AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

Mayur M Mistry

A platform for professional growth and personal growth for AEC Technologists with inspiring conversations with founders, builders and experts in AEC space. I am Mayur Mistry, cofounder of 3DGuru.ai, ex Perkins & Will Digital Innovation Technologist with M.Arch at University of Illinois and B.Tech Civil Engineer from IIT Bombay.

  1. 2D AGO

    Stop Building Dashboards: What Real Estate Operators Actually Pay For

    In this conversation, Alon Gorbonos, General Partner and Founder of RE Angels, shares his journey from real estate operator to venture capitalist. He discusses the skills necessary for aspiring real estate operators, the challenges of transitioning to venture capital, and the importance of understanding market dynamics. Alon emphasizes the need for effective fundraising strategies, the identification of trends in real estate technology, and the significance of networking. He also provides insights into the future of real estate tech, highlighting areas of saturation and opportunity.   Takeaways   Alon Gorbonos transitioned from real estate to venture capital. Understanding market dynamics is crucial for success. Real estate is not a passive investment; it requires active involvement. Fundraising is a humbling experience for both VCs and founders. Networking and personal introductions are key to effective fundraising. AI can enhance productivity in real estate operations. The future of real estate will involve a hybrid of humans and AI. There is a need for innovative solutions in procurement processes. Founders should do their homework before pitching to investors. Real estate tech is rapidly evolving with significant opportunities.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Alon Gorbonos and RE Angels 02:11 Challenges in the Real Estate Journey 03:56 Becoming a Real Estate Operator 08:58 Fundraising for a Venture Fund vs. Startup 09:16 Surprises in Fundraising 12:45 Effective Fundraising Tips 14:40 Forming an Investment Thesis 17:51 Call for Ideas in Real Estate Tech 22:34 Opportunities in Under-Saturated Areas 24:37 Common Mistakes in Pitching to Investors 28:24 Possibilities of Rapid Growth in Real Estate 32:39 Future of Real Estate Tech and Networking Events   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    35 min
  2. FEB 4

    Building AI Agents for Real Jobsite Workflows Not Generic Chatbots

    In this conversation, Joshua Weyand, an Enterprise Solutions Engineer at Trunk Tools, shares his journey in the construction tech industry, highlighting key career milestones, the importance of empathy in his role, and the skills necessary for success. He discusses the unique challenges faced in construction tech, the innovative solutions offered by Trunk Tools, and the competitive culture within the company. Joshua also emphasizes the significance of understanding the construction buyer and offers valuable advice for those looking to succeed in this field, including the importance of mental health and community support. Takeaways   Getting an internship can open many doors. Public speaking skills are crucial for career success. Saying yes to new opportunities can change your career path. Empathy is essential in understanding customer needs. Solutions engineers must bridge the gap between field and tech. Understanding the construction buyer is complex and nuanced. Mental health awareness is vital in the construction industry. Admitting defeat and pivoting is important in startups. Building relationships is key to success in sales. Continuous learning and networking are essential for growth.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Joshua Weyand 02:47 Career Highlights and Lessons Learned 06:18 Understanding the Role of an Enterprise Solutions Engineer 10:21 Skills for Success in Construction Tech 11:44 Overview of Trunk Tools and Its Impact 14:56 Company Culture and Hiring at Trunk Tools 16:32 Challenges in Construction Procurement 18:53 Go-to-Market Strategies in Construction Tech 25:05 Navigating the Buyer Landscape in Construction 27:40 Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Community in Construction   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    33 min
  3. JAN 31

    ⁠Inside Path Intelligence: Tracking Behavior in Digital Twins for Real Insights

    In this conversation, Nate Robert-Eze, CEO and Co-founder of Path Intelligence, shares his journey from starting a fashion brand in college to leading a tech company focused on spatial intelligence. He discusses the importance of storytelling in business, the challenges of user experience, and the impact of AI on the real estate industry. Nate emphasizes the need for strong relationships in entrepreneurship and offers insights into effective go-to-market strategies. He envisions a future where immersive experiences redefine property exploration. Takeaways   Nate's early ventures included a fashion brand and architecture projects. Building relationships is crucial for entrepreneurial success. Storytelling can significantly enhance client engagement. The pivot to product was driven by advancements in AI. User experience is a key challenge in tech development. Engaging developers early can enhance project outcomes. The future of real estate involves immersive experiences. Technology will likely replace many traditional realtor roles. Networking and authority are vital for market strategies. Starting today is the best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.   Chapters   00:00 Career Highlights and Early Ventures 02:27 Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons Learned 04:45 The Power of Storytelling in Business 07:20 Pivoting to Product: Embracing AI and Spatial Intelligence 10:04 Challenges in User Experience and Engagement 12:20 Engagement Strategies for Developers and Realtors 14:42 Future Vision: The Evolution of Path Intelligence 17:15 Navigating Technology and Real Estate 19:53 Go-to-Market Strategies and Building Relationships 22:28 Rapid Fire Round and Closing Thoughts   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    24 min
  4. JAN 28

    Why Construction Robots Don’t Scale And How Simulation Fixes It

    In this conversation, Anton Glance, CTO and Co-founder of Buildroid AI, shares his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his experiences in various startups, particularly in the fields of smart home technology and construction. He discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of scaling innovations in the construction industry, and the potential of robotics to transform the sector. Anton emphasizes the need for startups to be adaptable, open to feedback, and focused on delivering real value to their customers. Takeaways   Always dive deeper to understand how things are made. The importance of customer feedback in product development. Building a prototype quickly is crucial for validation. Don't rely on friends for honest feedback; seek strangers. The construction industry is conservative and resistant to change. Startups need to find a balance between innovation and existing processes. Revenue generation should be prioritized early in the startup journey. Building a network early can provide significant advantages. Iterate quickly and be open to changing your approach. Focus on solving real problems that exist in the market. Chapters   00:00 Journey of an Entrepreneur 09:26 Lessons from Startup Experiences 19:02 Navigating the Construction Industry 27:52 Innovating with Buildroid 37:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Robotics   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    42 min
  5. JAN 24

    From Cloud CCTV to Construction Intelligence: Evercam’s Story

    In this episode, Mayur Mistry interviews Marco Herbst, CEO and co-founder of Evercam, who shares the journey of building his company from its inception to its current status as a leader in construction technology. Marco recounts the early days of Evercam, starting with his fascination for capturing construction projects through time-lapse videos using IP cameras. He discusses the challenges faced in finding product-market fit, particularly in the competitive security industry, and how a pivotal shift towards construction technology allowed Evercam to thrive. Marco emphasizes the importance of visibility and collaboration on construction sites, highlighting how advancements in AI and camera technology have transformed project management and communication in the industry.   Takeaways "The principle is the same, visibility, collaboration on the construction site." "We realized that a lot of the challenge we were solving was the difficulty of connecting to the information." "If you can possibly get the money from your customers, it means so much more than getting it from an investor." "Construction is local; you have to make that choice of geography or vertical." "The joy of going home at the end of the day and being able to say, I built that, I was part of that." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marco Herbst and Evercam 00:20 The Early Days of Evercam 02:23 Challenges in the Security Industry 04:46 Pivoting to Construction Technology 07:18 Proudest Moments in the Journey 10:56 Fundraising Insights and Strategies 16:01 Hiring in a Remote Environment 20:47 Go-to-Market Strategies and Regional Adaptation 23:45 Lessons Learned and Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    27 min
  6. JAN 21

    Private Equity + Venture Studios Are Coming for Construction Tech TAM

    In this conversation, Alice Leung, Principal of Brick and Motor Ventures, shares insights on the evolving landscape of construction technology, particularly focusing on AI adoption, the rise of non-technical founders, and the challenges of software differentiation. She discusses the future of robotics in construction, the importance of pricing transparency, and the dynamics of venture capital and private equity in the industry. Alice also highlights the skills needed for success in construction tech and the common struggles founders face as they scale their businesses. Takeaways   AI adoption in construction is still evolving. Non-technical founders are increasingly entering the space. Software differentiation is becoming more challenging. Robotics in construction is gaining momentum. Pricing transparency is essential for industry efficiency. Navigating deal flow is a significant challenge for VCs. Pattern recognition is crucial for success in VC. AI-powered services could disrupt traditional construction methods. Hiring talent in construction tech is becoming competitive. Founders face unique challenges at different growth stages. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Construction Tech and AI Predictions 05:08 The Evolution of AI in Construction 09:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Construction Robotics 13:35 Navigating Deal Flow in Construction Tech 18:09 Skills Development in the Construction Tech Landscape 22:43 Emerging Trends and Unique Business Models 26:45 The Future of AI-Powered Services in Construction 30:01 Common Struggles for Founders in Construction Tech 35:24 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    37 min
  7. JAN 17

    Building “AI for Construction Compliance” (Struck Co-Founder Story)

    In this conversation, Nikhil Nagaraj, co-founder of Struck, shares his journey from studying electronics engineering in India to building an AI-driven platform for construction compliance. He discusses the challenges of the construction industry, particularly the housing crisis, and how Struck aims to simplify compliance processes using AI. Nikhil elaborates on the product's features, including its ability to provide real-time compliance checks and generate reports, while also offering insights into navigating the AEC industry for those without a background in it.   Takeaways   Nikhil's journey into AI began during his undergraduate studies in electronics engineering. The launch of Struck was driven by a desire to address the housing crisis and improve construction compliance. Compliance in construction is often treated as an afterthought, leading to inefficiencies. Struck aims to simplify compliance processes using AI, making regulations more accessible. The product has evolved to include features like zoning laws and permit-free building checks. Prioritization in product development is crucial, focusing on compliance-related features. The AEC industry is fragmented, requiring tailored solutions for different regions. Collaboration with industry experts is essential for building effective solutions. Good software engineering practices are vital for successful AI implementation. Building in the AEC space can be challenging but rewarding, with many willing to help.    Chapters   00:00 Nikhil Nagaraj's Journey into AI and Construction 07:27 The Challenges of Prioritization in Tech Development 09:25 Overcoming Technical Challenges in AI 17:06 Exploring Struck's Product and Its Functionality 24:36 Navigating Building Regulations and Workflows 27:20 Creating a Frictionless User Experience 29:42 Leveraging AI and Data Sources 32:33 Bridging B2B and B2G in Construction Compliance 36:00 Advice for Non-AEC Professionals 39:45 Final Thoughts on Building in AEC   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    40 min
  8. JAN 14

    Architect Business Systems: What No One Teaches You

    In this conversation, Jefferson Schierbeek, a principal and co-founder of Addison Schierbeek Architects, shares his journey in architecture, discussing his transition from practicing architect to business owner, the importance of client relationships, and the evolving landscape of architectural services. He emphasizes the significance of understanding client needs, effective pricing strategies, and the rise of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in response to housing policies. Jefferson also reflects on his teaching experience and the impact of technology and AI on the future of architecture. Takeaways   Architecture is a journey filled with adventures and highlights. Creating homes that feel uniquely theirs is essential for clients. Many architects back into business management rather than planning for it. Joining professional networks like Entree Architect can be beneficial. Building relationships is crucial for finding clients in architecture. Understanding client needs is key to successful projects. Pricing strategies should reflect both effort and market conditions. The rise of ADUs is a response to changing housing policies. Teaching architecture can provide valuable insights into design and methodology. AI is evolving but is not yet ready to replace human architects. Chapters   00:00 Journey Through Architecture: From Education to Practice 02:22 Navigating the Business of Architecture 04:53 Building Relationships: Finding Clients in Architecture 07:27 Understanding Client Needs and Expectations 09:51 Pricing Strategies in Architectural Projects 12:46 The Rise of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) 15:21 Teaching Architecture: Insights and Experiences 17:56 Reflections on Notable Projects 20:27 The Future of Architecture: Technology and AI   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

    28 min

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About

A platform for professional growth and personal growth for AEC Technologists with inspiring conversations with founders, builders and experts in AEC space. I am Mayur Mistry, cofounder of 3DGuru.ai, ex Perkins & Will Digital Innovation Technologist with M.Arch at University of Illinois and B.Tech Civil Engineer from IIT Bombay.