UAE-based Buildroid AI, an AI robotics startup, has successfully raised $2 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper, known for early-stage backing of transformative companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Skype, allowing the company to emerge from stealth mode.
A Simulation-First Approach to Construction Automation
Founded in 2025 by Slava Solonitsyn and Anton Glance, Buildroid is pioneering a new approach to construction by integrating specialised and general-purpose robots directly into contractor workflows. The company’s platform uniquely combines Building Information Models (BIM) with AI-driven Digital Twin simulations, powered by Nvidia Omniverse, to optimise and de-risk robotic operations before on-site deployment.
The company has unveiled its first block-laying robot, developed using its BIM-to-BUILD simulation technology, at the Big Five Construction Conference. This multi-robot system is designed to deliver productivity gains of up to 10x and cost savings of up to 4x compared to manual labour, initially targeting the labour-intensive partition walls segment of the UAE’s $42.75 billion construction market.
“UAE’s construction growth demands solutions to persistent labour shortages and productivity bottlenecks,” stted Slava Solonitsyn, CEO and co-founder of Buildroid. “Construction robots have been around for over a decade, but have had limited success… With the rapid development of AI, it has become possible to bring general-purpose and industrial robots to construction as well.”
Backed by Seasoned Founders and a Visionary Investor
The founding team brings a wealth of experience to the venture. Slava Solonitsyn is a YC alumnus who previously founded 3D-printing construction firm Mighty Buildings, raising over $100 million. Co-founder Anton Glance founded Glance Clock, which was later acquired by NeXtime.
Their ambitious vision has attracted high-profile investors like Tim Draper, who commented on the investment.
“Unlike single-robot solutions, Buildroid’s platform combines the best robotic technologies validated through BIM-based simulations,” Draper noted. “Such an approach empowers builders with scalable, flexible, vendor-agnostic automation that maintains the critical role of skilled human operators. I’m excited to back a team that’s transforming how buildings are made.”
Strategic Pilot and Go-to-Market Plan
Buildroid is already piloting its block-laying robot on live job sites in the UAE with leading contractors like ALEC.
“In line with our robotics strategy, we are piloting Buildroid’s robotic block-laying system on one of our sites,” said Imad Itani, Head of Innovation at ALEC. “We also look forward to leveraging their upcoming BIM simulation tools to virtually test robotic solutions and de-risk on-site deployment.”
With the new capital, Buildroid will expand its pilot programmes, enhance its simulation capabilities, and accelerate commercial deployments. The company plans to begin deploying its first commercially available AI-powered robotics teams in Q2 of next year, operating on a model where it receives a portion of the net savings generated for its partners.
About Buildroid AI
Buildroid AI is a UAE-based AI robotics startup focused on automating construction workflows. By integrating BIM with AI-driven simulations, the company orchestrates multi-robot crews to improve on-site productivity, reduce costs, and enhance quality. Its long-term vision is to build a “Procore for Robotics” platform, creating an ERP system that drives the adoption of robotics across the construction industry.
Source: Wamda
