Trunk Tools secures $40 million for construction AI that turns messy data into smart answers

A New York-based startup, Trunk Tools, has secured $40 million in funding for its AI-driven solutions tailored to the construction industry. The company specializes in transforming unstructured data—such as blueprints, project schedules, and technical documents—into structured datasets that power its AI systems. These tools enable construction professionals to ask questions in plain language, like “Does this door require electricity?” and receive precise answers backed by relevant source materials. CEO Sarah Buchner described the platform as “a ChatGPT for your job site,” emphasizing its role in simplifying complex workflows. Over the past 18 months, Trunk Tools has expanded its capabilities to include AI agents that autonomously manage entire processes, such as scheduling and project tracking. Buchner explained that the company developed custom large language models (LLMs) to address the unique challenges of construction data, which general-purpose AI systems often struggle to interpret. “We trained multiple models from scratch using construction drawings, objects, and room boundaries,” she said. The startup primarily offers its software as a subscription service, though newer AI tools are priced based on business outcomes. Its clients include major construction firms like Suffolk Construction, Gilbane, and DPR Construction, with operations spanning the U.S. and Canada. Buchner, the founder and CEO, began her career as a carpenter at age 12 in a small Austrian village. She later advanced to a leadership role in construction, created a safety app, and earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering and data science. She likened Trunk Tools’ approach to embedding AI specialists within customer organizations to drive adoption, comparing it to Palantir’s “forward-deployed engineering” model. The $40 million Series B round was led by Insight Partners, with additional participation from Redpoint Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Stepstone, Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures, and Prudence. This brings the company’s total funding to $70 million, including a $20 million Series A in 2024. Buchner stated that half of the new capital will fund product development, while the other half will focus on scaling its go-to-market strategy. The startup’s growth reflects the increasing demand for specialized AI in construction, a sector historically slow to adopt digital tools. By addressing inefficiencies in data management and workflow automation, Trunk Tools aims to position itself as a key player in an industry ripe for transformation. Its success underscores the broader trend of AI startups targeting niche markets to deliver tailored solutions, particularly in fields where generic models fall short.