Monumental, an Amsterdam-based startup focused on automating on-site construction through robotics and software, has emerged from two-and-a-half years of stealth mode with a significant €23.2M in funding. The round was co-led by Plural and Hummingbird, with participation from Northzone, Foundamental, and NP-Hard Ventures.
Monumental aims to address the labor, cost, and sustainability challenges plaguing the global construction industry. With over half of European countries facing a severe shortage of bricklayers and an estimated shortfall of 75,000 bricklayers in the UK alone, Monumental’s innovative approach could not be more timely. The company’s technology promises to not only meet the demand for the 300,000 houses required annually by 2025 but also tackle the risk of homelessness for 82 million Europeans due to a lack of affordable housing.
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Blending Human Expertise with Robotic Efficiency
Salar al Khafaji, co-founder and CEO of Monumental, highlighted the company’s mission to blend human expertise with robotic efficiency in a way that revolutionizes the construction industry’s economics. Monumental’s agile, intelligent, and adaptable robots and software are set to transform how buildings are constructed, making the process more efficient and sustainable.
Automating Construction with Advanced Robotics
The firm produces small, electric, agile, autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) that assist with bricklaying, addressing labor shortages and rising costs. The robots feature sensors, computer vision, and small cranes, capable of precisely and efficiently placing bricks and mortar in industrial and residential walls. Powered by Monumental’s AI-powered software, Atrium, these robots are compact enough to navigate through tight spaces, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of on-site construction.
A New Approach to Construction Services
Rather than selling their robots, the dutch company offers a brick-laying service, charging customers based on the number of bricks laid. This model removes the financial and technical risks for contractors, making it easier for them to adopt this innovative technology without upfront investment.
Strategic Board Additions
As part of the funding round, Niek den Hollander, former Chief Commercial Officer at Uniper, and Holger Lichtschläger, Managing Director and Founder of Global Experts-Energy Consulting, will join the Board of Directors, bringing their extensive experience in the energy sector to support Monumental’s growth.
Investor Confidence in the Company’s Vision
Investors like Plural and Hummingbird Ventures have expressed confidence in the firm’s potential to address the construction industry’s pressing needs. Sten Tamkivi of Plural praised Monumental’s innovative approach, while Firat Ileri of Hummingbird highlighted the potential for Monumental’s technology to improve efficiencies, enhance safety, and attract talent to the construction field.
With this substantial funding, the company is well-positioned to advance its mission of automating on-site construction, promising to deliver long-term benefits for the industry and society as a whole.
