Bricks And Bytes – Details, episodes & analysis

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 

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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

"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

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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

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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/

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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 

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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.

Are SaaS pricing models doomed in construction tech? Mike Powers thinks so.

In this episode, we had Mike Powers, founder of BuildVision, and we got to learn about his contrarian take on SaaS pricing in construction, the challenges of selling to the industry, and his vision for revolutionizing procurement in mechanical and electrical equipment... and many more!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why BuildVision avoids traditional SaaS pricing

✅ The importance of providing tangible value to construction clients

✅ Strategies for penetrating large organizations as a startup

✅ Mike's views on AI's impact on construction in the next 5-10 years

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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/

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Timestamps:

(00:00 - 07:04) - Intro

(04:34 - 07:04) - What helped Mike Build BuildVision

(07:04 - 11:34) - Understanding Vision of BuildVision

(11:34 - 18:28) - Pricing Structure That Successful Startups Follow In Construction

(18:28 - 25:10) - Mike’s Take On The Use Of AI In Construction

(25:10 - 31:26) - How BuildVision Differentiates From Its Competitors

(31:26 - 38:57) - Struggles While Managing To FundRaise For BuildVision

(38:57 - 44:27) - How VCs Work With Team

(44:27 - 52:54) - Mike’s Advice For People Who Want To Master Sales

(52:54 - 01:05:12) - How Mike Made Transition From Sales To A Founder

(01:05:12 - 01:05:52) - Outro

How do we simplify material procurement in construction?

In this episode, we talk with Eric Helitzer, CEO of Subbase.

Eric discusses his transition from traditional construction to construction technology and his approach to streamlining construction procurement.

We cover important topics such as:

• The significance of understanding problems to develop effective tech solutions
• Tips for validating ideas before investing time and resources
• How to encourage a culture that supports innovation and technology adoption
• Integrating technology into existing workflows without disrupting processes

If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.

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Eric Helitzer | Founder & CEO of SubBase

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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:55 Pre-Intro

00:56 - 01:48 Owen's Intro

01:49 - 2:06 Sponsor

02:24 - Main podcast starts

04:09 - "You have to be on job site to understand what it physically looks like and what it physically feels like to work in construction."

04:34 - Story of Eric

06:10 - 2008 to 2014 career

06:38 - Procore Software

09:11 - "Subbase was born"

10:30 - Partnering to someone with no experience in construction

11:48 - A tool that enhance workflow

13:00 - About Subbase

14:00 - Complexities in process

15:00 - Streamlining the experience

19:06 - Raised first official round of funding

20:30 - Subbase becoming end-to-end solution

21:00 - 5 to 10 year vision

22:46 - "if you were to build a startup in construction tech, where would you start?"

24:00 - Amount of rejection you are going to receive

30:32 - You have to iterate very quickly

32:00 - No one has a clear playbook

35:20 - Other trends worth pursuing

38:00 - Strengthen relationship by providing better user experience

40:46 - "Any thoughts on how people incorporate technology into existing workflows?"

45:45 - Hobbies of Eric

47:00 - " if I wasn't working in construction"

48:05 - Where people can find out about Eric

🎧 Tune in to the latest episode of Bricks and Bytes!

In this episode, we chat with Matthew Byrd - a great speaker and founder of Reality Capture about his journey in construction, technology and how he got involved in laser scanning and how it transformed his career path. 

We also discuss:

• potential of RealityCapture for creating digital replicas of physical assets and sites
• benefits of this technology and the opportunities it presents for different industries
• digital twins, 3D models and their future in construction industry.

If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.

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Matthew Byrd | Founder of Reality Capture | Podcast & Conference Host | Speaker

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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.

Chek www.the-beta.com

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 --> 00:01:23 - Intro

00:01:23 --> 00:02:05 - Sponsor

00:02:05 --> 00:06:15 - Matthew's background and involvement in Reality Capture

00:06:15 --> 00:11:20 - Adaption of Reality Capture in the construction industry

00:11:20 --> 00:15:45 - Discussion of iPhone's LiDAR technology and its potential uses in scanning

00:15:45 --> 00:19:20 - Explanation of laser scanning and its benefits

00:19:20 --> 00:23:53 - 3D modeling, digital twins and their potential applications in different industries

00:23:53 --> 00:27:50 - Matthew’s tips on how to get started in laser scanning

00:27:50 --> 00:32:47 - Potential use of digital twins in construction industry

00:32:47 --> 00:34:55 - Lack of awareness about a certain service as a difficulty in its adaptation

00:34:55 --> 00:36:26 - Differences in development of software versus hardware

00:36:26 --> 00:40:25 - Matthew’s history on how the technology changed his career path

00:40:25 --> 00:42:00 - Reality Capture Network events and community 

00:42:00 --> 00:43:40- Reality Capture during construction and the potential for growth in the industry

00:43:40 --> 00:46:55 - Matthew’s great communication skills and who has inspired him 

00:46:55 --> 00:48:16 - Variety of projects Matthew has worked on

00:48:16 --> 00:49:30 - More about Matthew 

00:49:30 --> 00:49:48 - Outro

Innovation and Integration, Construction Tech & The Future.

On today's podcast, we have construction tech expert Eveart Foster.

Eveart is currently the Subject Matter Expert at Autodesk, following an exciting past in design, product management and technology adoption.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Who you *should* be selling to as a company in construction tech
• The transformational potential of generative AI in construction
• Gamification, and what it means for future generations
• The future of AutoDesk Construction Cloud

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Eveart Foster Integrations Subject Matter Expert at Autodesk | President of Associates Board at WITS

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Today's Sponsor: Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.

Check www.the-beta.com

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Timestamps:

(0:00:00-0:01:07) - Intro

(0:01:07-0:10:31) - Exploring the Journey of Eva's Digital Transformation in Construction Technology"

(0:10:31-0:14:55) - The people who use Alterdesk have to pay?

(0:14:55-0:17:37) - How does technology adoption has changed and how the future looks like?

(0:17:37-0:24:07) - What are the challenges that business face?

(0:24:07-0:35:15) - Improvement and driving of technology

(0:35:15-0:39:39) - What happens if you don't change your technology?

(0:39:39-0:43:30) - What is construction acquisition?

(0:43:30-0:53:24) - How conversational AI will help in 10 to 15 years?

(0:53:24-0:56:22) - How to stay curious?

(0:56:22-0:56:40) - Outro

Excited to share this brilliant and latest episode of the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of construction, technology, and business.

In this episode, Scott Ellison, a strategy consultant, talks about his personal connection to the construction industry and his journey to becoming an advisor and investor in tech companies. Here are some of the highlights:

⁃ How Scott's personal connection to the construction industry started with his uncles, who were general contractors, and his job working in a hardware store.

⁃ The impact of the ubiquity of smartphones, cloud, and SaaS on the construction industry and how it has led to a slower but steady shift towards digitisation.

⁃ The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech and how it needs to be laid down first before we can fully appreciate the benefits of new ways of capturing information.

⁃ Go-to-market strategies, such as product-led growth that have created value in certain sector.

Tune in to the episode to learn more about Scott's insights and his thoughts on the future of the construction industry!

If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.

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Scott Ellison - Investor | Advisor | Judge | Mentor

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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.

Chek: www.the-beta.com

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 --> 00:01:05 - Intro

00:01:05 --> 00:01:45 - Sponsor

00:01:45 --> 00:03:33 - Scott's background and personal connection to the construction industry

00:03:33 --> 00:04:26 - The impact of technology on the construction industry

00:04:26 --> 0006:38 - The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech

00:06:38 --> 00:08:12 - The challenge of data islands and pockets in the construction industry

00:08:12 --> 00:10:40 - Go-to-market strategies in built tech, and how it can make or break a startup

00:10:40 --> 00:13:06 - Table stakes in the game of building a successful startup

00:13:06 --> 00:14:35 - Playbook in construction tech 

00:14:35 --> 00:20:30 - Introduction to the concept of Product-Led Growth (PLG) 

00:20:30 --> 00:24:25 - The unique dynamics of construction industry

00:24:25 --> 00:26:04 - The concept of respect to disrupt ratio

00:26:04 --> 00:27:17 - Setting up a strategy for a startup 

00:27:17 --> 00:32:35 - The challenges faced by people from outside and inside the industry when introducing change

00:32:35 --> 00:34:52 - Key metrics in early-stage investing 

00:34:52 --> 00:37:41 - Individual (jockey) over the idea (horse) in early-stage investing

00:37:41 --> 00:39:15 - Exciting ideas and technologies in construction tech 

00:39:15 --> 00:41:02 - Scott's advice to companies in the construction tech on hiring, firing, marketing and finance 

00:41:02 --> 00:42:25 - The student debt crisis in the US and how it impacts the construction industry's ability to attract top talent

00:42:25 --> 00:44:43 - Robotics and technology changing the construction industry workforce

00:44:52 --> 00:46:36 - Thoughts on hot trends in construction industry 

00:46:36 --> 00:48:55 - Scott's passions

00:48:55 --> 00:49:37 - Top skill for entrepreneurs

00:49:37 --> 00:50:10 - More information about Scott 

00:50:10 --> 00:50:28 - Outro 

What is academia's role in ensuring the industry is fit for the future?

On today's podcast, we have John Orr - Professor of Structural Engineering At Cambridge University.

As a top-tier university ranked in the world's top 5, Cambridge is a powerhouse of knowledge, and we are privileged to have John share his expertise with us.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why interdisciplinary education can help solve complex problems
• The future of design for structures
• Collaboration and its importance in both innovation and climate change
• How to become a Cambridge University Professor

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John Orr

Professor of Structural Engineering. Chartered engineer, academic, industrial consultant in embodied carbon. Aiming to transform real estate and construction.

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Today's Sponsor: Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.

Check www.the-beta.com

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Timestamps:

(00:00:00-00:01:50) - An Exciting Introduction and a Word from Our Sponsor

(00:01:50-00:03:46) - From PhD to Cambridge Professor: John Orr's Journey in Structural Engineering

(00:03:46-00:04:42) - Why Now is the Perfect Time to Be in Structural Engineering

(00:04:42-00:06:51) - What Makes Cambridge-Trained Engineers Stand Out from the Rest?

(00:06:51-00:09:42) - How to Make Structural Engineering More Attractive and Accessible

(00:09:42-00:11:31) - The Role of Structural Engineering in Reducing Carbon Emissions

(00:11:31-00:13:12) - Strategies to Improve Structural Engineering's Sustainability Impact

(00:13:12-00:17:46) - Tackling the Thorny Issue of PI Insurance in Structural Engineering

(00:17:46-00:19:45) - A Glimpse into the Future of Construction

(00:19:45-00:23:25) - The Revolutionary ACORN Project and its Integration with Robotics

(00:23:25-00:24:52) - Predicting the Most Significant Developments in Structural Engineering's Future

(00:24:52-00:26:19) - John Orr's Vision for the Future of Construction

(00:26:19-00:27:34) - Balancing Academia and Practical Applications in Structural Engineering

(00:27:34-00:29:32) - Understanding the Impact of Part Z in Structural Engineering

(00:29:32-00:30:04) - Insights into the Fascinating Work of Part Z

(00:30:04-00:31:23) - The Potential Effects of Part Z on Structural Engineering

(00:31:23-00:32:15) - John Orr's Key Message on Structural Engineering's Role in Building a Sustainable Future

(00:32:15-00:34:15) - Navigating the Intersection of Individual Action and Regulatory Frameworks

(00:34:15-00:38:11) - How to Become a Cambridge Professor in Structural Engineering

(00:38:11-00:39:07) - John Orr's Diverse Range of Hobbies and Interests

(00:39:07-00:39:31) - Get to Know John Orr a Little Better

(00:39:31-00:39:48) - A Memorable Outro and Final Thoughts.

On today's show we have Sankha Deep who is the founder and product lead at Lattice - construction supply chain visibility platform. 

In this episode, we talk about:

• supply chain issues
• implementation of construction technology
• good and bad software  
• new business models.

If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.

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Sankha Deep | Founder and product lead at Lattice

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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform

- connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.

Chek www.the-beta.com

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 --> 00:01:08 - Intro

00:01:08 --> 00:01:51 - Sponsor

00:01:51 --> 00:07:13 - Differences and similarities in the tech scene between the UK and India 

00:07:13 --> 00:09:33 - Introducing Lattice

00:09:33 --> 00:12:11 - Software implementation in construction technology

00:12:11 --> 00:14:12 - Picking a software suitable for your business’s needs

00:14:12 --> 00:18:10 - Core problems that Lattice solves 

00:18:10 --> 00:23:39 - Business model as a service

00:23:39 --> 00:25:07- Lessons that construction industry can learn from other industries

00:25:07 --> 00:26:31 - Sankha’s experience in fintech 

00:26:31 --> 00:28:15 - Cost differences in fintech and construction industry 

00:28:15 --> 00:30:48 - Ways of preventing founders from creating a bad software

00:30:48 --> 00:32:11 - Secret source for a sucessulf business 

00:32:11 --> 00:33:31 -  Sankha’s usual day 

00:33:31 --> 00:34:12 - Book recommendation

00:34:12 --> 00:36:54 - Number one productivity hack 

00:36:54 --> 00:38:45 - Our book recommendation

00:38:45 --> 00:39:43 - Our top podcast guests 

00:39:43 --> 00:40:18 - More about Sankha

00:40:18 --> 00:40:36 - Outro

Why do construction (tech) companies fail?

On today's podcast, we have Stephen Poppe, ConTech Advisor and Customer Success Leader.

Stephen is currently the Manager for Research & Development at HITT Contracting and Executive Partner at Blue Collar Capital

In this episode, we discuss:

• Where people go wrong with construction tech & why companies fail
• Considerations when investing in construction tech companies
• Implementation and strategies for Main Contractors
• Stephen's terrible taste in football (soccer) team

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Stephen Poppe

R&D | Contech Advisor | Customer Success Leader | Construction Professional | Lean Practitioner(ish)

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Today's Sponsor: Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.

Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:

(00:00:00-00:01:57) - Intro and Sponsor

(00:01:57-00:04:13) - Why did Stephen choose Contech? 

(00:04:13-00:06:02) - What are people not getting right with technology?

(00:06:02-00:07:55) - Should construction companies focus on the management process?

(00:07:55-00:10:34) - Why does a company fail in Contech?

(00:10:34-00:12:43) - What is the lean startup methodology?

(00:12:43-00:14:08) - What is important when investing in a company as a capital allocator?

(00:14:08-00:16:55) - What are the initial problems that a startup face? 

(00:16:55-00:18:23) - What is HITT? 

(00:18:23-00:21:28) - Labor shortage

(00:21:28-00:22:42) - Is there something else that we should focus on except technology? 

(00:22:42-00:24:23) - Future of tech

(00:24:23-00:27:38) - How can we get the basics right?

(00:27:38-00:31:17) - Trends in construction tech

(00:31:17-00:33:49) - VC doesn’t like 100-million-dollar ideas?

(00:33:49-00:35:48) - Book recommendations

(00:35:48-00:36:37) - Hobbies

(00:36:37-00:36:51) - More about Stephen

(00:36:51-00:37:09) - Outro