Why we invested in CivilGrid

Putting stuff in the ground sucks. No one knows where anything is and when you hit something, it’s tools down. Underground work is deeply complicated, but water, sewer, power, telecommunications, and gas operators all need to know where their assets are if they’re to be avoided. And that need is intensifying with aging infrastructure, because more holes are being dug. Wouldn’t it be so much better with a platform where all the data is held in one place, and when underground work is being done, everyone can use the trench to complete their work at the same time? The problem is there is NO central repository for data. But what if you could build a platform to do it? One that underpins cooperation between utilities, visibility of assets, acts as a source of truth and saves vast amounts of money, time and complexity.

Enter CivilGrid, a data intelligence platform for site condition data in engineering and construction. CivilGrid is the “google maps for builders,” aggregating relevant construction data, such as water lines and geotechnical conditions, so builders can reduce project due diligence time, avoid project delays, enhance project execution, and minimize safety risks. One hole dug for lots of people to use, while minimizing the risk of bumping into each others’ assets. Josh, Brandon and the entire team at CivilGrid are transforming the way we collaborate in construction, and we’re thrilled to announce our investment (while also being slightly embarrassed about how long it’s taken us to publish this). Here’s why we did it. 

A Deep Underground Pain Point

Builders spend a LOT of time planning and preparing for underground work because when they hit an unexpected pipe, transmission cable, relay box or anything else, there are long delays for them to reassess site conditions and alter construction plans accordingly. Failing to wait means significant safety risks and abounding lawsuits. Avoidable, expensive construction planning mistakes are costly. The average 500,000 dig-ins annually cost the industry $30bn in the US alone. CivilGrid not only mitigates risk and support cost avoidance (e.g., avoiding delays, costly dig-in mistakes, etc.), they also reduce costs by shortening planning and due diligence timelines for customers.

From steel toe caps to steely determination

If anyone can pull this off, it’s Josh. He’s been on the ground for over 10 years, spending most of that at PG&E, where he worked on everything from siting to permitting to mapping. Now he’s addressing the pain he once lived. He knows, intimately from lots and lots of bad experiences on job sites that “there’s gotta be a better way.” Data access is crucial and utilities need someone they can trust. Brandon (Product and Data Director) deeply understands that pain. He spent over five years re-engineering utilities’ data analysis and reporting processes. He knows the importance of reliable data. Brandon, Josh and the team at CivilGrid are building a data-sharing platform the industry can trust. 

Creating the network for the Network

CivilGrid not only aggregates data across stakeholders, the platform helps customers better achieve cost avoidance (e.g., delays, lawsuits, construction mistakes, etc.) and reduces active labor costs via a faster planning / due diligence process. If they can become the single source of truth, the network effects they can create are considerable. They also understand the importance of excellent design if you’re going to deliver this value proposition - and their design IS excellent.

CivilGrid recently partnered with the Pacific Gas & Electric Company and San Jose Water, and numerous other agencies in California, expanding their data coverage to over half the state. If they keep moving, they could become THE central intelligence for data construction. Josh, Brandon and the entire team at CivilGrid, welcome to the Burnt Island and thanks for letting us dig into transforming construction with you.

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