Bobyard

Bobyard, founded in 2023, builds AI infrastructure for construction trades. Its platform applies computer vision and natural language processing to read and analyse architectural and construction drawings in the manner of an experienced estimator, automatically performing the material measurement and counting known as takeoff and producing estimates in minutes rather than hours or days. The company reports that this is roughly ten times faster than manual takeoff work, with significantly fewer mistakes.

The engineering work spans computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning applied to construction drawings, with applications in automated material takeoff and pre-construction estimating. The platform is used across construction and a range of trades, including landscaping, finishes, electrical, plumbing and mechanical; having begun with landscaping, the company is expanding into additional trades.

Bobyard raised $35m in a Series A round and counts 8VC, Pear VC, Primary Venture Partners, Tishman Speyer, RXR and Caffeinated Capital among its investors. It was founded by Michael Ding, a Stanford-trained engineer, and describes its mission as modernising how the world gets built, one trade at a time.