"AI in construction isn't just hype - we're in construction, so we know nobody will deploy solutions based on hype alone."

In today's episode of Brick and Bytes, we had Vivin Hegde from Zakua Ventures sharing insights on construction tech investments and market trends.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why robotics is becoming essential in construction (labor shortage is only getting worse)

✅ The three-tier approach to AI adoption in construction tech

✅ Why FlexNode's modular data centers could grow faster than any construction tech startup in 15 years

✅ How geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping construction tech investment priorities

Vivin also shared fascinating details about their recent investments in excavator automation, real estate platforms, and next-gen robotics. If you're interested in where construction tech is heading, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Listen now on Spotify:

"Loading 19 files, each over a gigabyte, into a web browser and manipulating them like butter was the moment I knew I had to join Qonic." - Aaron Perry, former digital design lead at one of UK's largest architecture firms.

In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we sat down with Mark and Aaron from Qonic to explore how they're revolutionizing AEC software with cloud-native technology that overcomes the limitations of decades-old industry tools.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why existing AEC software built in the 90s is holding the industry back

✅ How Qonic handles complex construction models that traditional tools can't process

✅ Their innovative "per project size" pricing model instead of per-user licensing

✅ Why contractors adopt new tech faster than architects (hint: it's not about the colors)

Listen to the full conversation on Spotify to discover how Qonic is enabling true collaboration across the entire building lifecycle.

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Chapters

00:00 Founding Koniq: A New Era in AEC Software

03:03 The Future of AEC Software: Insights and Innovations

05:58 Challenges in the AEC Industry: Software Limitations

08:55 Interoperability and Collaboration: Bridging the Gaps

12:00 Koniq's Unique Approach: Transforming Design and Construction

14:46 The Role of Koniq in the AEC Landscape

17:59 Market Positioning: Koniq's Strategy and Vision

20:59 The Future of AEC Tools: Collaboration vs. Monopolization

24:01 Koniq's Value Proposition: Cost Efficiency and Innovation

27:04 The Impact of AI on AEC Software

29:57 Looking Ahead: The Future of Koniq and AEC Software

39:00 The Role of AI in Architecture

45:02 Modern Architect Needs and Software Solutions

52:01 Understanding the Customer Base

55:55 Innovative Pricing Models and ROI

01:02:02 Bootstrapping and Go-to-Market Strategies

"I love my iPhone, but you don't hear people say, I love my consultant."

In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we welcomed Angelos Nicolaou from Sektor AI who shared fascinating insights about construction tech adoption, the "anti-consultant" movement, and why technology must equal profitability.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How Sektor helps companies avoid wasting billions on unused technology

✅ Why large companies with tiny innovation teams need external firepower

✅ The race to adopt AI and how smaller companies can now compete with giants

✅ Why the consulting model is ripe for disruption through automation

The construction industry often treats each project like "a new startup" with new teams and processes built from scratch. Sektor is changing that through tech adoption that delivers measurable results.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify!

"To be able to provide more data faster, we need to rely on generation. In order to progress a project and know what's going to be built, you need floor plans." - Jesper on why floor plan generation matters.

In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes, we had Jesper, co-founder and CPO of Finch, sharing insights on construction tech and the evolution from architect to tech founder. His journey from running an architecture firm to building a tool that generates floor plans 13x faster is fascinating!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How a viral Grasshopper prototype led to a waiting list of 80,000 professionals

✅ Why interoperability between design tools is crucial for the AEC industry

✅ The importance of creating "compliant" floor plans that meet regional regulations

✅ Why Jesper believes the future of design stack will be a fragmented market with best-in-class tools

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how Finch is transforming architectural workflows and why focus is the most valuable advice for construction tech founders.

Download the Future of Design report here: https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

06:25 From Architecture to Tech: Jesper's Journey

09:22 The Birth of Finch: Addressing Industry Frustrations

12:20 Innovating Design: The Unique Features of Finch

15:29 Compliance in Design: Ensuring Regulatory Adherence

18:30 The Future of Finch: Focus and Interoperability

21:36 Understanding the Market Need: Why Floor Plans Matter

24:18 Client Success Stories: Efficiency and Time Savings

27:33 Defensibility and Competition: Standing Out in the Market

30:15 Interoperability Challenges: Seamless Integration with Existing Tools

33:13 Emerging Tools in Architecture and Design

36:07 Understanding Finch's Target Audience

38:45 Go-to-Market Strategies and Lessons Learned

39:58 Team Structure and Development Focus

42:59 Funding and Financial Strategy

47:28 Future of Design Tools in Construction

"Insulation has a 3-4x better ROI than heat pumps and 10x better than solar systems. Most people get this wrong when retrofitting their homes."

In today's episode of the podcast, we had Chris from VARM, who shared his journey of building a VC-backed installation business aimed at becoming the European champion in the space.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How VARM is building a "cloud installer network" - a franchise model on steroids

✅ Why Chris pivoted from longevity e-commerce to climate tech after successfully exiting his first business

✅ The surprising fundraising reality: "VCs and markets and investments are very often done based on FOMO"

✅ Their ambitious mission to insulate 1 million houses over 10 years

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how VARM is revolutionizing the insulation industry with their innovative business model and scaling strategy.

"The future of building design is on the cloud. File-based design systems are becoming obsolete."

In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes podcast, we had Altaf from Snaptrude who shared fascinating insights about the evolution of design software in architecture and construction.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why cloud-based design tools are 10x faster than traditional file-based systems

✅ How data connectivity is transforming early-stage design workflows

✅ Why architects are wasting billable hours on rework and value engineering

✅ The coming inflection point for cloud-based design tools (predicted mid-to-late next year)

Altaf also revealed they're working on AI copilots that will revolutionize how architects make design decisions based on sustainability data. Don't miss this conversation about the tools that will shape our built environment.

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Download the Future of Design report here : https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/

-----Chapters

00:00 Intro05:38 Introduction and Personal Updates08:42 The Future of Design and Construction11:45 SnapTrude: A Modern Approach to Design14:35 Collaboration and Interoperability in AEC17:32 Transitioning from Concept to Detailed Design20:38 Data Management and User Experience23:35 The Role of AI in Design Software26:46 Building Foundations for Future Growth29:47 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback32:44 Emerging Design Tools Landscape35:19 SnapTrude's Growth Strategy36:56 Focus on the US Market38:31 Investor Insights and Funding Journey40:41 Advice for Innovators in Design Tech42:37 Future of Design: Cloud and AI Integration45:23 Architects and New Tools Adoption48:36 Inflection Point for Cloud Adoption49:28 ROI and Productivity in Architecture51:18 Sustainability in Design54:06 Communication and Efficiency in Design

"We make money when our customers make money"

In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Mike Powers and Ben Lyddane from BuildVision who shared their journey of raising a $10M Series A led by Norwest Ventures.

Their platform helps contractors procure mechanical and electrical equipment more efficiently, saving 20-30% on costs while creating new revenue streams for general contractors.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How BuildVision grew from processing $700M to over $1B in equipment transactions

✅ Their three-tiered pricing model that aligns with customer success

✅ How AI costs for processing documents dropped from thousands to just $1.40 monthly

✅ Why focusing on critical path items like chillers and generators (not commodity products) creates maximum value

"The interest of a contractor and the interest of a client are the same: I want you to finish this building to the best quality, to that date. And if I'm really smart as a client, I want you to make money too."

In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had James Pellatt, founder of Digital Trees consultancy, sharing insights from his extensive career in real estate and construction technology.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why construction innovation is difficult and how bureaucracy, leadership gaps, and procurement approaches create barriers

✅ The cultural differences between US and European construction tech adoption

✅ How smart buildings should be planned from the briefing stage, not as an afterthought

✅ James' vision for how generative AI could reduce project delivery times by 12-18 months

Listen now on Spotify to hear James discuss how he helps clients bridge the gap between traditional construction and digital transformation.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:55 Introduction to James Pellatt and Digital Transformation in Real Estate

07:05 Understanding Client Challenges in Real Estate

10:08 The Role of Technology in Construction

12:47 Comparative Analysis of Technology Adoption: US vs Europe

15:43 Cultural Differences in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

19:06 Barriers to Innovation in Construction

21:55 The Importance of Transparency in Client-Contractor Relationships

24:59 The Future of Construction: Aligning Interests for Success

36:29 Engaging with Subcontractors for Better Insights

37:31 Cultural Challenges in Construction

38:43 Comparative Analysis of Global Construction Practices

40:56 Technology's Role in Construction Efficiency

44:36 Evaluating Technological Innovations in Construction

47:20 The Importance of Smart Buildings

51:42 Understanding ROI in Construction Technology

55:14 Advice for Tech Developers in Construction

01:00:06 Generative AI's Impact on Design and Construction

01:05:52 The Value of Mentorship in Professional Growth