-activity-7317547199104450560-FE_- Practical Nerds Episode 066: https://open.spotify.com/episode/678Co8VbJ8IMyf24j1BpXy?si=YIX2sVcHSfm1ZYl--6nm6g Leapfrogging: https://www.foundamental.com/perspectives/how-technology-leapfrogging-creates-unexpected-market-opportunities Connect With Us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fvTj23GIMlAT6CCm4t1lT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@foundamentalvc Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/aec-vc/id1740915855 Foundamental: https://www.foundamental.com/ Subscribe to the The Daily Blueprint: https://short.foundamentals.io/s/the-daily-blueprint Subscribe to the AEC_VC Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/aec-vc-7186650851766083584/ Patric Hellermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aecvc/ More articles from AEC_VC: https://aecvc.com/ #ConstructionTech #MarketplaceStrategy #DataInfrastructure Timestamps

    7 min
  3. 024 | The Future of European Capital | AI in Construction Design | Founder Selection Criteria | Finding Generational Companies in AEC

    8 APR

    024 | The Future of European Capital | AI in Construction Design | Founder Selection Criteria | Finding Generational Companies in AEC

    About This Episode In this episode, Patric discusses three key insights from his recent week: a major shift in capital allocation towards Europe, a compelling metaphor for understanding AI in construction tech, and his evolving criteria for identifying exceptional founders based on years of experience in the AECS industry. In This Episode Trillions of institutional investment capital moving into Europe signaling a potential new era of liquidity and dynamism for European startups and infrastructure. The revolutionary "water and bathtub" metaphor explaining why AI needs proper containment vessels like data infrastructure and authoring tools to create value in construction technology. How "onion founders" with layer upon layer of granular industry insights create more successful companies than those with superficial understanding. Why the best founders maintain the ability to "ride the elevator" between high-level vision and ground-floor operations, especially critical after Series B funding. Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction (00:42) - Overview of three main topics (01:20) - European capital allocation trends and potential impact (02:15) - The water and bathtub metaphor for AI in construction tech (04:35) - Why data infrastructure and authoring tools are critical with AI (06:56) - How founder selection criteria has evolved (09:11) - Conclusion and wrap-up Resources or Companies Mentioned Pitchbook Rayon Stanislas Chaillou's metaphor Whatsapp Group with ConTech Founders Connect With Us Spotify YouTube Apple Foundamental Subscribe to the The Daily Blueprint Subscribe to the AEC_VC Newsletter Patric Hellermann Web #ConstructionTech #AIinDesign #VentureCapital

    9 min
  4. 023 | Behind the Scenes of Construction Tech Investment | Timeless Substance vs. Trends | The Polar

    31 MAR

    023 | Behind the Scenes of Construction Tech Investment | Timeless Substance vs. Trends | The Polar

    About This Episode Patric shares three key insights that shaped his thinking last week in the construction tech investment space. He explores the importance of timeless substance over short-lived trends, the strategic advantages of being a "polar bear" investor versus following the herd, and presents a surprising perspective on what successful construction robotics companies might actually look like. In This Episode The critical difference between time-bound trends and timeless substance in construction tech Why the "polar bear mentality" creates strategic advantages for both investors and founders How successful construction robotics companies may focus on modular platform adoption rather than full automation The potential for construction tech winners to emerge from unexpected places in the ecosystem Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction (00:30) - Three key topics of discussion (01:15) - Timeless substance in construction tech (02:16) - The polar bear mentality for investors and founders (04:39) - Why construction robotics winners might look different than expected (06:57) - Conclusion and invitation for connections Resources or Companies Mentioned InfraMarket: https://infra.market/ Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/ Timeless Substance https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_aec-startup-construction-activity-7310636823045652480-OivA?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Crunchbase Article: https://news.crunchbase.com/venture/early-stage-investing-types-herd-solo-hellermann-foundamental/ Rethink Robotics
 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_what-happens-when-a-hidden-generation-of-activity-7308840177819373568-p7aW?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Connect With Us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fvTj23GIMlAT6CCm4t1lT Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/aec-vc/id1740915855 Foundamental: https://www.foundamental.com/ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/aec-vc-7186650851766083584/ Patric Hellermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aecvc/ Web: https://aecvc.com/ #ConstructionTech #InvestmentStrategy #ConstructionRobotics

    8 min
  5. 022 | AI Governance in Construction | Navigating the PropTech vs ConTech Debate | Balancing Storytelling and Substance in Startup Growth

    20 MAR

    022 | AI Governance in Construction | Navigating the PropTech vs ConTech Debate | Balancing Storytelling and Substance in Startup Growth

    About This Episode Patric shares three key insights from his week in the construction tech space: a collaborative article on AI's impact in construction featuring insights from industry leaders, his perspective on the fundamental differences between PropTech and ConTech, and reflections from a conversation with an exited construction tech founder about the balance between storytelling and substantive business building. In This Episode Insights from industry leaders at Heidelberg Materials, Ferrovial, and Goldback on implementing AI governance frameworks that require CIO and CFO approval for new technology adoptionDeep dive into why ConTech and PropTech must remain distinct categories due to construction's project-based risk profile versus real estate's operations-driven optimization modelsHow pre-construction and bidding estimation workflows represent the most promising entry points for AI implementation in the construction industryAnalysis of an exited founder's dilemma on whether building substantive products or crafting compelling narratives yields better long-term outcomes in construction tech Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction(00:26) - Overview of the three main topics(01:03) - AI in construction: insights from industry leaders(02:25) - PropTech vs ConTech debate(03:46) - Conversation with exited construction tech founder on storytelling vs substance(04:52) - Conclusion and wrap-up Resources or Companies Mentioned Heidelberg Materials: https://www.heidelbergmaterials.com/enFerrovial:https://www.ferrovial.com/Goldbeck Technologies: https://www.goldbeck.de/en/NTT: https://www.global.ntt/ Deep Dive On AI's Transformation Of Construction: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_constructiontech-aiinconstruction-digitaltransformation-activity-7304893824680554496-aZfK?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps How is ConTech different from PropTech?: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_construction-aec-contech-activity-7305256233916116994-c0Sl?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Role of Storytelling & Role of Substance: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_constructiontech-founders-vc-activity-7305641229910720512-K21Z?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Connect With Us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fvTj23GIMlAT6CCm4t1lTApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/aec-vc/id1740915855Foundamental: https://www.foundamental.com/Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/aec-vc-7186650851766083584/Patric Hellermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aecvc/Web: https://aecvc.com/ #AIinConstruction #ConTechStartups #FounderJourney

    7 min
  6. 021 | Cloud Manufacturing in Construction | The Coca-Cola Blueprint | 7 Key Competitive Advantages for AEC Tech Startups | Focus vs. Diffuse Specialists | Tailoring Software for Construction Users

    5 MAR

    021 | Cloud Manufacturing in Construction | The Coca-Cola Blueprint | 7 Key Competitive Advantages for AEC Tech Startups | Focus vs. Diffuse Specialists | Tailoring Software for Construction Users

    About This Episode In this episode, Patric shares three valuable insights from his recent work in the construction tech sphere. He explores how cloud manufacturing in construction can learn from Coca-Cola's asset-light model, breaks down the top competitive advantages for construction tech startups, and analyzes the distinct user types in construction companies that software providers must address differently. In This Episode How successful construction tech companies are adopting Coca-Cola's asset-light model to maintain brand control while outsourcing manufacturing and logisticsWhy structural cost advantages through technology enable construction tech startups to deliver solutions 5-10% cheaper than incumbent optionsHow the construction industry presents unique opportunities for developing proprietary distribution channels that blend digital efficiency with crucial human touchpointsThe fundamental differences between "Focus Specialists" who spend 80% of their time on repetitive workflows versus "Diffuse Specialists" who manage multiple varied workflows, and what this means for construction software development Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction(00:25) - Cloud manufacturing in construction and the Coca-Cola analogy(01:39) - Top competitive advantages for construction tech startups(03:15) - The two job types in construction companies: Focus vs. Diffuse Specialists(04:46) - Conclusion and wrap-up Resources or Companies Mentioned InfraMarket: https://infra.market/Metalbook: https://www.metalbook.co.in/Red Bull: https://www.redbull.com/McDonald's: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ Cloud Manufacturing: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_cloudmanufacturing-constructiontech-buildingmaterials-activity-7301188364857200640-3THO?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps  7 Competitive Advantages for AEC: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_my-favorite-competitive-advantages-in-aec-activity-7300832850352693249-Bi_i?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Two different job types in construction companies: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_aec-specialist-jobs-and-implications-for-activity-7300171721817411584-6_01?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Connect With Us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fvTj23GIMlAT6CCm4t1lTApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/aec-vc/id1740915855Foundamental: https://www.foundamental.com/Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/aec-vc-7186650851766083584/Patric Hellermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aecvc/Web: https://aecvc.com/ #CloudManufacturing #ConstructionTech #StartupStrategy

    5 min
  7. 020 | Maximizing Strategic Advantage in Construction Tech | Theta Decay Principles for Startups | Germany's Infrastructure Investment Boom | AEC Tech Internet Index Updates

    25 FEB

    020 | Maximizing Strategic Advantage in Construction Tech | Theta Decay Principles for Startups | Germany's Infrastructure Investment Boom | AEC Tech Internet Index Updates

    About This Episode Patric shares insights on how construction tech startups can protect their competitive advantage by applying options trading principles, specifically Theta Decay. He explores Germany's potential infrastructure investment boom following elections and highlights key findings from the latest AEC Tech Internet Index. In This Episode How Theta Decay from options trading creates a framework for startups to protect their competitive intelligence and maximize their unfair advantages in construction techWhy construction tech's quirky, nuanced market makes proprietary insights particularly valuable compared to more "Googleable" industriesAnalysis of Germany's cross-partisan support for infrastructure investment and how the post-election climate could trigger a new economic cycleDeep dive into February's AEC Tech Internet Index revealing breakout performance in reality capture space and growth in outcome-as-a-service startups Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction(00:20) - Theta Decay principles applied to construction tech startups(02:20) - Germany's potential infrastructure investment boom(04:00) - February AEC Tech Internet Index highlights(04:46) - Conclusion and wrap-up Resources or Companies Mentioned Opinion on Theta Decay: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_aistrategy-categorycreation-constructiontech-activity-7297289202256302080-4yOl?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Take on German Governmental Election & Kich-Off of possible new infrastructure: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_construction-infrastructure-germany-activity-7297999819195711488-cD03?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Tech Internet Index: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_aec-tech-internet-index-february-2025-editionpdf-activity-7297670829440417792-MUjw?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Connect With Us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fvTj23GIMlAT6CCm4t1lTApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/aec-vc/id1740915855Foundamental: https://www.foundamental.com/Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/aec-vc-7186650851766083584/Patric Hellermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aecvc/Web: https://aecvc.com/ #ConstructionTech #InfrastructureInvestment #StartupStrategy

    5 min
  8. 019 | Scaling VC Knowledge in AEC Tech | Software Fatigue Warning Signs | Working Capital ROI Formula | Strategic Co-Investor Selection

    19 FEB

    019 | Scaling VC Knowledge in AEC Tech | Software Fatigue Warning Signs | Working Capital ROI Formula | Strategic Co-Investor Selection

    About This Episode In this focused discussion, Patric Hellermann shares critical insights on emerging challenges in construction tech adoption and introduces Foundamental's strategic approach to evaluating AEC tech startups. The episode offers valuable perspectives on software implementation trends and working capital optimization in construction technology. In This Episode An eye-opening discussion about software fatigue in construction, highlighted by conversations with executives at major global contractors who are considering a hiatus on new software purchases - a potential emerging trend that could reshape technology adoption across the AEC industry A comprehensive breakdown of Foundamental's internal formula for evaluating working capital ROI in AEC tech startups, with specific emphasis on how different business models (SaaS, marketplace, OaaS, FinTech) require distinct approaches to working capital management A strategic analysis of how working capital can be leveraged to achieve higher margins and accelerate sales cycles, including real-world benchmarking metrics and implementation strategies for construction tech companies An examination of how working capital requirements vary across different business models, with particular focus on why SaaS companies typically require minimal working capital while marketplace and FinTech platforms can use it as a strategic advantage for growth Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction (00:01) - Software fatigue in construction industry (01:15) - Working capital ROI formula (02:05) - Benchmarking and implementation strategies (02:15) - Conclusion and wrap-up Connect With Us Referenced Practical Nerds Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/478xqYJSprlHmxCK4DsIU1?si=b64f4e80751943b3 Software Fatigue in Construction: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aecvc_constructiontech-digitaltransformation-innovation-activity-7295814281776779264-DsLW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEwSjLMBzJTwB83CKSqlGKqUSCjivxKjGps Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fvTj23GIMlAT6CCm4t1lT Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/aec-vc/id1740915855 Foundamental: https://www.foundamental.com/ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/aec-vc-7186650851766083584/ Patric Hellermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aecvc/ Web: https://aecvc.com/ #ConstructionTech #WorkingCapital #SoftwareAdoption

    3 min
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About

Thesis and reflections of a venture capital (VC) investor in AEC technology. What fascinated me last week. Always in 10 minutes. I invest in real-world technology in: Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Supply Chains, and Blue-collar workforce and robotics. No prop-tech here. Just AEC-VC.

Information

  • Creator
    Patric Hellermann
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Patric Hellermann
  • Show Website
    AEC VC