UAE-based Buildroid AI has emerged from stealth after raising $2 million in pre-seed funding, led by Tim Draper, known for backing Tesla, SpaceX, Skype and Robinhood. The company aims to deploy AI-powered multi-robot systems into construction workflows, starting with pilot programmes in the UAE.
Founded in 2025 by Slava Solonitsyn and Anton Glance, Buildroid integrates AI, specialised and general-purpose robots directly into contractor processes. Solonitsyn previously founded Mighty Buildings, raising more than $100 million and delivering over 50 3D-printed homes, while Glance exited his company Glance Clock to NeXtime.
The company unveiled its first block-laying robot, built with BIM-to-BUILD simulation using Nvidia Omniverse, at the Big Five Construction Conference. The system is currently being piloted on active job sites and will soon be supported by Autonomous Mobile Robots to automate material handling.
Buildroid reports the potential for 10x productivity improvement and up to 4x cost reduction compared to manual labour. The platform also supports simulation-first deployment, enabling developers and contractors to test robotic workflows virtually before synchronising operations on site.
“The UAE’s construction market needs scalable solutions to address labour shortages and productivity bottlenecks. With advances in AI, robots can now move beyond narrow automation and integrate into broader construction tasks,” said Solonitsyn, co-founder and CEO.
Tim Draper added: “Buildroid’s platform combines the best of robotic technologies validated through simulation, enabling scalable, flexible automation that enhances human capability. I’m excited to back a team that is fundamentally rethinking how buildings are made.”
ALEC, one of the region’s largest contractors, is piloting the system. The company plans to launch commercially in Q2 next year, deploying AI robotics teams across top general contractors and earning a share of cost savings generated.
Buildroid will use the funding to expand pilot programmes, refine simulation technology and accelerate commercial deployment in the UAE, before expanding into interior fit-out and additional workflows.
