Southeast’s BuildTech Ecosystem Thrives Amid Construction Growth

News Summary

The Southeast region of the United States is experiencing significant growth in the construction industry, with notable startups strengthening the BuildTech ecosystem. Companies like ProNovos are innovating processes, addressing cash flow challenges, and enhancing contractor payments. Events like BuildTech Connect showcase emerging technologies and startups focused on transforming construction practices. The rise of construction technology and PropTech startups signals a new era of innovation and opportunity in the region, with the upcoming Southeast Build Conference set to further connect industry professionals.

Southeast’s Construction Boom Fuels Growth in BuildTech Startups

The Southeast region of the United States is currently witnessing a remarkable surge in its construction industry, highlighted by the sight of cranes dotting the skylines of major cities such as Metro Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and Miami. This expansion not only points to booming construction activity but also to the rise of a vibrant BuildTech ecosystem, which encompasses both construction technology startups and PropTech ventures.

As construction demands increase, innovative startups are stepping forward to redefine traditional approaches in various domains including design, financing, and the construction process itself. The goal of these companies is to tackle long-standing challenges within the industry, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness overall.

Emerging Solutions for Payment Difficulties

ProNovos, an Atlanta-based startup, is one example of a company leading the charge in this area. It provides forecasting tools and financial insights that aim to streamline contractor payments and alleviate delays commonly experienced in the sector. The typical average Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) for construction companies ranges from 51 to 83 days, resulting in significant cash flow problems—especially for subcontractors who rely on timely payments to manage their operations.

In response to these issues, ProNovos has recently introduced a QuickPay feature designed to expedite payments to subcontractors, thus addressing the critical payment cycle problems that plague the industry.

BuildTech Connect: A Gathering of Innovators

The technological advancements within the construction sphere were highlighted at the inaugural BuildTech Connect event held in downtown Atlanta. Organized by major players such as Skanska, Atlanta Tech Village, and Atlanta Ventures, this event emphasized the transformative role of technology in the construction sector. Notable discussions included insights from leaders of various startups focused on robotics, architecture, and construction analytics.

A Growing Number of Startups

According to data from Crunchbase, the Southeast is currently home to an impressive 679 companies engaged in various facets of construction, including PropTech, smart building, and BuildTech. This robust ecosystem has also seen several high-profile acquisitions, further affirming the viability of this sector. Recent transactions include the acquisition of Ladder, a construction workforce platform based in Atlanta, and Flashtract, a billing and payments platform. Additionally, Procore’s acquisition of Levelset, a New Orleans-based construction payments SaaS platform, for $500 million in 2021, underscores the potential in this growing market.

Highlighted Startups in the Region

The Southeast region also boasts a variety of notable construction and PropTech startups, each contributing uniquely to the industry. For instance:

• Kairos, based in Atlanta, specializes in operational risk management technologies and recently raised $5.1 million.
• A contract intelligence platform led by Josh Levy in Atlanta has achieved $21.5 million in Series B funding in 2024.
• Kaitlin Hagan’s recruitment platform for commercial construction is making strides from Atlanta.
• Jonathan Dickerson’s marketplace connecting lenders and borrowers is operating out of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• The Atlanta startup SmartPM, led by Michael Pink, focuses on AI-driven project controls and raised $5.5 million in a Series A funding round in 2024.
• A robotics systems startup based in Durham, North Carolina, raised $12.4 million in late 2023.
• An architecture firm led by Sandeep Ahuja secured $30 million Series B funding back in 2021 from Atlanta.
• Construction software spearheaded by Tommy Linstroth, based in Savannah, Georgia, raised $1.1 million in a seed round.
• A customer engagement platform from New Orleans led by Jack Carrere raised $25 million in Series A funding in 2024.
• An innovative asset management startup led by Connor Offutt in Atlanta raised $4 million in a seed round in 2025.
• A sustainable building materials company in Oxford, North Carolina, raised $10 million Series A funding in 2023.
• A safety technology firm located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, has also begun its journey with a pre-seed round in 2024.

Focus on Real Estate Ventures

Besides construction, the Southeast is also nurturing startups that address real estate investing, rentals, and homeownership issues. Companies like Falaya from Baton Rouge, RentCheck from New Orleans, and Smart Alto from Birmingham are emerging from various cities, including Charlotte and Atlanta, making significant contributions to the local BuildTech landscape.

Future Events Highlighting Industry Growth

Looking ahead, the Southeast Build Conference (SEBC) is scheduled for July 24-25, 2025, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida. This event aims to showcase innovations within the industry and foster connections among professionals. Miter Brands has confirmed its role as a gold sponsor for the SEBC, which will feature products from well-respected manufacturers such as PGT Custom Windows and Doors and MI Windows and Doors.

With a strong foundation and a multitude of startups rising to address pressing issues in construction, the Southeast’s BuildTech ecosystem appears well-positioned for continued growth and innovation in the coming years.

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Additional Resources

• Hypepotamus: BuildTech Startups to Know in 2025
• ENR: Southeast Builders See Demand Rising in 22
• Morningstar: Miter Brands to Attend and Sponsor Southeast Building Conference
• Flagler News Weekly: Future Builders of America Team Wins at SEBC
• PR Newswire: BuildTech Asia 2024 Advances Regional Collaboration
• Wikipedia: Construction
• Google Search: BuildTech
• Google Scholar: Construction Technology
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
• Google News: BuildTech