This week:

- The trillion-dollar opportunity in AEC services

- AI assistants revolutionizing architecture and engineering firms

- Challenging SaaS orthodoxy in the construction industry

- ERP migration: the untapped market in construction

- Data lakes and the future of AEC service providers

In this episode, Shub and Patric dive deep into the vast potential of service-oriented business models in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. They discuss how companies that focus on delivering services, rather than just software, can tap into a trillion-dollar market opportunity. The conversation explores how AI-powered assistants can help architecture and engineering firms overcome resource limitations, improve efficiency, and boost profitability.

Shub and Patric also challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding software-as-a-service (SaaS) models in the AEC sector, arguing that the industry's unique characteristics demand a different approach. They highlight the massive untapped market for enterprise resource planning (ERP) migration services, as many AEC firms struggle with outdated and inefficient software systems.

The discussion then turns to the concept of a "Palantir of Construction," a company that could revolutionize decision-making in the industry by leveraging AI to interpret complex, unstructured data. Finally, Shub and Patric explore the potential for service-as-a-product companies to become custodians of valuable industry data, creating comprehensive data lakes that can drive innovation and provide insights for the entire AEC sector.

Throughout the episode, Shub and Patric offer counterintuitive insights and fresh perspectives on the future of technology in the construction industry, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, services, and AEC innovation.

Chapters

(00:00 ) Introduction and Small Talk

(01:00 ) The Convergence of Ideas: Venture-Backed Startups and Integration Services

(06:22 ) Exploring Opportunities in the AEC Industry

(09:06 ) ERP Migration and Data Lakes

(14:19 ) Debating the Choice: Large Firms vs. Small One-Person Shops

(25:03 ) Choosing the Right Business Model

(27:30 ) Unlocking Larger Value Pools

(29:26 ) Faster Sales Cycles and Net Profitability

(30:46 ) Building a Distribution Channel

(34:09 ) Accelerating Transformation in the Industry

(38:33 ) Net Profitability from Day One

(43:09 ) The Role of Data Lakes

(46:32 ) Driving Expertise and Specialization

(49:58 ) The Importance of Service Provision

(51:37 ) Challenging Conventional Wisdom