Start-Up to Grown-Up: Why the industry needs courageous new thinkers

Start-Up to Grown-Up: Why the industry needs courageous new thinkers by Kai Weist | June 18th, 2025 back to the overview page The construction and real estate industry is at a turning point. While the requirements for planning, construction and operation are changing rapidly, much of the day-to-day work still feels like it belongs to another decade: analogue processes, rigid structures, hesitant digitalization. It was precisely in this area of tension that we began our journey with BIM GLW – as a start-up with a vision, but without a map. Today, we look back on a journey that has changed us. From the initial idea to the established organization, it has been a journey full of courage, setbacks, progress and conviction. In this article, we explain why starting up in the construction world is particularly challenging, what it means to take responsibility – and why, now more than ever, we need courageous new thinkers who are prepared to leave the beaten track. The beginning: vision, courage and a leap into the unknown When we founded BIM GLW, our world was different from today. We were at the beginning of a path that was not clearly illuminated – but we had a strong conviction in our luggage: that the construction industry must become more digital, more efficient and more transparent. Our start-up was not just a company, but an attitude: we wanted to question the status quo, think in new ways – and also break new ground. The beginning was characterized by a spirit of optimism. At the same time, it was a leap into the unknown. In the midst of a complex and conservative environment, we dared to rethink processes using digital methods. Our focus was on Building Information Modeling (BIM) – not as a buzzword, but as a real tool for change. We wanted to show that digital transformation is not just an IT project, but a cultural change that requires courageous minds and practical implementation. We knew that digitalization doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to be used correctly. But enthusiasm alone is not enough. The everyday life of a start-up brings challenges that are often underestimated from the outside. Financing rounds, customer acquisition, setting up functioning structures – all of this requires not only passion, but also resilience. It takes a willingness to take responsibility, make decisions in the face of uncertainty and never lose sight of your own vision. Setbacks are just as much a part of founding a company as moments of success. The key is to keep at it – and to keep learning every day. The rocky road: Why founding a company in Germany requires special courage Starting a business in a country like Germany is not a sure-fire success. Although there is a lot of talk about “start-up support” and “innovation”, many young entrepreneurs experience a different reality. The path through the bureaucratic jungle is long and often frustrating.We ourselves had to submit countless applications, understand regulations, fill out forms – just to be able to take the first steps at all. Instead of inspiring with innovative ideas, we were often preoccupied with paragraphs and approval processes. It often felt as if we were failing not because of the idea, but because of the structure. There are many funding programs – but finding, understanding and using them is like a science in itself. Furthermore, in the construction industry in particular, young founders encounter an industry that functions traditionally – and is often skeptical about new things. The will to innovate is not always noticeable. So it takes more than just a good idea. It takes courage to stand up to resistance, not to be discouraged – and to stay the course even in the face of headwinds. After all, those who stick to their convictions when others turn their backs on them not only change their project, but also their mindset. This makes entrepreneurship in Germany a particular challenge. But it also makes it particularly valuable. Because those who fight their way through here not only bring an innovative spirit with them – but also the stamina needed for real transformation. And that is exactly what the construction and real estate industry needs more urgently than ever. From Start-Up to Grown-Up: maturity, structure and still hungry Today – a few years after our foundation – we no longer see ourselves as a start-up. We have grown, learned, reflected and structured ourselves. We call ourselves “Grown-up”, not because we are “finished”, but because we have taken on responsibility: For our employees, our customers and our vision. What does that mean in concrete terms? We have established clear processes, built up reliable project structures and expanded our team. We have not only professionalized internally, we have also learned to deal with complexity more confidently. Our projects have become bigger, our customers more numerous, but our passion has remained the same. Because the fire that drove us to found the company is still burning. We know that: Innovation must not stop just because a company grows. On the contrary. Mature companies have a responsibility to remain courageous. They must not become comfortable, but must create space – for new things, for experiments, for lateral thinking. Structure should not be a cage, but a springboard. This is exactly what we do at BIM GLW. We are not just a service provider for BIM and digital project management: we see ourselves as a driving force, trailblazer and enabler. The transformation into an established organization also brings new roles with it. Today, we are not only the creators of our own ideas – we are also sparring partners for young companies, mentors for talented people and a source of inspiration for the industry. We know how valuable experience is – but also how refreshing it is to have an outside perspective. And that is perhaps the best development of all. Why the industry needs courageous new thinkers – now more than ever The construction and

Trends in the construction industry: between innovation and investment backlog

Trends in the construction industry: between innovation and investment backlog by Anton Hulm | June 5th, 2025 back to the overview page The construction industry is increasingly recognizing the enormous potential of digital technologies – and yet there is still a gap between theoretical possibilities and actual practice. While building information modeling (BIM), AI drones and the like have long been available, analogue reality still prevails on many construction sites. Paper plans, manual processes and a lack of digital interfaces still characterize everyday life. Digital tools could not only increase efficiency, but also reduce error rates, shorten construction times and significantly improve collaboration between all parties involved. Isn’t it time to combine tried-and-tested methods with the possibilities of digitalization – to combine the best of both worlds and make the industry fit for the future? Digitalization in construction – from hype to reality From laser scanning and the use of artificial intelligence to building information modeling (BIM) – many digital technologies promise enormous progress for the construction and real estate industry. But where are these innovations today on the path from hype to productive application? And how can the digital maturity level of the industry be quantified? The Gartner Hype Cycle and industry-specific digitalization indices provide an overview. In the following, we look at the current Hype Cycle 2025 with a focus on construction and real estate as well as two key indicators: the Digital Real Estate Index (DRE-i) and the new Digitalization Index Construction (DIB) for Germany. The aim is to present the degree of digitalization in the industry in a tangible and comprehensible way. The hype cycle illustrates where technologies such as blockchain, AI, BIM, laser scanning, IoT, sensor technology, AR/VR and robotics are currently in the cycle. While some technologies such as BIM are on the way to productive maturity, others such as AI or blockchain are still at the peak of exaggerated expectations. Many are in the so-called valley of disappointment – a critical moment at which it is decided whether market penetration will occur or not. Changing technologies: Ten years of digital development in the construction and real estate industry A review of the last ten years, based on the Digital Real Estate Report 2025, shows the following developments: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has evolved over the years from a visionary topic to an established technology. Continuously rated as “in use” since 2016, it is now considered the standard for large planning projects. According to the report, the proportion of BIM users is stable at around 70%. Artificial intelligence (AI) has only been increasingly discussed in the construction and real estate industry since 2019/2020. Its use has so far been limited to pilot projects and sub-areas such as design optimization or photo documentation analysis. In the 2025 report, AI is again rated as having “high potential”, but still has “low market penetration”. Augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) was on the rise between 2016 and 2019, but was rarely used productively after initial enthusiasm. The 2025 report notes stagnating use and points out that although VR is used for presentations, it does not play a major role in day-to-day business. Laser scanning was limited to surveying for a long time. Since 2022, it has been increasingly combined with AI-supported analysis. According to the report, market penetration is “moderately increasing”, particularly due to the availability of inexpensive hardware and cloud-based analysis. Blockchain and Web3: According to the Digital Real Estate Report 2025, blockchain and Web3 applications are only marginally relevant in practice compared to other technologies. Although the benefits are recognized in theory – for transparent transactions, secure proof of ownership or automated smart contracts, for example – the corresponding applications are barely represented in actual construction projects. Market penetration remains low and the potential is assessed as “medium”. These developments are also reflected in the assessments of the experts surveyed in the Digital Real Estate Report 2025. Reifegrad: Wo stehen wir wirklich? Despite the multitude of available technologies, the central question is: How far along is the construction and real estate industry really in terms of digitalization? Two informative indices provide well-founded answers to this question. Digital Real Estate Index (DRE-i) The DRE-i 2025, compiled by pom+, shows: The average digital maturity level is only 4.0 out of 10 points – a decline on the previous year. Planners, construction companies and investors are particularly affected. Reasons: low investment, lack of change management, insufficient data basis. Only 16% actively use AI, for example. In the view of many respondents, the industry is in the “valley of digital disillusionment”. Digitization Index Construction (DIB) The new index from the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) is intended to measure how digital the German construction industry is each year – differentiated according to technologies, strategies and cultural factors. Comprehensive data is still lacking, but initial pilot analyses show: There is a lot of potential, particularly through targeted investments, better data availability and increased qualification. The DIB therefore supplements the DRE-i with a construction industry-specific perspective. These indices serve to measure the digital maturity level of the industry and make it tangible – and thus also to identify where potential is hidden and what action is needed. Between aspiration and implementation: why digital progress is stalling Although many companies have already introduced technologies, there is often a lack of strategic anchoring and cultural embedding. It is not enough to have tools – they must be used in a value-adding, targeted and process-integrated manner. This requires not only technical know-how, but also the courage to embrace change, clear responsibilities and interdisciplinary collaboration. In reality, the “digital middle ages” often still prevail: projects run in data silos, software solutions are used in an isolated and uncoordinated manner, information is missing or is collected multiple times. Many have invested – but without a holistic strategy and operational implementation, productivity gains fail to materialize. There are tried and tested methods that can serve as a bridge: Approaches such

Cooperation as a success factor in the construction industry: How partnerships become a real advantage

Cooperation as a success factor in the construction industry: How partnerships become a real advantage by Sarah Zonsius & Zoë Gebicke | May 15th, 2025 back to the overview page Digitalization presents companies in the construction and real estate industry with new opportunities and challenges. Technological developments such as building information modeling, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and automation are fundamentally changing planning, construction and operating processes. At the same time, the requirements for efficiency, sustainability, transparency and collaboration are growing – not just on the construction site, but along the entire value chain. In this blog post, we show why cooperation is the key to sustainable success, how BIM and AI together create real added value and what role collaboration in partnership plays in the digitalization of construction processes. Digital as-built modeling and BIM: A cooperation for the construction industry 4.0 The construction and engineering industry thrives on strong partnerships and technological expertise. Together with ZM-I, Building Information Management and Scala X, we have therefore established a strategic cooperation. Our focus is on bundling our expertise in the areas of building information modeling (BIM), digital planning and artificial intelligence (AI). As companies with different areas of focus – from planning and software development to digital inventory modeling – we combine our knowledge to develop practical strategies for more efficient construction processes that go beyond individual specialist areas. For our clients, this means optimized planning processes, more precise digital models and transparent project management that increases efficiency and quality. Our partners benefit from a strong network that sets new digital standards and creates new opportunities. Focus on cooperation partners: interdisciplinary collaboration for optimized construction planning The collaboration between Building Information Management, Building Information Cloud, ZM-I and Scala X combines comprehensive expertise with technological innovation. Together, we pursue the goal of offering customers in the construction and real estate industry tailor-made, economical and future-proof solutions. Building Information Management GLW BIM GLW supports building owners and decision-makers in implementing their projects more efficiently, transparently and sustainably using digital processes. Through comprehensive consulting and BIM-supported solutions, they support projects holistically – from the design to the operational phase. Our focus is on precise planning, optimal use of resources and close collaboration between all parties involved for measurable project success Building Information Cloud GLWG With planBIC and goBIC, we at the Building Information Cloud offer cloud-based SaaS solutions for quality assurance and control of construction projects. By using AI-supported functions, we enable smooth collaboration between architects, engineers, clients and other project participants. Our goal is to improve planning quality and increase efficiency through digitalization and software usage. ZM-I ZM-I is a key component of our partnership thanks to its extensive expertise in structural design and BIM consulting. The company offers engineering planning services for structural engineering, civil engineering and bridge construction projects, combining traditional structural engineering with state-of-the-art digital technology. Scala X Scala X captures buildings and facilities using the latest 3D laser scanning technology, creating the basis for precise digitization of existing structures. The service portfolio is supplemented by management consulting and process analyses – with a clear focus on artificial intelligence and automation. Through the combination of technology and strategic consulting, Scala X supports the construction and real estate industry in effectively exploiting digital potential and sustainably optimizing processes. Digital synergies for real project success Our cooperation combines expertise that is crucial today: Cloud solutions for construction project management, structural engineering with digital intelligence, precise digitization of existing buildings and AI-supported process optimization. Together, we are creating a bridge between technology and practice for a construction and real estate world that works faster, more sustainably and more efficiently. The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with modern AI approaches opens up new possibilities that go far beyond the traditional use of building models. Instead of just managing data, we enable its targeted use: automated structural analyses optimize structural calculations at an early stage. Point clouds from 3D laser scans are transformed into precise digital models that make construction and renovation projects easier to plan. Intelligent data linking combines information from plans, scans and text documents, providing a consistent, reliable basis for planning. The advantages of these approaches become particularly clear when they work together: Early detection of planning errors through AI-supported model checks Optimized material and resource planning for sustainable construction processes Automated analysis of large amounts of data to speed up decision-making Seamless collaboration between all project participants through cloud-based tools The result is not only more efficient processes, but also resilient, future-proof projects that meet the increasing demands for transparency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Cooperation as key to digital transformation In today’s construction and real estate industry, it is no longer just specialist knowledge or technology that determines the success of a project – it is the ability to work together. Complex challenges such as digitalization, skills shortages, rising quality standards and sustainability requirements can hardly be tackled in isolation. A new understanding of partnership is needed: companies that pool their expertise, drive innovation forward together and learn from each other create the basis for real progress. The digitalization of construction projects in particular shows how powerful cooperation can be. When building information modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies go hand in hand, platforms and solutions are created that go far beyond traditional construction planning. Projects become more transparent, sources of error are minimized and resources are used optimally. Collaborations bring together different perspectives, experiences and technologies. This not only creates faster and better solutions, but also completely new possibilities: Processes become more efficient, buildings more durable, planning more precise. Through the targeted exchange of knowledge and resources, synergies can be exploited that benefit everyone involved – and ultimately the customer too. Our cooperation is an example of how different areas of expertise complement each other: While the Building Information Cloud creates the basis for efficient digital project management with planBIC and goBIC, ZM-I brings in-depth engineering knowledge and modern structural design to the collaboration. With precise laser scanning