The construction industry plays a significant role in the UK’s economic growth, generating an annual revenue of £113 billion. While this has been a traditionally physical labour-intensive industry, the integration of technology in recent years has significantly bolstered efficiency and safety while reducing costs. An integral part of this transformation is the emergence and impact of startups founded in or after 2020, based in the capital city, London. Taking a fresh approach to the industry’s challenges, these startups have brought innovative solutions ranging from optimising supply chain systems to creating eco-conscious buildings.
These game-changing startups are revolutionising the traditional construction industry. By streamlining supply chains, enabling online construction equipment rentals, improving property management, offering AI solutions for construction incorporating Machine Learning, introducing software for business solutions and providing automated road maintenance vehicles, these startups strive for efficiency. They carve a path for the future of the industry, demonstrating how we can build smarter and safer structures, optimise our resources, and implement sustainable practices.
The following are some of the standout startups that are paving the way for the new era of the construction industry in the United Kingdom. Each has its unique vision for the future of this sector, including an array of innovative technologies and strategies to transform the industry.
Materials Market
Born out of an ambition to revolutionise supplies in the construction industry, Materials Market was founded by Andrew Haehn and Samuel Hunt. The startup offers an innovative platform which connects customers with suppliers, optimising the procurement process to ensure project timelines aren’t delayed due to material shortages. Find them on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
GetMyEquipment
Founded by Stephen Lewin, GetMyEquipment offers a unique platform for construction equipment rentals. With a broad range of equipment available, businesses can now rent what they need only when they need it, optimising their operating costs and supporting smaller businesses with more limited equipment resources.
Blackbrook Capital
In the realms of property management and real estate, stands a startup named Blackbrook Capital. Although not much is currently disclosed about the founders or the exact nature of their operations, Blackbrook Capital demonstrates how startups can bring new insights and practices to established industry areas. Check out more about what they do on their LinkedIn page.
Kasawoo
Not just focusing on the process of construction, but what’s built, Kasawoo is a London-based startup that’s transforming the Architecture, Construction, and Interior Design sectors. Although the founders have chosen to remain unknown, their work is reflective of their commitment to making the industry more aesthetic, efficient and digital. Find more about Kasawoo on their Twitter and LinkedIn page.
OptiStructure
From the mind of Nikolas Fotilas comes OptiStructure, deploying Artificial Intelligence for the construction industry. The solution is designed to connect with structural design software and optimise the design based on a chosen variable, like cost, to deliver greater efficiencies and cost savings on large-scale projects.
Vast Dreams
Vast Dreams aims to be a one-stop solution for businesses looking for comprehensive software infrastructure support. Co-founded by Abhishek Sehgal, Aditi Garg and Swarnab Roy, the startup offers a range of services. From automation and AI-powered data infrastructure to Cyber Security provisions and digital marketing support, they cater to industries like Banking, Construction, Healthcare and more. To know more, look at their Facebook and LinkedIn page.
Speckle
Founded by Dimitrie Stefanescu and Matteo Cominetti, Speckle is aiming at creating open source digital infrastructure for anything designed in 3D. They handle interoperability between software silos, real-time collaboration, data management, and automation. Stay updated with their progress on their Twitter and LinkedIn page.
Cercula
Cofounded by Izzy Gough and Tim Hawkins, Cercula emphasizes the importance of carbon footprint in the construction industry. Their database develop carbon metrics for building projects and construction, providing users with eco-friendly planning options. Discover more about Cercula on their Twitter and LinkedIn page.
Robotiz3d
Robotiz3d promotes the principle of automation in the road maintenance sector of the construction industry. The brainchild of Lisa Layzell, Paolo Paoletti, and Sebastiano Fichera, the company aims to address pothole problems by combining robotics, AI, and autonomous vehicle technologies. Get more detailed insights on their Twitter and LinkedIn page.
K-HAUS – netZero Homes
Brainchild of Mark Pittaway, K-HAUS – netZero Homes, specializes in providing well-engineered, affordable, and eco-friendly offsite solutions for builders, landowners, and developers. To be updated with their strides, follow their LinkedIn page.
The Worktop Library
With Maria Kairuz as a founder, The Worktop Library, another London-based startup, emerged as as reliable supplier of stone worktops, granite kitchen worktops, and sintered stones, including quartz worktops and porcelain worktops. The startup can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
