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.

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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/

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

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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