In the late 1960s, the productivity of U.S. construction workers started to drop. So far, it hasn’t stopped. This lagging productivity isn’t unique to the U.S., or even North America. It’s global. But while it’s a troubling trend for the AEC industry, it’s an opportunity for those in the venture investing community—a chance to identify and empower entrepreneurs bringing innovation and the promise of efficiency to an infamously analog industry.
It’s a chance that many VCs in the space are betting on, as illustrated by some of the top recent deals reported. They include investments into AI-powered estimating and automated labor tracking. While our full real-time, database of venture activity is limited to our Venture & Investment Research Track Working Group members—who also have access to quarterly state of the market reports and private closed-session meetings led by subject matter experts—we’ve provided details on a few below.
Bobyard Raises $35 Million
Bobyard, a San Francisco-based AI-native construction estimating platform that initially focused on the complex landscaping trade, has raised a $35 million Series A led by 8VC with participation from Pear VC, Primary Venture Partners, Tishman Speyer, RXR, and Caffeinated Capital. The company plans to use the capital to further improve its AI models and product capabilities in landscaping and expand into additional trades including drywall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and framing. Read more
ConstructionClock Raises $2 Million
ConstructionClock, a Winnipeg-based construction technology platform that automates labor time and attendance tracking for subcontractors using geolocation-based clock-in and clock-out, has raised a $2 million CAD seed round led by Winnipeg VC firm Trillick Ventures with participation from returning investor M25 and a prominent local angel investor. The company plans to use the capital to triple its roughly 3,000-strong customer base by the end of 2026. Read more
Quilt Raises $20 Million
Quilt, a Bay Area-based smart home climate company that makes ultra-efficient ductless heat pump systems to move homes off fossil fuels, has raised a $20 million Series B co-led by Energy Impact Partners and Galvanize with participation from Lowercarbon Capital, Gradient Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Incite Ventures. The new funding will go toward expanding its footprint. Read more
Interested in learning more about the state, activity and outlook for venture activity, innovation and entrepreneurship in the AEC space? Consider joining us at Venture West 2026.
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