Is the $390M AECOM-Consigli Deal Actually Worth It? (And Why Everyone Has an Opinion)

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Dustin dive into the construction tech industry's hottest acquisition while unpacking what it means for the future of AEC software.

Key topics discussed:

• The AECOM acquisition of Norwegian AI startup Consigli for $390M and whether the valuation is justified

• Engineering consultancies buying software startups: smart strategy or risky bet?

• Dustin's firsthand experience with acquisitions and what actually happens post-deal

• The hidden challenges of integrating AI software into traditional construction firms

• Out-of-the-box LLMs vs. custom-built AI: which wins for construction takeoffs?

• Announcing the AEC Prediction Market closed beta (launching December 8th)

"The level of precision that these models are gonna reach is gonna far exceed even what you would do on your own at some point. And it's very, very close anyway." – Dustin DeVan

Plus: Why Owen's satirical LinkedIn post about the deal went viral, Dustin's impressive turkey trot performance, and the upcoming debate between Luigi and Powers on whether general AI models can truly replace specialized construction tools.

Our Sponsors

Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.co

Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com

BuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:24 Introduction to Live Streaming Challenges 

07:24 Discussion on AECOM's Acquisition of Consigli 

19:19 The King Making Strategy in VC Investments 

24:22 Funding Strategies in Competitive Markets 

26:26 The Challenges of Venture Capital 

29:19 Navigating Market Pressures and Investment Timing 

31:40 UK Construction Market Trends 

34:19 US Construction Landscape and Economic Outlook 

36:10 Innovations in Construction Technology 

38:07 The Future of Robotics in Construction 

41:10 Landing Page Strategies for Startups 

50:48 The Importance of Visuals in Product Presentation 

53:14 Building Trust Through Social Proof 

53:56 Effective Website Design Principles 

55:51 The Role of Terminology in Industry Credibility 

59:07 Innovative Approaches to AI in Construction 

01:02:53 The Upcoming LLM Debate

01:09:20 Launching the AEC Prediction Market