Saudi Arabia is on track to become a leading construction hub globally, thanks to its ambitious infrastructure and real estate projects worth trillions of dollars. However, the sector's growth is hindered by outdated practices that lead to project delays and escalated costs. Ibrahim Manna, the founder and CEO of BRKZ, a Riyadh-based construction technology startup, highlights that the traditional approach to buying building materials in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region—characterized by in-person supplier visits, price negotiations, and uncertain quality and delivery times—sparked the idea for BRKZ in 2022.

BRKZ has now debuted, securing $8 million in a Series A funding round led jointly by Beco Capital and 9900 Capital, with contributions from Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures, Knollwood Investment Advisory, RZM Investment, and MISY Ventures. This follows a $5.55 million seed funding round that included investors like Better Tomorrow Ventures, Class 5 Global, and several Saudi angel investors.

Ibrahim Manna, CEO of BRKZ

With this new funding, BRKZ plans to scale its operations in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, aiming to streamline the procurement process for contractors and suppliers with the promise of same or next-day delivery. The startup is also exploring expansions into equipment rentals and manpower sourcing.

"Our expansion strategy is multi-faceted; we're enhancing our tech infrastructure, offering financing solutions, and aiming for comprehensive operations and supplier networks throughout the KSA,"

explained Manna, who joined the startup scene after his tenure at Careem, acquired by Uber in 2019 for $3.1 billion.

The venture into the MENA market is a significant aspect of BRKZ's growth plan, according to Manna. Unlike traditional online purchases, BRKZ operates through a request for quotation (RFQ) system, managed via its app or WhatsApp, facilitating tailored negotiations and orders.

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Manna emphasizes that this RFQ method suits the construction industry's need for bulk orders and custom requirements, ensuring competitive pricing for clients. He mentions that while standard materials are processed quickly, specialized items take longer, though still faster than conventional methods. The company is also developing a tailored pricing model for customers.

Since its inception, BRKZ claims to have managed over $170 million in quotations, covering nearly 1,200 products from more than 350 suppliers. With its expansion plans, these numbers are expected to grow, contributing to the development of the construction sector across the Kingdom and the MENA region.

Manna finds great satisfaction in the efficiency gains brought by digital solutions, stating,

"Digitizing a traditionally manual sector has shown us the tremendous impact achievable in a short time. Our clients now save significant time, managing projects remotely with ease—a testament to our mission of enhancing efficiency and speed in the construction industry."