Phase0, a provider of a cloud-based software platform for the architecture and engineering sector, has successfully closed a seed extension funding round totalling EUR 2.6 million. This funding will be primarily invested in expanding its AI agents. These agents aim to automate time-consuming administrative processes in architectural and engineering offices. The round was led by Realyze Ventures, a European early-stage venture capital fund with an industry focus. In addition to Realyze Ventures, business angels such as Albert Achammer, CEO of ATP architekten ingenieure, and Ershad Jamil, formerly Chief Growth Officer at ServiceTitan, also participated. Existing investors such as LocalGlobe and Atlantic continued their commitment.
Modernising Administrative Workflows
Planning and design in architecture and engineering firms are increasingly digitised. However, many administrative processes are still characterised by manual processing and the use of outdated desktop software. Phase0 addresses this challenge with a browser-based platform that combines central functions such as tendering, awarding and billing (AVA), fee proposals and invoices in accordance with HOAI, and construction management into an integrated solution. The AI functions are directly integrated into these existing workflows and draw on project data managed within Phase0.
The AI bill of quantities has already been implemented, generating bills of quantities in chat based on proprietary project data and checking long texts according to VOB and DIN. The AI construction diary automatically creates reports, tickets, and emails from photos and voice messages received via WhatsApp. In the future, further AI functions will enable the automation of tasks in the areas of costing, billing, documentation, and project control.
Matthäus Kerres, founder and managing director of Phase0, highlighted that the most time-consuming tasks, such as bills of quantities, minutes, and invoice verification, can be optimally handled by AI. He referred to the experience of over 1,000 onboarded offices, where an identical pattern emerges. The platform addresses a market of approximately 110,000 small and medium-sized architecture and engineering firms in Germany, which is still heavily characterised by older Windows desktop solutions and manual processes. Currently, over 1,000 offices use Phase0, with a monthly growth of 50 to 100 new customers.
Strategic Partnership and Market Access
Realyze Ventures sees Phase0 as an example of how AI can generate significant added value when integrated directly into industry-specific software and existing workflows. The cloud-based platform, which bundles central administrative and project-related processes, forms the basis for the further expansion of AI agents. Stefan Läufer, General Partner at Realyze Ventures and responsible for AI-driven SaaS in the construction, architecture, and trade sectors, emphasised that Phase0 unifies AVA, HOAI, and construction management in a browser-based software and specifically deploys AI where most time is lost – in bills of quantities, construction diaries, and invoice verification. In contrast to general chatbots, Phase0's AI has been trained with specific construction data, which is continuously updated and processed together with the respective office's project data. Realyze Ventures will also support Phase0 with market access through its network in the construction and real estate industry.
