Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes

Bricks And Bytes, Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan
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Industry leaders Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan, Martin Piekarz & Owen Drury sit down each week to explore tech, news, and trends within the AEC sector. Each week we debate the macro economic issues within the industry and how they those working and building within AEC. Hot takes only.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    $94M Fundraising Record, New Procore CEO, Oracle Push, Zoom Kills Careers

    This female founder just broke a construction tech record that no one saw coming In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, Maria, Kevin, and Stjepan dive deep into the biggest moves shaking up construction tech right now. Key topics discussed: - Maria Davidson's historic $94M fundraise - the most ever raised by a female founder in construction tech - Why mixing venture capital with strategic partnerships is the secret sauce for growth  - Procore's surprising new CEO choice and what it means for the industry - Oracle's aggressive push into construction tech and the M&A war heating up - Why Zoom is killing your career and you need to get back to face-to-face meetings - The hidden AI revolution happening in construction companies (that management doesn't know about) - Data center boom creating massive opportunities and risks for contractors - How to build authentic relationships that actually close enterprise deals Key quote:"I'm very surprised by this selection because this person was already on the board of Procore where Procore has been stagnant since they went IPO. You've been sitting at the table the entire time and the stock's done nothing." - Dustin on Procore's new CEO pick From record-breaking fundraises to controversial leadership decisions, this episode reveals the power moves and industry secrets that are reshaping construction tech forever. ----------------- Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:25 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 04:08 Celebrating Investment Success 07:13 The Value of Strategic vs. Venture Capital 10:04 Hiring and Building a Strong Team 13:08 The Importance of Candidate Experience 16:16 Future Plans and Market Expansion 19:11 Navigating Industry Challenges and Opportunities 25:51 Navigating the Solar Industry and Employment Challenges 28:09 Strategic Partnerships and Investment in Construction Tech 30:55 Innovations in Project Management and Supply Chain Solutions 34:26 Procore's New Leadership and Industry Implications 43:24 Oracle's Strategic Positioning in Construction Tech 45:30 M&A Activity in Construction Tech 46:30 Oracle's Strategic Moves 48:18 The Importance of Community in Construction Tech 49:22 The Future of Major Players in Construction Tech 50:26 Building Relationships Beyond Zoom 56:17 Cultural Considerations in Business 01:00:25 AI in AEC: Perspectives and Opportunities 01:04:22 Building a Business Around AI 01:08:28 The Power of Authentic Communication ---------- 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P7JkiN9X3N4Kh6jlDsOgi?si=91JP5nxvQbKStkp8AQdAOg 📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/ 🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/ 📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.

    1h 16m

  2. 19 SEPT

    Live from AU, Hosts World Travels, University Entrepreneurship Culture, NFL Insider

    In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen reports live from Autodesk University in Nashville while Martin shares insights from ETH Zurich's startup conference and Patrick breaks down why popular AI bubble theories are dead wrong. Key Topics Discussed: Why European universities systematically crush entrepreneurial thinking The truth behind construction tech's massive funding rounds (80-120M per quarter) How to spot real market bubbles vs. media hype around AI stocks Why hardware startups face an uphill battle against venture capital preferences The innovation crisis at large tech companies like Autodesk Patrick's exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the LA Rams stadium Martin's analysis of timber-earth construction panels and venture backability Key Quote: "You're basically being taught all the time to stay within reason. And if you want to build a really awesome company, you have to be going against the grain and doing things that other people will call you crazy for." - Patric on why universities fail at creating entrepreneurs From concrete innovation to NFL stadium construction secrets, this episode exposes the uncomfortable truths about where construction technology is really headed.

    47 min

  3. 12 SEPT

    Oracle $100B Hour, AI Government Fail, OpenSpace CEO, Barefoot Office Debate

    Oracle's CEO Just Made $100 Billion in One Hour While Your Government Wastes Millions on AI That Doesn't Work In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Martin dive deep into the wild world of tech promises, government failures, and what's really happening behind the scenes in construction technology. Key Topics: Oracle's shocking $300 billion OpenAI deal and Larry Ellison's instant $100 billion windfall Why the UK government's Microsoft Copilot trial was a complete disaster The brutal truth about why companies keep buying expensive software that doesn't work OpenSpace CEO Jeevan Kalanithi reveals how reality capture is evolving beyond just taking pictures Whether going barefoot in the office makes you a genius or just weird Why pre-construction technology is decades behind field management tools The real reason AI won't save construction anytime soon Special guest Jeevan Kalanithi from OpenSpace joins to discuss their major Waypoint conference announcements and shares his thoughts on the AI race in construction. Key Quote: "No one's ever going to get fired because they bought Microsoft or Oracle. That's why Microsoft Teams is everywhere, even though it's trash." - Dustin From billion-dollar stock moves to taxpayer waste to the future of building, this episode exposes the gap between tech hype and construction reality. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:45 Introduction and Travel Updates 04:37 Oracle's Rise and AI Partnerships 07:32 Oracle's Financial Forecast and Market Impact 10:26 Productivity Trials and Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot 13:05 Government Trials and AI in Planning 15:52 Debate on Office Attire and Footwear 27:44 The Importance of Company Culture 30:13 Fashion and Professionalism in the Workplace 34:46 Funding Announcements and Market Dynamics 41:20 Reality Capture and Its Future in Construction 55:20 Trends in RealityCapture 59:11 The Importance of Data Consolidation 01:02:11 Safety and Progress Tracking in Construction 01:07:02 Navigating Competition in the Market 01:09:58 The Role of AI in RealityCapture 01:13:50 Future Directions and Company Vision

    1h 25m

  4. 5 SEPT

    Microsoft's $10M AEC Gamble, Autodesk $1.7B Earnings, Nemetscheck Acquires AI Startup

    Microsoft just bet $10M on construction AI - but industry insiders think it's a massive mistake. In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patrick, and Dustin dive into the biggest tech moves shaking up construction while welcoming guests from two hot startups that just raised millions. Key topics discussed: Microsoft's massive $10M AI bet with Balfour Beatty - and why some think it's overpriced Bluebeam acquires Firmus AI in a surprising exit story Autodesk's crushing $1.7B earnings that made investors very happy Why Figma's stock crashed despite good earnings OneCrew raises $7.5M to modernize paving contractors BuildFactory's $3.3M raise for prefab marketplace (plus an epic stealth mode fail) OpenAI's ironic $400K job posting for a content strategist "Those are amazing companies, but both those pieces of software need to be shot behind the tool shed. Like they are so old." - Dustin DeVan on legacy construction software From billion-dollar acquisitions to startup war stories, this episode reveals what's really happening behind the scenes in construction tech - including how one founder got exposed by a LinkedIn web scraper and why some think Microsoft is charging contractors way too much for basic AI tools. Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:26 Introduction and Martin's Travels 03:11 Microsoft's Investment in AI for Construction 15:48 Acquisition of Firmus AI by Bluebeam 23:50 Autodesk's Latest Earnings Report 29:22 Earnings Insights and Market Reactions 32:20 Autodesk's Strategic Shifts and Growth Potential 34:24 Figma's Earnings and Market Positioning 37:11 Figma's AI Initiatives and Future Directions 51:05 OneCrew's Innovative Approach to Paving Software 01:01:00 AI in Construction: The Future of Scheduling and Management 01:04:37 Navigating the Challenges of Selling to Government Agencies 01:05:42 Britton Langdon's Journey: From Stealth to Startup 01:07:40 The Prefabrication Marketplace: Bridging Supply and Demand 01:14:22 Quality Control in Prefabrication: Ensuring Standards 01:20:12 Defining Prefab: Strategies for Cost and Efficiency

    1h 26m

  5. 29 AUG

    Robotics Mega Show with Dusty Robotics and ex-Waymo exec & CTO of Bedrock Robotics

    Why these ex-Waymo engineers decided to conquer construction with their new startup, Bedrock Robotics. In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patrick dive deep into the robotics revolution hitting construction with two industry-changing guests.  Mo joins as co-host, bringing his Silicon Valley robotics expertise to unpack the biggest funding rounds and breakthroughs happening right now. Key topics discussed: - Why Dusty Robotics chose layout printing over flashier robot applications - How ex-Waymo engineers are retrofitting excavators with self-driving tech - The brutal truth about why most construction robotics startups failWhy accuracy is becoming the ultimate moat in construction robotics - How labor shortages are forcing the industry to embrace automation - The surprising lesson from building 60 robots in-house before outsourcing - Why Field AI's $405 million funding signals a tipping point for the industry - How construction sites are actually the perfect training ground for real-world robotics Key quote: "Obviously everything's going to be built by robots in the future." - Tessa Lau, Dusty Robotics Featuring Tessa Lau, founder of Dusty Robotics (the most respected robotics company in construction tech), and Kevin Peterson, CTO of Bedrock Robotics (fresh out of stealth with $80 million to automate heavy machinery). This episode reveals why construction might be the key to unlocking robotics everywhere else. 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P7JkiN9X3N4Kh6jlDsOgi?si=91JP5nxvQbKStkp8AQdAOg 📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/ 🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/ 📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:06 Introduction to Robotics in Construction 03:53 Current Trends and Sentiments in Robotics 06:45 Barriers to Adoption in Robotics 09:40 Autonomy vs. Collaboration in Robotics 12:40 Field AI and Its Impact on Construction 15:29 Dusty Robotics: Revolutionizing Job Sites 18:18 The Future of Construction with Robotics 21:04 Challenges in Construction Tech 23:53 The Importance of User Experience in Robotics 26:55 Lessons Learned from Robotics Development 29:36 The Role of Accuracy in Robotics 32:50 Proprietary Hardware vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions 39:43 Prototyping and Time to Market 42:40 Manufacturing Challenges in Robotics 44:46 Adoption of Robotics in Construction 46:23 Pricing Strategies for Hardware 47:41 Building a Thriving SaaS Business 49:20 Transitioning from Self-Driving Cars to Construction 53:30 Unique Product Offerings in Construction Robotics 56:29 Collaboration Between Humans and Machines 59:24 Adapting to Change in Construction 01:11:09 The Future of Robotics in Construction

    1h 17m

  6. 22 AUG

    Construction Productivity Myths, UAE Real Estate, TIMES VC Rankings, with Barton Malow

    In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the biggest misconceptions shaking up construction and venture capital. Plus, we're joined by Victor Muchiri from Barton Malow (a $5 billion general contractor) who reveals what tech actually works in the field. What we cover: Why Dubai developers are bringing $19 billion worth of construction in-house (and whether this trend will hit the West) The shocking truth about that McKinsey productivity chart everyone uses in pitch decks Why 8 out of 10 construction companies can't even define what a "project" is Time Magazine's controversial VC rankings that reward management fees over actual returns Victor's insider perspective on which construction technologies actually deliver results The Pablo Escobar business model lesson that might change how you think about valuations Key quote: "Construction companies can't even define what a project is. Eight different customers cannot define internally what a project is. One customer had eight different definitions. This is your business - the project is the equivalent of the order in manufacturing." - Patric From Sequoia being mysteriously absent from "top VC" lists to why rats eating cash might be better than some investment strategies, this episode challenges everything you think you know about construction productivity, venture capital, and business models. ------------ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Awkward Beginnings 03:08 Dubai's In-House Construction Trend 11:01 The Best Owner Logic in M&A 18:40 Market Dynamics and Developer Strategies 21:19 Construction Productivity and Industry Comparisons 30:45 Luxury and Value in Construction 32:09 The Economics of Markup and Intangible Assets 34:32 Current Trends in the UK Construction Market 36:02 Introduction to Barton Mello and Its Operations 38:36 Innovations in Construction Technology 41:31 Data Strategies in Construction 45:10 Defining Projects in Construction 49:59 Standardization Challenges in Construction 53:15 Engaging with Startups in Construction Technology 54:35 Navigating AEC Tech Startups 56:01 The Importance of Industry Expertise 57:09 Defining Success in Venture Capital 58:36 Exploring America's Top Venture Capital Firms 59:53 Evaluating Venture Capital Performance 01:01:42 Critiquing the Scoring Criteria of VC Firms 01:04:49 The Role of Sequoia in Venture Capital 01:08:25 Understanding the Power Law in VC Investments 01:10:19 The Impact of Management Fees on VC Performance 01:13:13 The Purpose Behind Controversial Lists 01:15:33 Top Podcasts and Their Influence

    1h 17m

  7. 15 AUG

    $1.5M AI Employee Bonuses, Procore Growth Slowdown? & LinkedIn Growth Hacks with Derek Wong

    What happens when AI hype, billion-dollar bets, and the cold reality of hardware vs. software collide — plus, how to dominate LinkedIn without sounding like everyone else? In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes Owen, Martin, Patric, and Dustin are joined by LinkedIn strategist Derek Wong to unpack: Which AI giant will actually have the best model by the end of August — and why public betting markets might be getting it wrong The surprising slowdown at Procore vs. Trimble’s surge — and what it says about the future of construction tech Why hardware “moats” can be a game-changer for tech companies The right and wrong ways to use AI in business (and why LLMs aren’t your calculator) Derek’s playbook for turning LinkedIn into the ultimate “box of donuts” for winning high-value customers "Hardware is an amazing bathtub — once you control the install base, your software gets stickier and your distribution gets easier." — Patric Hellermann ----- Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ -----  Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:13 Earning Potential and Career Strategies 05:26 AI Models and Company Performance 10:07 Evaluating AI Tools and Their Limitations 14:42 Practical Applications of AI in Business 17:52 Understanding User Interaction with AI Tools 19:58 Market Dynamics in Construction Technology 22:54 Contrasting Business Models: Procore vs. Trimble 24:45 Valuation Insights and Market Perception 31:25 The Future of Procore: Leadership and Vision 39:28 Building Relationships through Content on LinkedIn 46:45 Mind Share and Brand Recognition 48:27 The Importance of Target Audience 50:26 Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Profile 52:03 The Dangers of Self-Labeling 54:26 Clarifying Your Value Proposition 55:29 Content Strategy for Engagement 57:57 The Role of Content in Building Relationships 59:43 Understanding Your Goals on LinkedIn 01:01:58 The Future of AI and Construction 01:08:00 The AI Race and Its Implications 01:09:46 Innovations in Modular Housing

    1h 17m

  8. 8 AUG

    Turner's 44% Growth, Figma IPO Rogue Calculations, Meta's $150B Block & AI's 85% Fail Rate with Dex from Propel People

    Construction companies are posting "impossible" growth numbers while tech giants can't spend their billions. What's really happening? In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the shocking stories reshaping the construction industry, plus a special guest appearance from construction tech veteran Dex who just raised $3 million to solve the industry's biggest crisis. What we cover: Turner Construction's mind-blowing 44% revenue growth (and why it's "impossible") The Figma IPO scandal that cost early investors millions Why Meta can't spend $150 billion even though they want to Construction's $20 billion labor shortage crisis Why 85% of AI projects fail (and the patterns that actually work) Energy bottlenecks blocking massive infrastructure spending Dex's new startup Propel People tackling the skilled worker shortage Key Quote: "This is highway robbery for the existing investors... they just lost a ton of value." - Patric on the Figma IPO controversy From billion-dollar construction wins to IPO disasters, energy grid meltdowns to recruiting revolutions - this episode reveals the hidden forces driving massive changes across the industry. Whether you're in AEC, tech, or just curious about where the economy is heading, these insights will change how you see the business world. ------- Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:00 Origins of 'Okay' and Its Cultural Significance 03:40 Turner's Impressive Growth in Construction 06:21 Diversification and Strategic Partnerships in Construction 09:23 Turner's Expansion into European Markets 12:14 Figma's IPO and Market Dynamics 15:01 Valuation Challenges and Investor Sentiment 18:16 Banking Practices and IPO Pricing Strategies 25:21 The State of AI in Enterprises 29:16 Challenges of Pilot Programs 30:53 Historical Insights on Project Failures 35:00 Ensuring Technology Adoption 41:43 Energy Infrastructure Bottlenecks 47:36 Introduction to Propel People 52:13 Building a Recruiting Platform for Construction 56:24 Sourcing Talent in the Construction Industry 58:18 Evolution of Technology in Construction 60:11 The Role of Social Media in Recruitment 63:04 Founder-Led Sales and Market Insights 67:05 Setting Foundations for Success in Startups

    1h 23m
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About

Industry leaders Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan, Martin Piekarz & Owen Drury sit down each week to explore tech, news, and trends within the AEC sector. Each week we debate the macro economic issues within the industry and how they those working and building within AEC. Hot takes only.

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  • Creator
    Bricks And Bytes, Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bricks And Bytes, Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan
  • Show Website
    Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes

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