Building for Engineers, Not Investors: Why Billion-Dollar Valuations Aren’t Everything?

In this conversation, Aakash Prasad, CEO and co-founder of InspectMind AI, shares his journey from growing up in a family of engineers to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech-enabled engineering space. He discusses the importance of a beginner mindset, learning through experience, and the significance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Aakash also highlights the role of technology in engineering, the birth of InspectMind AI, and insights gained from participating in Y Combinator and AI Grant. He emphasizes the value of building relationships in the construction tech industry and shares strategies for customer acquisition.   Takeaways Aakash grew up at the intersection of construction and software. Learning by doing is crucial for personal and professional growth. Every company is unique; a beginner mindset is essential. Perseverance is key; the greatest killer of startups is giving up. Building relationships is vital in the construction tech industry. Technology can significantly enhance engineering processes. Customer feedback is essential for product development. Y Combinator provides a strong community for founders. Networking and introductions are more effective than cold outreach. Not every business needs to aim for billion-dollar valuations.   Chapters 00:00 From College to CEO: A Journey Begins 02:33 Learning by Doing: The Importance of Experience 04:53 Skills Development: From College to Entrepreneurship 07:17 The Long Game: Mindset and Perseverance 09:56 Navigating Challenges: The Importance of Taking Steps 12:20 Lessons from Past Ventures: Embracing the Beginner Mindset 15:07 Overcoming Low Points: The Power of Persistence 17:31 Building a Tech-Enabled Engineering Firm 20:00 Different Business Models: Lifestyle vs. Bold Vision 21:17 Understanding the VC vs. Private Equity Mindset 22:37 The Birth of InspectMind AI: From Idea to Execution 25:54 The Importance of Customer Feedback in Product Development 27:28 The Value of Community in Startup Ecosystems 31:17 Navigating Early Customer Acquisition 34:13 Go-to-Market Strategies and Experimentation 35:40 Building Trust in Traditional Industries 37:21 Personal Insights and Recommendations for Founders   Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Igor Starkov shares his journey from immigrating to the United States to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction technology sector. He discusses the challenges and opportunities within the industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategic decision-making. Igor also highlights the significance of customer feedback in product development and the technical challenges faced in creating innovative solutions like Teleworker AI. He offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the necessity of mentorship and learning from past experiences.   Takeaways   Igor Starkov's entrepreneurial journey began after immigrating to the U.S. The construction industry presents unique challenges that require careful navigation. Building strong relationships is crucial for success in business. Simplicity in product design can lead to greater financial success. Startups should focus on customer feedback to refine their products. There is no room for failure in the early stages of a startup. Understanding various business functions is essential for startup founders. Teleworker AI aims to enhance remote work in the construction industry. Technical challenges in hardware development can be significant. Mentorship and learning from others' experiences are vital for growth.   Chapters 00:00 Igor Starkov's Journey: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur 08:52 Lessons Learned: The Hard Truths of Running a Startup 15:52 Building Teleworker AI: Innovations in Construction Tech 23:17 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Navigating the Startup Landscape   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Dennis Dixon, CEO & Co-founder of OQULi, shares his journey from a passionate tech enthusiast to leading a company reimagining compliance in architecture through AI. He walks us through the emotional and strategic challenges of pivoting business models, how CODiii came to life, and why understanding real market needs is essential to long-term success. Dennis emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and continuous learning in both personal growth and product development. He also unpacks insights on user experience, fundraising, and how AI can empower—not replace—creative professionals. The episode concludes with his vision for CODiii and advice for emerging architects and founders.   Takeaways Dennis Dixon’s early passion for technology shaped the foundation of his career. Mentorship played a critical role in his personal and entrepreneurial development. Pivoting business models is not just a strategic shift—it's an emotional one too. A deep understanding of compliance challenges in architecture inspired CODiii. Asking questions and staying curious is key for new graduates. Fundraising should be a tool, not the end goal, for startups. Building authentic relationships and trust leads to real traction. Constant iteration and feedback loops fuel product improvement. AI should serve as a creative amplifier—not a replacement. Community feedback drives meaningful innovation in architecture tech.     Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Dennis Dixon and OQULi 02:26 – Career Journey and Mentorship 04:09 – Founding Stories of OQULi 05:16 – Starting a Company in Today's Landscape 06:30 – Advice for Recent Graduates in Architecture 07:52 – Finding Customers and Market Fit 08:51 – Deep Dive into CODiii 11:31 – Challenges in Building CODiii 12:59 – The Future of the Industry and AI 14:12 – Developing UI/UX for AI Tools 16:38 – Examples of Successful AI Implementations 17:52 – Fundraising vs Bootstrapping 19:09 – Preparing for Go-to-Market   Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this conversation, Or Lakritz, CEO and Co-founder of StructShare, shares his journey from Israel to the forefront of construction technology. He opens up about the challenges of building a startup in one of the most complex and slow-moving industries, and how resilience, strategic thinking, and deep customer understanding helped him navigate those obstacles. Or discusses the importance of building an MVP tailored to real industry pain points, hiring talent that thrives in startup environments, and adjusting sales strategies for a traditionally offline sector. He also offers practical insights into early fundraising and preparing for acquisition—highlighting both the tough lessons and unique opportunities in construction tech.   Takeaways Or Lakritz's path began in Israel, evolving from military service into tech entrepreneurship. The lack of standard practices in construction made it difficult to design scalable solutions. MVP development required isolating procurement and supply chain pain points. Customer acquisition was tough early on due to resistance toward digital adoption. Resilience and belief in the team were crucial during challenging periods like the COVID-19 crisis. In the beginning, startups must often do unscalable things like manual data handling. Construction tech, while tough, offers immense opportunities for impactful innovation. Hiring must align with both startup dynamics and construction-specific knowledge. Sales strategies need to reflect how construction professionals actually work and buy. Fundraising success depends on building a compelling story and deeply knowing your market.    Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Background 01:40 – Journey into Entrepreneurship 04:49 – Challenges in the Construction Tech Industry 07:04 – Proudest Moments and Strategic Partnerships 08:21 – Lessons from Early-Stage Startups 09:56 – Hiring and Team Distribution Strategies 15:23 – Sales Strategies in Construction Tech 20:53 – Fundraising Insights and Strategies 24:09 – Opportunities in Construction Tech 26:59 – Acquisition Insights and Future Considerations 28:13 – Rapid Fire Round and Closing Thoughts Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry hosts Zhihao Zhao and Robin Li, the Co-Founders of Genia, a generative AI platform for structural engineering. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges faced in the structural engineering industry, and the need for innovative solutions like AI to streamline design processes. The conversation delves into the barriers to technology adoption in the AEC industry, the importance of accurate design and communication, and the proud moments in their journey. They also provide a demo of their product, highlighting its value proposition and future developments.   Takeaways Genia AI aims to revolutionize structural engineering with generative design. The traditional design process is tedious and relies heavily on Excel. AI can enhance creativity in structural design. Adoption of new technology in the AEC industry is slow due to high accuracy requirements. Communication of design calculations is crucial for engineers. The MVP concept does not apply well in the AEC space. Genia AI can generate designs significantly faster than traditional methods. Understanding local building codes is essential for structural design. The founders emphasize the importance of patience in the industry. Future developments include expanding support for different materials and international markets.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Genia AI and Founders' Background 01:50 The Challenges in Structural Engineering 03:40 Identifying Pain Points and Market Validation 05:56 Adoption Challenges in the AEC Industry 07:49 The Journey of Genia AI: Milestones and Achievements 09:44 Advice for Innovators in Structural Engineering 11:30 Product Development and Communication with Engineers 13:04 Demonstration of the Genia AI Platform 19:52 Future Developments and Market Expansion  📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Matias Sigal, CEO of REplace, shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of impact in business, particularly in the climate tech sector. He discusses the differences between the entrepreneurial ecosystems in Argentina and Israel, highlighting the networking opportunities in Tel Aviv. Matias elaborates on his ideation process, the challenges of building a startup, and the development of the Ripple platform, which aims to streamline the development of renewable energy projects. He concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the climate tech space and shares insights from his personal experiences.   takeaways Matias always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Impact is crucial in building a business. Tel Aviv offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Cultural differences shape entrepreneurial experiences. Building relationships is key to fundraising success. The ideation process requires thorough research and validation. MVP development is a collaborative effort. Navigating the startup landscape involves parallel advancements. The Ripple platform addresses significant challenges in renewable energy. Climate tech can be profitable while combating climate change.   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Michael Fortenberry, CEO and co-founder of Protiv, shares his journey from a construction background to launching a tech solution tailored for the industry. He emphasizes the power of mentorship, the impact of a strong company culture, and the urgent need for innovation to tackle labor shortages and improve efficiency. Michael dives into the challenges of market research in construction, the emerging role of robotics, and why empowering employees and maintaining daily accountability can transform project outcomes.   Takeaways Michael’s roots in construction were shaped by his father’s influence. Mentorship is key to unlocking growth and leadership. A thriving company culture drives innovation and retention. Protiv was born to fix broken workflows in construction management. Good market research = knowing what field teams actually need. AI and robotics are redefining the future of construction. Solving the labor shortage requires both tech and people-first thinking. Empowered employees = productive, loyal teams. Daily accountability is a simple yet powerful performance driver. Industry events remain goldmines for relationship-building and marketing.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Fortenberry and His Journey 02:14 Mentorship and Lifelong Learning 05:03 Building People, Not Just Structures 05:57 The Birth of Protiv and Its Challenges 10:18 Market Research and Validation in Construction 12:38 The Future of Technology in Construction 15:22 Addressing Labor Shortages with Robotics 18:31 Company Culture and Employee Empowerment 21:11 Innovations in Incentive Management 25:03 The Importance of Daily Accountability 27:01 Marketing Strategies for Construction Tech 30:39 Rapid Fire Round and Personal Insights   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Tyler Campbell, founder of FieldProof, shares his journey from working in his family's construction business to creating a platform that connects field workers with technology solutions. He discusses the challenges faced by construction tech startups, the importance of understanding market dynamics, and the need for structured feedback from field workers. Tyler emphasizes the significance of building relationships in the industry and offers insights on targeting the right market for growth. He also highlights the value of mentorship and the lessons learned from his experiences in the construction technology space.   Takeaways Tyler's journey in construction began with his family's business. FieldProof aims to connect field workers with technology solutions. Understanding the unique needs of field workers is crucial for tech adoption. Startups should focus on solving specific problems for targeted markets. Building relationships is key to success in the construction industry. Mentorship can provide valuable insights and guidance for founders. The construction tech landscape is diverse and requires tailored approaches. Feedback from field workers can drive innovation in technology. Networking at industry events is essential for building connections. Patience and focus are vital for long-term success in startups.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Tyler Campbell and FieldProof 00:57 Tyler's Journey in Construction and Entrepreneurship 03:05 The Importance of Field Feedback in Construction Tech 05:49 Challenges of Selling to the Field vs. Office 08:00 Understanding the Diverse U.S. Construction Market 08:37 Top Frustrations in Construction Technology 11:37 The Need for Unique Solutions in Construction Tech 13:13 The Role of Venture Capital in Startup Growth 15:17 The Importance of Targeting the Right Clients 17:05 The Long-Term Game in Construction Tech 19:58 Learning from Successful Companies like Procore 24:32 The Challenges of Bootstrapping a Business 26:13 Navigating Market Entry and Building Relationships 30:17 Key Takeaways from the Construction Brothers Podcast 31:35 Essential Conferences for Founders in the Field 33:50 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching 37:36 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this engaging conversation, Rada Daleva, project lead at Studio Tim Fu, shares her journey through architecture and the integration of AI in design. She discusses her proudest moments, the importance of mentorship, and offers valuable advice for aspiring architects. Rada also highlights the unique culture at Studio Tim Fu, the future of AI in architecture, and showcases a significant project—the Lake Bled Villas. The discussion emphasizes the balance between AI and human creativity, the need for innovative education in architecture, and concludes with a rapid-fire round of insights.   Takeaways Rada’s journey began with a bachelor’s in architecture at Oxford. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her career. AI integration in architecture is crucial for innovation. Curiosity and exploration are key for aspiring architects. Midjourney is a recommended tool for experimentation. Studio Tim Fu promotes a healthy work-life balance. AI allows for quicker design outcomes compared to traditional methods. Open knowledge sharing is vital in the architecture industry. The Lake Bled project received high praise from local authorities. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Architecture and AI 02:26 Proud Moments and Mentorship 04:15 Advice for Aspiring Architects 05:45 Exploring Studio Tim Fu’s Culture 06:47 Daily Life as a Project Lead 08:56 The Future of AI in Architecture 12:28 Case Study: Lake Bled Project 17:40 Balancing AI and Human Creativity 19:41 Intuition in Design Decisions 24:17 Teaching Architecture and AI 26:55 Rapid Fire Round

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry interviews Rahul Vaishnav, CTO of Flowlly, about his journey in the construction industry and the innovative AI solutions his startup is developing. They discuss the importance of ethical business practices, the challenges of sales in tech startups, and the technical hurdles faced in AI development. Rahul shares insights on leadership, the significance of knowledge transfer in construction, and offers advice for aspiring civil engineers and entrepreneurs. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI in the construction sector and the importance of perseverance in the startup journey.   Takeaway Rahul emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in harsh working environments. Ethical business practices can thrive even in difficult conditions. Technology accelerates progress in construction and other industries. Leadership involves taking risks and making tough decisions. Sales is a critical skill that technical founders often underestimate. Focusing on a core solution is essential for startup success. AI can facilitate knowledge transfer in construction projects. Technical challenges in AI development require nuanced solutions. Customer satisfaction is a key metric for evaluating AI performance. Aspiring entrepreneurs should learn from experienced professionals.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rahul Vaishnav and Flowlly 03:28 Career Highlights and Leadership Lessons 06:21 The Birth of Flowlly and Its Vision 09:48 Challenges and Perseverance in Startup Journey 12:58 Sales Challenges and Insights 16:03 Reflections on Product Development and Focus 17:49 Deep Dive into Flowlly's Product Features 22:04 Automating Workflows with AI 25:44 Knowledge Transfer in Construction Projects 28:07 Challenges in Building AI Features 32:56 Evaluating AI Performance 34:55 Target Audience for Flowlly 36:57 Engaging with Flowlly 37:40 Advice for Aspiring Civil Engineers 40:29 Staying Updated in AI 42:46 Final Thoughts on Startup Opportunities   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/