Bricks And Bytes

Bricks And Bytes
Bricks And Bytes Podcast

A show about construction technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Welcome to the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we bring together the worlds of construction, technology, and entrepreneurship. We explore the innovative ideas and groundbreaking advancements that are shaping the future of the industry.

  1. How Gecko Robotics is Transforming Asset Management Using Robot Inspectors - Troy Demmer

    10 SEPT

    How Gecko Robotics is Transforming Asset Management Using Robot Inspectors - Troy Demmer

    Are robots the future of infrastructure safety? This startup's journey might surprise you. In this episode of Bricks and Bytes, Gabriele got a chance to interview Troy Demmer, co-founder of Gecko Robotics. We learned about Troy's journey from healthcare to robotics, the challenges of building hardware startups, and how Gecko is transforming infrastructure maintenance for both private and public sectors... and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Gecko's robots collect 10 million data points in a day vs. 10,000 manually in a week ✅ The importance of finding the right early customers for hardware startups ✅ Navigating the complexities of government contracts and public sector work ✅ Why selling outcomes as a service can be a game-changer for robotics companies For those who are new, BitBuilders is all about diving deep into the world of construction robotics and the innovators shaping the future of the built environment. Note: This episode is a Re-Release from BitBuilders 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 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 Intro to the Episode and Our Sponsors 02:00 Introduction and Background 04:12 Understanding the Built World and Asset Life Cycle 07:47 Focus on Power Boilers and Expansion to Other Structures 15:11 Delivering a Service for Asset Health Clarity 23:52 Selling a Comprehensive Health Map of Assets 25:04 Granular Data and Actionable Maps for Asset Health 27:08 Robotic Inspections and Gathering Data While Assets are Online 28:36 Data-Driven Decision-Making for Asset Lifecycle Management 29:28 Meeting Customer Needs for Novel Inspection Methods 31:14 Using Tech Stack for Future Planning and Thoughtful Decision-Making 32:42 Gecko Robotics' Small but Mighty Fleet of Robots 34:43 Supply Chain Resilience and Lessons Learned in Manufacturing Robotics 37:33 Gecko Robotics' Entry into the Public Sector and Focus on Critical Infrastructure 41:34 Working with the US Navy to Improve Ship Maintenance and Construction 48:21 Challenges of Navigating Bureaucracy in the Public Sector 50:11 Advice for Founders in the Built World: Prioritize Customer Problem-Solving

    50 min
  2. Bridging Silicon Valley and Construction Sites - The Balance of Innovation and Tradition In Construction - Scott Ellison

    4 SEPT

    Bridging Silicon Valley and Construction Sites - The Balance of Innovation and Tradition In Construction - Scott Ellison

    "Go slow to go fast" - The counterintuitive advice for startups in construction tech In this episode, we had Scott Ellison share insights on the future of construction technology. We learned about balancing disruption with respect in an age-old industry, the importance of problem-led growth, and why the "jockey" matters more than the "horse" in early-stage investing. Tune in to find out about: ✅ The "respect to disrupt ratio" in construction innovation ✅ Adapting product-led growth for the built world ✅ Evolving talent attraction in construction ✅ The power of the "empathy muscle" for entrepreneurs Listen on Spotify to gain a fresh perspective on navigating the exciting world of construction tech startups. Note: This is a re-release of an episode originally published in 2023 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/ 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. ---------------------------------

    54 min
  3. Reality Capture's $200M Investment: Where's the Profit? - Mostafa Akbari

    20 AUG

    Reality Capture's $200M Investment: Where's the Profit? - Mostafa Akbari

    Reality capture in construction raised hundreds of millions, but where are the profitable businesses? In this episode, we had Mo Akbari, ex-founder of HoloBuilder, discussing the state of reality capture technology in construction. We explored funding trends, market dynamics, and the challenges of building sustainable businesses in this space. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why reality capture startups struggle to achieve profitability despite significant funding ✅ The evolution of capture technologies and AI's potential impact ✅ Insights on valuation trends and fundraising strategies in construction tech ✅ Key advice for founders building products with high user adoption Note: This video is a repost from Bricks, Bucks and Bytes. 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/ 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.

    1h 18m
  4. Navitas Capital’s Take on How AI Will Change Construction and Investing - Jenny Song, Principal at Navitas Capital

    13 AUG

    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 ---------------------------------- 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/ ---------------------------------- 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 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

    1h 7m
  5. McKinsey FINALLY updates their Productivity Curve, & The Future Of Construction - David Rockhill, Partner at McKinsey

    6 AUG

    McKinsey FINALLY updates their Productivity Curve, & The Future Of Construction - David Rockhill, Partner at McKinsey

    Construction tech is booming, but adopting it remains a challenge. Why? David Rockhill from McKinsey shared some eye-opening insights on our latest episode. He explained how the industry has changed in the last 6-7 years, with tech now tackling on-site issues - the biggest value pool in construction. He also revealed how AR and VR are transforming construction worker training, making it faster and more effective than ever before. We discussed: ✅ The updated McKinsey productivity curve (coming soon!) ✅ Why "pilot purgatory" hinders tech adoption ✅ How AR/VR and digital twins are revolutionizing worker training ✅ McKinsey's AI tool "Lily" that's transforming knowledge 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 ----------------------------- 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 - Intro 04:02 - Main Reasons for Less Productivity In Construction 06:10 - David's Journey Into McKinsey 16:30 - Trends that David sees In Construction Industry 24:25 - David's Perspective on Robotics 34:56 - Process That Corporations Customers Should Follow 40:00 - How David Picks The Best Solution 45:14 - Problems That Innovation Heads Have 49:35 - Future of Software in AEC 01:05:48 - Outro

    1h 6m
  6. 30 JUL

    What Happens When AI Meets the Jobsite: July's Construction Tech Monthly Roundup

    What if the next construction tech unicorn is bootstrapped and uses AI to revolutionize how we design buildings?  Rohan from Joyst, a bootstrapped AI company, shows it's possible in the construction proposal space. In our latest Bricks and Bytes monthly recap, Owen and Martin break down July's most fascinating developments in construction technology, featuring conversations with industry leaders. Tune in to discover: ✅ Bernardo Gamboa's take on Latam's unique construction tech ecosystem ✅ Amir Berman (BuildDots) on effective go-to-market strategies for startups ✅ Rohan from Joyst and Shar from Firmus on AI in construction documentation ✅ Dev from NPLAN on innovative pricing models in construction tech  Listen now to hear our insights on July's biggest industry shifts. ----------------------- 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/ 00:00 Parenting and Catching Up 02:09 Project Tensions in Construction 05:12 The Need for a Single Solution in Construction Tech 08:33 Exploring Robotics in Construction with Bit Builders 10:01 Go-to-Market Strategies and Value-Based Pricing in Construction Tech 13:16 Updates on the Podcast Network

    37 min
  7. Why Robotics Might Solve Construction's Labor Shortage & How AI and Digital Drawings Are Reshaping Construction Sites - Britton & Clifton

    23 JUL

    Why Robotics Might Solve Construction's Labor Shortage & How AI and Digital Drawings Are Reshaping Construction Sites - Britton & Clifton

    "AI will transform AEC so much, we won't have the same industry in 5-10 years." In this episode, we had Britton Langdon (SnapTrude) and Clifton Harness (TestFit) share their views on construction tech's future. We explored AI's impact, robotics in construction, and new ways to assess land deals. Britton, with his background in founding and selling M Suite, shared insights on AI's practical applications in construction. Meanwhile, Clifton, driven by his developer father's challenges, explained how TestFit is revolutionizing land deal assessments. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How AI might lead to more small architecture firms, not fewer ✅ Why some think robotics, not AI, will solve construction's biggest problems ✅ A unique take on why 3D printing might be better suited for the moon ✅ How new software is changing the way developers choose building sites -------------------------------- 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/ -----------------------------: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Discussion on Automated Progress Tracking & Integration and Collaboration With Britton 11:42 - Discussion On Generative Design & Robotics and AI with Clifton

    25 min

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A show about construction technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Welcome to the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we bring together the worlds of construction, technology, and entrepreneurship. We explore the innovative ideas and groundbreaking advancements that are shaping the future of the industry.

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