Ever wondered how major VC firms evaluate and invest (or reject) in construction technology startups?

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In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Toppston and Yaniv Lusana of GS Futures, a major venture capital firm backing the next generation of construction technology. Discover how they're identifying the "painkillers" that are transforming the industry, from autonomous robots navigating complex job sites to AI-powered solutions revolutionising every stage of the construction lifecycle.

Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space. Explore the future of construction and the technologies that are set to transform it.

Key Takeaways:

• GS Futures' prime focus: Identifying "painkiller" technologies that solve critical construction pain points
• Hot areas: Robotics, AI, digital twins, supply chain management, low-carbon materials
• Top traits they seek in founders: Deep industry understanding, clear product vision, ability to sell
• Underinvested spaces ripe for innovation: Workflow solutions, stakeholder connectivity
• Insights on evaluating venture-backability, managing investor expectations, and more

And much more.

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Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

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Timestamps:

(00:00 - 02:52) - Intro To Our Sponsors & Guest

(02:52 - 14:05) - How Vivin Got Into Venture Capitals

(14:05 - 17:40) - How To Figure Out A Good Partner In Business

(17:40 - 27:00) - About Zacua Ventures

(27:00 - 29:27) - How Zacua Ventures Operates As A Team From Different Parts Of The World

(29:27 - 42:30) - Investment Thesis Of Zacua Ventures

(42:30 - 55:55) - Vivin's Perspective On Robotics In Construction

(55:55 - 01:04:00) - Relationship Between Ventures Firm And Limited Partner

(01:04:00 - 01:07:00) - How To Identify Real Problems Before Investing

(01:07:00 - 01:13:45) - Where Startups Go Wrong In Construction Tech

(01:13:45 - 01:21:17) - How Becoming A Parent Has Impacted Vivin's Life

(01:06:21 - 01:21:17) - Problems of Construction Tech Across Different Geographies

(01:21:17 - 01:22:18) - Outro

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#podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups #architecture #design #civilengineering #engineering #constructiontechnology #engineer #architect #civilengineer #concrete #podcaster #podcasting #entrepreneur #podcasts #podcastlife #startups #entrepreneurship

Ever wondered how major VC firms evaluate and invest (or reject) in construction technology startups?

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Toppston and Yaniv Lusana of GS Futures, a major venture capital firm backing the next generation of construction technology. Discover how they're identifying the "painkillers" that are transforming the industry, from autonomous robots navigating complex job sites to AI-powered solutions revolutionising every stage of the construction lifecycle.

Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space. Take a look into the future of construction and the technologies that are set to transform it.

Key Takeaways:

• GS Futures' prime focus: Identifying "painkiller" technologies that solve critical construction pain points
• Hot areas: Robotics, AI, digital twins, supply chain management, low-carbon materials
• Top traits they seek in founders: Deep industry understanding, clear product vision, ability to sell
• Underinvested spaces ripe for innovation: Workflow solutions, stakeholder connectivity
• Insights on evaluating venture-backability, managing investor expectations, and more

And much more.

---------------------------------------------

Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com

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.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro To Our Sponsors

02:30 - Intro To Yaniv, Aaron & GS Futures

15:12 - Tech As A 'Vitamin' Vs Tech As A 'Painkiller'

22:50 - Green & Red Flags On Founders For Investors

32:00 - VC's Perspective On Robotics Startups

40:50 - Why Corporate Venture Capital Investor V/s Venture Investors

59:10 - How Startups Can Get Venture-backed

01:04:00 - Impact of Liquidity For VCs

01:08:18 - Vision of GS Futures

01:09:47 - Outro ------------------------------

#podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups #architecture #design #civilengineering #engineering #constructiontechnology #engineer #architect #civilengineer #concrete #podcaster #podcasting #entrepreneur #podcasts #podcastlife #startups #entrepreneurship

Join us as Omar El-Ayat, general partner at Euclid Ventures, takes us on a journey into the exciting world of vertical SaaS - and explains its phenomenal impact on the construction industry. Discover how purpose-built software is tackling age-old challenges in construction, helping businesses overcome fragmentation and streamline complex processes.

Plus, hear why investing in founders with deep domain expertise is crucial, the importance of addressing critical "hair on fire" problems, and how new technologies like generative AI could influence the next wave of innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how Vertical SaaS differs from horizontal software and why it's essential for the construction industry.
• Learn the importance of domain expertise and industry connections in fostering successful Vertical SaaS ventures.
• Discover the significance of addressing acute pain points ("hair on fire" problems) to drive technology adoption.

Tune in to uncover how Vertical SaaS is not just a trend but a transformative force in the construction industry!

--------------------------------------------

Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com

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.

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Timestamps:

(0:00 - 2:14) - Intro to Guest and Sponsor

(2:14 - 9:30) - Omar's journey as a Venture Investor

(9:30 - 14:15) - How To Spot Large Underserved Industry For Investment

(14:15 - 15:40) - What Is Vertical SaaS

(15:40 - 24:10) - Omar's Approach to Industry where He Is Not An Expert At

(24:10 - 32:27) - Recurring Challenges While Selling In Construction

(32:27 - 48:30) - Omar's Views on Go-To-Market In Construction

(48:30 - 56:20) - Importance of AI while choosing Startups In Vertical Startup

(56:20 - 58:36) - Importance of Profitability While Investing In Startups

(58:36 - 01:10:52) - Learnings Omar's Learned Building Euclid Ventures

(01:10:52 - 01:11:31) - Outro

Are you curious about the latest innovations in sustainable building materials and the challenges of bringing them to market? 🤔

In this episode of Bricks and Bytes Broadcast, we had Gregory Dewerpe, founding partner at AO PropTech, and we got to learn about the complexities of retrofitting for energy efficiency, the role of venture capital in construction tech, and how startups are digitizing the installation process... and many more!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Innovations in sustainable building materials like timber and insulation

✅ Challenges with adoption and commercialization timelines for new materials

✅ How software is enabling more efficient and traceable retrofitting

✅ The impact of regulations and certifications on construction innovation

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:00 Exploring Sustainable Building Materials and New Startups

07:28 Challenges of Insulation and Retrofitting Work

08:27 Regulations and Impact on Construction Industry

Join Owen and Martin as they take you on a journey of May's most groundbreaking conversations in the world of construction tech.

From Berlin to Amsterdam, the pair uncover the secrets behind the industry's most innovative minds and reveal the strategies that are transforming the way we build. Explore billionaire investment strategies from ex Goldman Sachs Managing Director and masterclass framework for innovation implementation.

Prepare to be inspired:

• The power of constraint: How limitations can actually fuel creativity and drive innovation.
• The rapid iteration mindset: Why embracing constant change and experimentation is key to staying ahead.
• The future of automation: How robotics, AI, and data are revolutionising architecture and construction.
• The untapped potential of retrofitting: Why upgrading existing buildings could be the next big thing.

And much more.

—---------------------------

Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com

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.

---------------------------------

(00:00 - 00:37) - Intro to Our Sponsors

(00:37 - 04:09) - What happened last month in Bricks and Bytes

(04:09 - 18:30) - What did we learn last month

(18:30 - 34:48) - Guests we had this month

(34:48 - 36:23) - Bricks and Bytes Broadcast

What does it REALLY take to launch a successful construction tech startup?

KP Reddy, a global authority in AEC and founder of Shadow Ventures, pulls back the curtain and reveals the secrets behind startup success.

Join us for an eye-opening episode with Reddy – a VC, founder, CEO, advisor, investor, professor and author – to learn how to break into the industry. Listen to how he combines expertise in advanced technologies with critical, in-the-trenches experience.

• Discover his unique take on the future of venture capital driven by AI – and how it can transform the way startups are built and funded.
• Key takeaways:
• Founders must remain curious and validate their ideas before launching
• AI could significantly lower barriers to entry for software startups
• The construction tech space is ripe with opportunities for innovation
• Shadow Ventures is supporting early-stage companies with industry expertise and connections

And much more.

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Tune in now to learn from one of the most knowledgeable and experienced voices in the construction tech industry.

Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com

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

-----------------------------------

Timestamps: (00:00 - 02:36) - Intro

(02:36 - 09:30) - KP's Construction Background

(09:30 - 20:06) - Finding The Right Founders In Construction Tech

(20:06 - 23:47) - KP's Experience Writing 3 Books

(23:47 - 30:19) - Advice for Founders Who Just Raised Money

(30:19 - 35:50) - Portfolio Companies That KP Has Invested At

(35:50 - 41:18) - Startups Building Tangible Things

(41:18 - 50:29) - Process Followed In Backend by Shadow Ventures

(50:29 - 59:15) - Corporate Venture Capitalists

(59:15 - 01:12:41) - How VCs Identify Good Robotics Startups

(01:12:41 - 01:19:42) - How Much Importance VCs Give To Profitability

(01:19:42 - 01:20:20) - Outro

In this episode of BBBC, we had Vivin Hegde, GP and founding partner of Zacua Ventures, and we got to learn about Firmus, a groundbreaking software that's revolutionizing the way we approach design coordination and risk mitigation in construction projects... and many more!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How Firmus's AI-driven platform detects and mitigates design issues early on

✅ The challenges of design coordination among stakeholders and how technology can help

✅ Pricing strategies for construction tech startups based on target audience and value

✅ Firmus's funding rounds and what they indicate about the company's growth

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:20 Discussion of Firmus and its AI Design Review Platform

06:09 Focus on 2D Design and Clash Detection

09:38 Challenges of Coordination in the Design Process

13:19 Using Technology and Workflow to Improve Design Coordination

16:26 Similar Companies and Investment in Firmus

22:07 Funding Rounds and Market Trends

24:24 Conclusion

In this episode, we sit down with Parker Mundt, Vice President of Suffolk Technologies. His story is as unique as it is fascinating. Join us as we discover how Parker’s unique background is shaping the future of the construction industry with groundbreaking solutions – and empowering startups.

Listen as Parker shares insider insights on the most promising areas for technological disruption, the key factors driving the adoption of new solutions, and what it takes to build a successful construction tech startup.

Find out:

• The best Go-To-Market strategies on construction tech right now
• The critical role of seamless implementation and demonstrable ROI
• Emerging opportunities in design tech, supply chain, robotics, and more
• Strategies for founders to validate ideas, raise funds, and build investable companies

And much more.

-------------------------

Stay ahead. Get all the news and insider exclusives delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for our newsletter The Bytes Line at: https://bricks-bytes.com

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.

---------------------------------

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 02:32) - Intro to Parker & Our Sponsors

(02:32 - 07:13) - Parker's Journey

(07:14 - 18:19) - About Boost - Built World Accelerator Program

(18:20 - 32:41) - About Suffolk Tech

(32:42 - 39:57) - Capabilities of LLMs and AI

(39:58 - 42:17) - Unicorns Creation in Design Space

(42:18 - 47:07) - Growth Strategies for Construction Tech Startups

(47:08 - 54:36) - Strategy For Go-To-Market and Sales

(54:37 - 01:03:45) - How To Build Better Investable Startup

(01:03:45 - 01:04:47) - Outro