Planera, a construction technology firm specializing in scheduling and planning software for commercial projects, has successfully raised $13.5 million in its latest funding round.
In the commercial construction sector, general contractors often rely on traditional software solutions such as Oracle Primavera P6 to manage projects. These platforms typically demand substantial technical expertise and feature non-intuitive interfaces. Despite these limitations, contractors continue to use them for complex projects with multiple milestones spanning several years. For smaller endeavors, general-purpose tools like Microsoft Project are occasionally utilized. However, these tools are not specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of construction companies.
Based in San Jose, Planera offers a standalone software platform designed to enhance scheduling and planning for both long-term and short-term construction projects. The platform features a digital whiteboard-like interface that supports real-time collaboration among stakeholders. Effective scheduling is critical in the construction industry due to the prevalence of liquidated damages and contractual obligations, which require contractors to meet interim milestones. Typically, contractors use multiple software solutions to monitor progress, but Planera aims to consolidate these functions into a single interface.
Planera enables general contractors to collaborate with subcontractors involved in a project through its unified interface. “The value of Planera is not just in creating the plan but also in being a great communication tool,” stated Nitin Bhandari, co-founder and CEO of Planera.
The software allows contractors to draft construction plans, analyze and optimize them, and schedule tasks in accordance with contract terms and obligations. Additionally, Planera integrates with widely used platforms like AutoDesk and Procore, allowing contractors to synchronize their schedules without leaving these applications.
Planera intends to extend its software to subcontractors, recognizing that general contractors often work with specialized subcontractors for tasks such as electrical and mechanical work. “As construction companies are modernizing other aspects of their business and getting the benefits of that, now they’re like, hey, we need to modernize all critical aspects of the business, and scheduling and planning definitely is now part of the focus,” Bhandari explained.
Planera was founded in November 2021 by Nitin Bhandari and Erik Swenson. Bhandari previously co-founded Skyfire, a mobile browser company, and ZenScreen, a screen-time application acquired by Life360. The idea for Planera emerged when Bhandari met Saif Lodhi, who has led California Engineering Contractors for around three decades. Lodhi initially sought Bhandari’s assistance to modernize his company, but Bhandari identified significant scheduling inefficiencies within the construction industry. This led to the creation of Planera, with Swenson joining as CTO to develop the platform.
Currently, Planera serves over two dozen customers managing more than 500 active projects.
Planera’s Series A round was entirely equity-based and led by Sierra Ventures, with participation from Sorenson Capital, Brick and Mortar Ventures, Prudence VC, and Firebolt Ventures.
Bhandari mentioned to TechCrunch that 60% of the new funds will be allocated to sales and marketing efforts to enhance the company’s go-to-market strategy. The remaining 40% will support research and development and product enhancements. The startup also plans to incorporate construction-specific artificial intelligence to improve scheduling and planning efficiency.
“We will be building our own data models and assistant-like functionality, which will start rolling out toward the end of the year and early part of next year,” he added.
Planera has not disclosed its total revenues but indicated that revenues are expected to grow five to eight times compared to the previous year’s fourth quarter. The company employs 30 people across various markets, including a team in Bengaluru, India, and aims to expand its workforce to 45-50 employees within the next six months.
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By Proptechbuzz
By Ravi Kumar
