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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:
Chloe's transition from data strategy and marketing into construction tech illustrates the value of applying diverse professional experiences to solve industry-specific problems. For B2B tech founders, exploring how skills from one industry can address gaps in another may unlock unique opportunities.
Mercator AI's success in helping contractors identify early project opportunities underscores the importance of early market engagement. Founders should consider how their solutions can help clients get involved in projects at the earliest stages, potentially altering the competitive landscape.
Chloe adapted business development tools from other sectors to fit the construction industry's unique requirements. Founders should think about how existing tools can be customized to meet the specific needs of their target industries, enhancing relevance and utility.
The transition from a rough concept to a market-fit product at Mercator AI was heavily influenced by investor feedback. Founders should actively seek and incorporate such feedback to refine their products and align with market needs.
Chloe's story of initial rejection and subsequent pivots highlights the need for resilience in the startup journey. Founders should be prepared to face and learn from rejections and failures, using them as stepping stones towards building a more robust business model.