Episode

How Starpath Robotics Plans to Mine Space Water From Moon- Is It Even Possible?

Construction robots: From hot dogs to highways? In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored how robotics is changing construction. We learned about Starpath Robotics’ plan to mine water on the Moon for rocket fuel. This could change how we explore space. We also covered how construction companies are now more open to using robots. This is due to a lack of skilled workers. Patric and Gabriele shared insights on investing in construction tech startups. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why robotics companies should start with specific problems ✅ How construction robots can help with labor shortages ✅ What investors look for in robotics startups ✅ The importance of building a track record in robotics

How Implenia Navigates Innovation in a Traditional Industry – Karel Van Eechoud’s Approach For Innovation

“Innovation isn’t just about digital solutions – sometimes it’s about reinventing the materials we use every day.” In this episode of Corporate Innovations Series from Bricks & Bytes, we had Karel Van Eechoud, Head of Innovation at Implenia. We got to learn about the challenges of urban construction, the importance of material innovation, and the role of entrepreneurship in a large construction company. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Implenia approaches innovation in construction ✅ The unexpected way they improved tunnel construction ✅ Why robotics might work better off-site than on-site ✅ The importance of balancing point solutions with integrated workflows Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear Karel’s insights on navigating innovation in the construction industry! ——————————— 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/ ——————————– 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

How to Build a Space Company: Jim Cantrell’s Journey From SpaceX’s Founding to Phantom Space – BONUS Episode

Ever wonder what it takes to start a rocket company? Or how SpaceX got off the ground? In this episode of BitBuilders, we had Jim Cantrell, one of SpaceX’s founding team members. He shared incredible stories from the early days of SpaceX and lessons learned building hard tech startups. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why being “cheap and scrappy” is crucial for hardware startups ✅ How SpaceX went from buying Russian rockets to building their own ✅ The next big innovations coming in space technology ✅ Jim’s latest venture to make space infrastructure more accessible Listen to the full conversation on Spotify to hear Jim’s unique perspective on the future of space exploration.

Bricks & Bytes Podcast

Super Series With Foundamental Episode 001 – Origins

In episode 001 we go right back to the start. How did Foundamental come to be? What was the “random mash-up” that led to the firm’s genesis? Watch this episode to discover: The unique origin story of how three unlikely partners came together to create a global powerhouse in construction tech investing Foundamental’s contrarian approach to building a truly global VC firm focused on construction and AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) tech Insights into the firm’s investment strategy, decision-making process, and how they leverage their global presence for superior returns The compelling macro and micro factors driving innovation in the construction industry How Foundamental balances diverse personalities and skillsets to create a high-performing ‘wolf pack’ of investors Their unconventional approach to fund size and LP relationships that maximizes potential for outsized returns Note: This is just the 1st episode of Super Series with Foundamental. You can go and check out the complete Super Series with Foundamental at : https://bricks-and-bytes-super-series.vhx.tv/products Also, if you sign up for our newsletter, we’re giving away TEN 50% off coupon codes. Sign up now: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Dev Amratia – Building Real Artificial Intelligence in Construction Tech – CEO of nPlan

“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. 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/

Scaling Robotics From Cloud to Construction – How DroneDeploy is Reshaping Reality Capture

Building robots is hard. Deploying them at scale? Even harder. In this episode of BitBuilders, we had David Inggs, Head of Robotics at DroneDeploy, sharing invaluable insights on the challenges and opportunities in construction robotics. Tune in to find out about: ➡️ The critical difference between building and operating robots ➡️ Why software, not hardware, is the biggest hurdle for mobile robots ➡️ How data centers are driving early adoption of risky robotics in construction ➡️ The potential future dominance of humanoid robots over quadrupeds Want to understand what it takes to scale robotic solutions in traditional industries? This conversation is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the future of construction tech. ————————————– Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:30 Differences Between Operating IoT Fleets and Robots 13:02 The Importance of Developer Tools for Roboticists 29:56 The Acquisition of Rokos by DroneDeploy 37:42 The Value of Talking to VCs 38:29 The Acquisition Journey with DroneDeploy 39:26 Challenges of Starting a Robotics Company in a Remote Location 44:47 DroneDeploy’s Strategy: Unify, Automate, and AI 52:25 The Future of Robotics in Construction 01:03:25 Adoption of Robotics in Construction

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

New Scheduling Tools, US Startups High Failure Rate, & How Supply-Side Focus is Reshaping Tech Companies

Is the traditional construction scheduling software about to become obsolete? In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we discussed Planera’s fresh take on construction scheduling, which just secured $13.5M in Series A funding. We also explored the surprising uptick in US startup failures and what it reveals about the current market. Additionally, we delved into the potential shift from demand-focused to supply-focused business models in tech. Tune in to discover: ✅ How Planera aims to simplify complex construction scheduling ✅ Why more startups are failing, but it might not be all bad news ✅ The rising importance of vertical integration in tech companies ✅ How emerging markets are driving innovation in B2B platforms Want to stay ahead in construction tech and startup trends? Listen now on Spotify. ———————————————– Company Mentioned: Planera Oracle (specifically their Primavera P6 software) OpenAI Microsoft Uber Meta (formerly Facebook) SpaceX —————————————— Timestamps: 02:12 Planera: Innovating Construction Scheduling and Planning 06:42 The Challenges of Traditional Scheduling Tools in Construction 0 9:01 The High Failure Rate of Startups: A Natural Evolution 24:07 The Role of AI in Startups and the Construction Industry 30:01 The Shift towards Collaborative and Visual Solutions in Construction 31:15 The Dominance of the US Startup Market 32:39 The High Failure Rate in US Startups 33:54 Profitability of European Venture Funds  41:30 The Shift Towards Vertical Integration and B2B Marketplaces

The Entreprenuer in Residence Role, Balancing Innovation and Core Business and Smart Pricing Strategies for Construction Tech Startups

“Innovation isn’t just about cool tech—it’s about rethinking how we build.” In our first episode of Corporate Innovation, we had Victor Muchiri, Entrepreneur in Residence at Barton Mallow, and we got to learn about the challenges of implementing new tech in construction, the importance of pricing models for startups, and why focusing on subcontractors might be smarter than targeting large GCs… and many more! Tune in to find out about:  ✅ Why AI implementation in construction is still an open question  ✅ The potential of robotics to address labor shortages without replacing workers  ✅ How prefabrication gets overhyped due to misconceptions  ✅ Why construction companies should allocate more resources to innovation Corporate Innovations Series is a podcast focused on advancing R&D in the corporate world. We collaborate with innovation experts to create products tailored for business needs, bridging the gap between startups and corporations.

Construction On Mars – How Space Tech is Transforming Robotics as a Tool in Construction – BitBuilders

“Construction robots are tools, not job replacers.” – Dr. Henning Roedel In this episode of BitBuilders, we had Dr. Henning Roedel, former robotics lead at DPR Construction, sharing insights on the future of construction robotics. Tune in to find out about: ➡️ Why robotics startups should focus on being tools, not subcontractors ➡️ The importance of quick, iterative pilots vs. long-term commitments ➡️ Key performance indicators for successful robotics implementation ➡️ The pros and cons of different business models for construction robotics 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. ————————- Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Background 11:52 Henning’s Journey and PhD in Construction 18:41 The Role of the Innovation Team at DPR Construction 21:07 Focus on Robotics and Becoming the Robotics Lead 24:31 Robotics as a Tool in Construction 25:53 Robotics as a Service (RAS) Model 30:44 Playbook for Robotics Companies in Construction 40:11 Construction as the Industry to Scale Ideas 41:40 Empathy for the Customer and User in Construction 42:28 Go-to-Market Challenges in Construction Robotics 49:46 Quick Prototyping and Piloting in Construction Robotics 56:36 Measuring Success with Clear KPIs in Construction Robotics 01:03:11 Business Models: RAS vs. OaaS in Construction Robotics 01:06:13 Hardware Plus SaaS Model for Late-Stage Construction Robotics 01:11:17 The Future of Construction Robotics: Off-Earth Applications

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. ———————————

Billion-Dollar Blindspots: Are Construction Tech’s ‘Best’ Lists Building on Quicksand?

Is the construction industry building its future on a foundation of hype? Think again. The latest market maps and “best-of” lists might be leading you astray. In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored McKinsey’s updated report projecting a $22 trillion construction market by 2040, alongside the industry’s looming labor crisis. We discussed the expansion of the Bricks and Bytes podcast network, including new shows like “BitBuilders” focusing on robotics in construction. Patric also shared his critical analysis of “best-of” lists and market maps in construction tech, revealing surprising insights about company success rates. Tune in to find out: ✅ Why the construction industry is facing its most challenging and high-activity era ever ✅ How robotics might transform on-site construction in unexpected ways ✅ Why well-funded companies often underperform compared to their less publicized counterpart ✅ The importance of looking beyond funding and PR when evaluating construction tech startups —————————– 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/ ———————————– Company Mentioned: – McKinsey – Gecko Robotics – Monumental – Mighty Buildings – Nexii ———————————– 00:01.08 – 14:00: Introduction and Bricks and Bytes podcast network updates 14:00 – 20:10: McKinsey’s updated construction productivity report 20:10 – 29:00: Labor shortage in construction industry 29:00 – 38:00: Potential solutions to labor shortage 38:00 – 44:00: Attracting talent to construction industry 44:00 – 50:30: Patric Hellermann’s analysis of “best-of” lists 50:30 – 54:00: Detailed breakdown of study results 54:00 – 57:30: Discussion on implications of the study 57:30: Closing remarks and end of episode

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Scheduling in the Modern Tech-Driven AEC Industry

Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In AEC Tech. Join over 2,100 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. 

Scheduling in the Modern Tech-Driven AEC Industry