What inspired the creation of BuildHero AI?

The idea for BuildHero AI began in 2022, when Conor was running construction companies during COVID and exploring new technologies. After testing a LiDAR project management app, he realized its potential not just for operations, but for empowering sales teams and clients to streamline project bids and communication. Around the same time, Charlie was managing his own home renovations and saw firsthand how outdated and frustrating existing contractor platforms were—he joked that it felt like using the yellow pages. Together, they recognized an opportunity to solve the industry’s biggest pain points—communication, transparency, and efficiency—using AI. What started as a simple tool to bridge gaps between clients, sales, and contractors evolved into BuildHero AI.

What was the “aha” moment that led to taking the leap?

The “aha” moment came as Conor spoke with people across the construction industry and began connecting the dots. He realized the product was highly scalable with countless use cases, and that the timing was perfect. The industry hasn’t adopted technology like other industries have, but much of the older generation is retiring, turning businesses over to their family or private equity—a new group eager to embrace technology. Conor saw everything aligning—new tech, industry readiness, and a huge opportunity—and knew this was the moment to take the leap.

How has BuildHero AI evolved, and found product-market fit?

BuildHero AI has come a long way from its early focus on residential remodels—helping homeowners who didn’t know where to start with a kitchen or condo renovation. As the platform grew, the team discovered demand from national franchise operators managing hundreds of restaurant remodels across markets. That opened the door to even bigger opportunities, like helping cities tackle affordable housing projects by streamlining development and adding smarter controls and analytics. This in turn created huge economic opportunities for smaller developers and contractors to get that work when historically they weren’t big enough to go through the process. 

On the tech side, Charlie evolved the platform beyond its early dependence on iOS and LiDAR. Thanks to advances in AI and computer vision, BuildHero AI now works across most devices, dramatically expanding accessibility and reach.

How did BuildHero AI validate the idea and test it with early users?

The team got overwhelming interest from contractors early on. So much that they had to cap initial signups at 50 to create a manageable test market. With a strict vetting process that accepts only 25–30% of applicants, they ensured every project could be guaranteed. Early users confirmed the biggest pain point for homeowners: how do you know a contractor can actually do the job? By addressing that uncertainty, BuildHero AI was able to test its value from day one.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

One of the biggest challenges for the BuildHero AI team has been navigating uncharted territory—both technically and strategically. On the tech side, Charlie explains that they’re creating a non-standard app that pushes the limits of what’s been done with mobile and LiDAR, which makes finding the right experts a challenge. Conor adds that building something entirely new is never a smooth path. Beyond the tech, they’ve also faced the challenge of focus—narrowing their many use cases and finding investors who truly understand the problems they’re solving. Over time, that’s led them to a small group of partners who share their vision for transforming construction through technology.

What’s an early mistake that turned into a valuable lesson?

In the early days, Conor and Charlie both learned the importance of focus and intentionality. Conor recalls showing up at a Techstars launch event in San Francisco unprepared, expecting to network casually and realizing instead how critical it is to invest time where it truly moves the company forward. Charlie had a similar lesson on the fundraising side: early on, they spent a lot of time talking to investors outside their vertical. While those conversations were valuable, he learned that being selective—especially about who understands your space—is essential. Both experiences taught them that time is one of a startup’s most precious resources, and where you spend it can make all the difference.

What can other pre-seed founders learn from BuildHero AI’s experiences?

Conor and Charlie’s advice for other pre-seed founders is simple: focus on building your product before chasing investment. As Charlie notes, there’s a common belief that you can raise money with just an idea—but that’s rarely true today. Conor adds that while some founders with established reputations might pull it off, most won’t get far without a tangible product and real traction. The market has shifted, and investors now want proof of progress, not just potential.

What is a common misconception about being an early-stage founder?

Being an early-stage founder, Conor says, isn’t as glamorous as people imagine. It can be lonely—long stretches of silence, moments of doubt, and wondering if you’re a little crazy for believing so deeply in something that doesn’t exist yet. But those quiet stretches make the wins even sweeter. Now, after pushing through that uncertainty, the BuildHero AI team is gaining momentum.

What’s next for BuildHero AI?

It’s an exciting time for BuildHero AI as the team grows in LA. They’re focused on launching their MVP by the end of the year and closing out their pre-seed round—turning early momentum into the next phase of growth.