What if the construction industry is on the brink of a transformation as significant as the rise of the internet? With construction representing a massive portion of global GDP and a growing demand for infrastructure, how can innovation meet the challenge of a shrinking skilled labor force?
In this episode, Patric Hellermann and Shub Bhattacharya, co-founders of Foundamental and voices behind the Practical Nerds podcast, sit down with host Riccardo Cosentino to explain why they believe construction is the next major frontier for venture capital. They discuss how venture capital acts as a flywheel—fueling innovation, enabling founders, and driving customer adoption—and why patience and compounding value are crucial in this sector. Patric and Shub highlight the importance of understanding construction’s unique complexities, explain why AI should be seen as an enabler rather than the main solution, and examine how hidden innovations and new business models, like cloud manufacturing, are reshaping the industry.
“I really feel like we are in what I would describe as the equivalent of the internet 1.0 era in construction. Imagine you are somewhere, say 1994 or 1995, and someone tells you, there's an opportunity to be investing for the next decade or two in the internet. That would be a tremendous opportunity. Perhaps one of the greatest venture opportunities of a lifetime, maybe the greatest, right? I think it feels comparable. It feels very large. ” — Shub Bhattacharya
Key Takeaways
- The broader macroeconomic and geopolitical trends influencing construction.
- The sector’s massive demand growth, coupled with a shrinking labor supply, presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for innovation.
- True disruption often starts with solving "boring" but fundamental problems, compounding value over time.
- How the right investments can transform how we build, maintain, and innovate for the future.
The conversation doesn’t stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:
- Follow Navigating Major Programmes
- Follow Riccardo Cosentino
- Listen to the Practical Nerds Podcast
- Learn About Foundamental
- Follow Patric Hellermann
- Follow Shub Bhattacharya
- Read Riccardo’s latest at www.riccardocosentino.com
Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.
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