The construction industry is in the middle of a long-overdue digital shift — and Trunk Tools’ recent $40 million Series B funding round is proof that AI-native platforms aren’t just a futuristic promise anymore. They’re already shaping how we design, build, and deliver projects.
Founded by Dr. Sarah Buchner, a carpenter-turned-PhD in civil engineering, Trunk Tools stands apart from typical contech startups. It’s built by people who have lived through the inefficiencies of the jobsite — and decided to fix them. Its AI-powered platform doesn’t just store documents; it reads them, interprets them, and acts on them. Think of it as a “ChatGPT for construction,” trained specifically to understand the language, logic, and complexity of real-world projects.
From Passive Tools to Proactive Teammates
Traditional construction software has long been criticized as little more than digital filing cabinets. Trunk Tools flips that script. By deploying autonomous AI agents capable of interpreting specs, RFIs, schedules, and submittals, the platform enables real-time decision-making and risk mitigation. This marks a shift from simple digitization to true intelligent automation — a trend we’re seeing accelerate across the AEC sector.
Practical Applications of Trunk Tools
Trunk Tools acts as a smart operational layer that connects data to real-time decisions. It interprets everything from drawings and technical specs to contracts, purchase logs, meeting notes, and progress reports, giving teams actionable insights across the entire project lifecycle.
-
Instant answers: Teams can ask natural-language questions and get precise responses sourced from relevant project data.
-
Risk detection: AI cross-references schedules and documentation to flag delays, scope conflicts, or compliance gaps.
-
Workflow automation: Agents handle repetitive tasks like submittal reviews, RFI tracking, and schedule updates.
-
Centralized access: Integrates with Procore, Autodesk, SharePoint, and ERPs, consolidating scattered data into one intelligent hub.
-
Beyond the jobsite: Supports preconstruction (estimating, planning), contract management, compliance, coordination, and even post-construction handover.
Part of a Larger Movement
Construction is a $13 trillion global industry — yet it remains one of the least digitized. Productivity losses alone exceed $1 trillion annually. This gap presents a massive opportunity, and platforms like Trunk Tools are at the frontlines of bridging it.
With its latest funding round, Trunk Tools joins a select group of high-growth construtech leaders — including Procore, Built Robotics, and EquipmentShare — that are attracting major investment to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges.
Connecting to the Future of Construction
At Archipelago, we view Trunk Tools as a powerful example of what we call AEC Futures — solutions that don’t just digitize workflows but intelligize them. Sarah Buchner’s journey shows how real innovation comes from people who know the pain points firsthand — and have the vision to fix them with cutting-edge tech.
Want to join a community of innovators in the AEC space and get first-hand insights on what’s shaping the future?