Chloe Smith, CEO & Co-Founder of Mercator AI: $4.5 Million Raised to Build the Future of Construction Tech

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Chloe Smith, CEO & Co-Founder of Mercator AI, an AI-powered business development platform for commercial general contractors that has raised $4.5 Million in funding. Here are the most interesting points from our conversation: Background and Inspiration: Chloe comes from a background in data strategy and marketing, not directly from construction, but her family's involvement in the industry piqued her interest and led to the inception of Mercator AI. Cross-Industry Application: Although her background is not in construction, Chloe's experience in data strategy and marketing allowed her to identify and address a gap in the construction industry, demonstrating the value of cross-industry application of skills. Foundational Shifts: Mercator AI helps construction businesses identify early project opportunities by tracking land development, which allows their clients to engage earlier and more effectively in potential projects. Navigating Industry Challenges: Chloe discusses the challenges of transitioning from other sectors to construction tech, highlighting the importance of understanding and adapting to industry-specific dynamics. Focus on Business Development: The platform is designed to 'force multiply' the efforts of business developers in the construction industry by streamlining the research and pursuit process, fundamentally changing how contractors approach new opportunities. Early Struggles and Adjustments: Reflecting on the initial challenges, Chloe emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, sharing an anecdote about early investor interactions that shaped the company's trajectory.   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co