Episode Overview
In this episode, Kyle welcomes Austin Yount, Partner at Brick & Mortar Ventures, a venture capital firm backed by United Rentals, Home Depot, and Autodesk. Austin shares how Brick & Mortar identifies and supports emerging software and hardware companies driving innovation across construction and rental.
The discussion covers the rise of robotics, electrification, and autonomy, and what these trends mean for the future of the rental industry. Austin also offers insights into what makes a great founder, why grit matters, and how data and AI are shaping the next wave of industrial technology.
Timestamps:
- 06:21 – Austin Yount’s journey: from baseball to venture capital
- 11:47 – Investment philosophy: what makes a great investment
- 17:04 – Qualities of successful founders and teams
- 19:01 – Trends in construction technology and future outlook
- 21:16 – The rise of construction robotics
- 23:36 – The impact of electrification and autonomy
- 24:44 – AI’s growing role in construction
- 26:54 – Preparing for AI and data management
- 30:46 – Investments in innovative companies
- 36:30 – Advice for founders in the rental industry
