- Slice of Construction
- Posts
- #33 - Meirav Oren, Co-Founder & Chairwoman at Versatile
#33 - Meirav Oren, Co-Founder & Chairwoman at Versatile
Join us in this exciting episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor! Our Guest: Meirav Oren, Co-Founder & Chairwoman at Versatile.
What you’ll get out of this episode:
Personal Journey: Meirav Oren’s passion for construction safety stems from her family's industry background and a personal tragedy.
The Hook Device: Versatile’s innovative crane hook measures job site data, transforming construction workflows.
AI-Driven Advancements: Leveraging AI and data, Versatile enhances project estimations, bidding confidence, and team performance.
Focus on Superintendents: Versatile empowers overlooked superintendents with actionable insights for safer and more efficient operations.
Future Vision: Exciting developments for construction in 2025 with rapid advancements in AI and proprietary data use.
Watch
Listen
Read More
A Mission Born from Tragedy
For Meirav Oren, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of Versatile, the journey into construction technology is deeply personal. Growing up in a family of builders, she witnessed the industry's challenges firsthand. However, it was a fatal accident on her brother’s job site that catalyzed her vision: a safer, smarter, and more predictable construction process. This mission drives Versatile’s groundbreaking innovations today.
The Game-Changer: Versatile’s Crane Hook Device
Versatile has redefined construction workflows with its hardware-enabled SaaS solution, starting with its revolutionary crane hook device. Installed in seconds by certified riggers, the device seamlessly collects job site data without disrupting existing processes. From tracking production times to identifying bottlenecks, this data empowers builders to optimize safety, timelines, and budgets.
“Minutes matter,” Meirav emphasizes, highlighting how even small time savings can lead to significant cost and efficiency gains.
AI: The Future of Construction
Initially met with skepticism, Meirav’s vision of integrating AI into construction has proven transformative. Versatile’s data now informs estimators, improving bidding accuracy and increasing win rates. Beyond project planning, it enhances team performance analysis without micromanaging individuals, making it a favorite tool among training facilities.
Championing Superintendents
Superintendents, often overlooked yet vital to job site success, are central to Versatile’s impact. The company’s solutions provide them with clear, actionable insights, simplifying decision-making and fostering a safer working environment. Meirav credits these professionals for guiding Versatile’s product evolution through their feedback.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Versatile
As the construction industry embraces data solutions, Versatile’s role is poised to grow exponentially. By leveraging proprietary data and AI, the company plans to release cutting-edge advancements at unprecedented speeds, reducing innovation cycles from years to mere months.
“We’re making a difference in construction—one job site at a time,” says Meirav, envisioning a future where no worker is left behind.
A Shout-Out to Industry Innovators
While celebrating Versatile’s success, Meirav also champions fellow industry disruptors. She admires companies like Dusty Robotics and Document Crunch for their contributions to construction technology, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving the sector forward.
Conclusion
With a steadfast commitment to safety and innovation, Meirav Oren and Versatile are reshaping the construction landscape. Their data-driven approach ensures that builders not only meet deadlines and budgets but also prioritize the well-being of their teams. As the industry looks to 2025 and beyond, Versatile stands at the forefront of this exciting transformation.