Climate change presents a formidable challenge that demands immediate and comprehensive action across all sectors.
Among the most pressing concerns is the building industry, which contributes significantly to global carbon emissions.
The construction sector is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for 37 per cent of global emissions. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme, the production and use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminium have a substantial carbon footprint.
On the other hand, a recent study by S&B Strategy reveals that energy-efficient renovation of building parts such as facades, roofs, windows, and heating systems can unlock two-thirds of the building sector’s CO2 savings potential.
Additionally, the challenges in the building sector are diverse: a low renovation rate, an acute shortage of skilled workers, and much more. However, the main problem lies elsewhere: productivity in construction is too low, and digitalisation is still in its infancy.
Meet WALLROUND
Recognising this urgency, a Berlin-based startup, WALLROUND, has emerged with an ideal solution to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and climate-neutral building stock.
WALLROUND is on a mission to revolutionise the way energy-efficient renovations are executed through the combination of AI-supported technology, project management, and craftsmanship
As a part of our New Kid on the Block series, we at Silicon Canals had the chance to interview Lukas Steinhilber, the co-founder and CEO of WALLROUND. In this article, Steinhilber discusses why he founded WALLROUND, AI technology, challenges, feedback, funding, and more.
Making craftsmanship more efficient, digital, and attractive
Behind WALLROUND’s approach lies a team of seasoned professionals — serial entrepreneur Lukas Steinhilber, product expert Tatiana Wotzasek, and construction veteran Henning von Oesen.
“Last year, I had quite a bit to do with craft businesses and was quite surprised by their working methods and processes. Additionally, after VEHICULUM, I wanted to do something with more real impact. So, I took a closer look at the market and saw the necessity, but I also had many questions. I ended up calling my old friend Henning and had a pretty long evening with him. A few weeks later, we got to work and fortunately were able to convince Tatiana to come on board relatively quickly,” says Lukas Steinhilber, co-founder & CEO.
As a result, the trio has joined forces to create a formula that streamlines energy-efficient renovations, making them faster, transparent, and impactful.
“We all want to contribute to the same things: sustainability, making craftsmanship more exciting and also attractive to young people again. This will be extremely important in the coming years,” continues Steinhilber.
“And we want to help to make craftsmanship more efficient, digital, and attractive. In our view, all three are needed to both boost productivity and get the younger generation excited about the topic again – which are the two basic requirements for a CO2-neutral building stock by 2045,” he adds.
Accurate cost forecasting for planned renovations
The Berlin-based startup has developed AI-supported technology that enables accurate cost forecasting and profitability calculations for planned renovations with just a few clicks.
By combining access to a large pool of craftsmen and integrated project management, WALLROUND aims for optimal work execution from a single source, including scheduling and price commitments.
Steinhilber explains in simple terms, “We renovate multi-family and office buildings to be more energy-efficient, making sure they waste less energy and emit less CO2. Unlike traditional players, we are a single-touchpoint provider and develop digital and operational processes that make things easier, faster, and better for our customers.”
Lack of productivity and limited digitalisation
According to Steinhilber, the building industry faces a multitude of challenges, including a low renovation rate, an acute shortage of skilled labour, as well as regulations, and costs.
However, the German company recognises that the industry’s primary obstacles are its lagging productivity and limited digitalisation.
“We tackle this from both sides: on the one hand, we´re building top-notch technology that enables a convenient, full-service experience for customers, and on the other hand, we establish supply-side processes that ensure higher output per FTE on-site. In our view, this combination is what’s needed to move the needle,” he states.
Tackles with software and tailored renovation processes
“One key reason for low productivity is the lack of digitisation. Over the last two decades, while most industries have evolved and transformed, the construction industry has progressed very little,” explains Steinhilber.
At the core of WALLROUND’s solution lies its AI-supported technology, which provides accurate cost forecasting and profitability calculations for planned renovations with just a few clicks.
“We are developing our own software and renovation processes tailored for our target audience – both of which have the potential to save weeks or even months on renovation projects,” he adds.
This approach guarantees the optimal execution of renovation projects from a single source, including scheduling, price commitments, and seamless coordination among various stakeholders.
“Renovation-as-a-Service”
“We are a full-service provider, which means we are not just an advisor or planner at the beginning of a construction company at the end of the process; we are both and everything in between,” explains Steinhilber.
Consequently, the company’s solution enables more efficient, low-risk, and cost-effective energy renovations than currently possible.
For property owners seeking to renovate a multi-family building, the traditional approach often involves managing planners, architects, energy advisors, scaffolding companies, window companies, facade companies, roofing companies, and much more.
“This is a processual nightmare if you do it without help. Instead, you can visit our platform, use our tools, and let us handle everything. We have a network of partners and designed processes to make it much easier,” he suggests.
“We’ve hit a nerve”
According to Steinhilber, early customers, including private landlords, project developers, and family offices, have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“For example, one customer planned the renovation of two of her buildings for months but never moved forward due to the complexity and lack of time. After we got involved, we were able to move quickly, scope the first project, and get going – in just a few days. Overall, the feedback has been quite positive so far; we feel like we’ve hit a nerve,” he claims.
Funding and hiring
According to Steinhilber, the startup has secured a six-figure investment from a group of experienced angel investors. However, he didn’t disclose the exact figures and names of the investors.
As WALLROUND continues to grow, the company aims to maintain a lean and efficient workforce.
“Our founding team covers many areas with our combined experience. However, as our pipeline continues to grow as it does now, we may hire operational support towards the end of the year or early next year,” Steinhilber concludes.
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