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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
How a €500 million exit led to the birth of a “Neo Builder”

011H a Spanish "Neo builder" is taking an unconventional approach to revolutionizing high-rise residential construction.

Founded by Lucas Carné following his €500 million exit from e-commerce company Privalia, 011H isn't your typical construction company. 

They don't own manufacturing facilities. They don't participate in traditional bidding processes. Instead, they're building a digital platform that connects and coordinates the entire construction ecosystem.

The Batman Approach

011H sees itself as the Batman of construction – a superhero without superpowers who relies on technology to make a difference. 

"We don't pretend to be better architects than any good architect or better on-site manager than any good on-site manager," explains Carné. "We're here to democratise these roles through software."

This philosophy manifests in their unique structure. Half of 011H consists of a software factory – developers, DevOps engineers, and product managers working alongside architects, structural engineers, and project managers. This dual expertise allows them to bridge the gap between digital innovation and practical construction knowledge.

Breaking Down Traditional Silos

The company's approach centers on four key elements: maximizing prefabricated solutions, using low-carbon materials, integrating design and build processes, and comprehensive digitalization. But what sets them apart is how they've woven these elements together through their platform.

Traditional construction often suffers from disconnected processes. 

Architects design buildings without deep consideration for manufacturing constraints. Contractors bid on projects without early input into the design. Suppliers remain isolated from the planning process. 011H's platform breaks down these silos by connecting all stakeholders from day one.

Their system allows architects to access a curated catalog of prefabricated solutions directly through Revit plugins. Engineers can verify connections and compliance in real-time. Project managers can coordinate just-in-time delivery of components. It's a digital thread that runs through the entire construction process.

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The Results Speak for Themselves

While 011H's approach currently results in slightly higher hard costs (4-5% above traditional construction), the benefits are compelling. Projects move 30% faster than conventional builds. For rental properties, this speed translates to a four-point improvement in IRR. Quality improves too, thanks to the controlled conditions of prefabrication.

The platform particularly shines in the design phase.

This efficiency comes from standardized processes and digital tools that automate routine tasks while enabling creative freedom where it matters.

Beyond Traditional Construction

011H isn't just digitising existing processes – they're reimagining the entire construction business model. Their vision is to become a platform where developers can find turnkey projects, architects can discover verified solutions, and contractors can access proven supply chains.

Think of it like Amazon's evolution from retailer to marketplace. 

011H aims to create a construction ecosystem where they don't need to own manufacturing facilities or employ every tradesperson. Instead, they provide the digital infrastructure that enables efficient collaboration and guaranteed outcomes.

This asset-light approach sets them apart from failed construction tech startups that invested heavily in manufacturing facilities. "Some of them lacked humbleness," reflects Carné. "They thought they would build buildings like Apple does iPhones, but construction is different. Every location is different, every land is different, every building code is different."

The Trust Factor

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of 011H's platform is how it addresses construction's trust deficit. The industry is notorious for adversarial relationships between stakeholders. 011H's digital tools provide transparency and real-time data that help build trust through visibility.

Their lean construction management software, called "Builder," has proved so effective that other contractors are now licensing it for their own projects. It transforms the traditional post-it note planning system into a digital tool that coordinates trades, tracks progress, and prevents conflicts.

Looking Ahead

011H is proving their model in Spain's residential sector before expanding to France and other European markets. They're focusing on high-rise buildings in urban areas – not because it's easier, but because that's where the biggest impact lies.

By tackling the most challenging segment first, they're building capabilities that will transfer to other building types.

For construction professionals watching 011H's progress, the key takeaway isn't just about technology. It's about rethinking how construction projects can be delivered. Their platform approach suggests a future where construction becomes more collaborative, more transparent, and more efficient – not through any single innovation, but through better coordination of existing capabilities.

Check out the full episode with Lucas Carné👇👇👇

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