Saudi Arabia is poised to become a major global construction hub, driven by trillion-dollar infrastructure projects and real estate developments currently underway in the country. Despite this rapid growth, the construction sector in Saudi Arabia remains largely rooted in traditional practices, leading to project delays and increased costs, according to Ibrahim Manna, the founder and CEO of BRKZ, a construction-tech startup based in Riyadh.
Manna identified challenges in purchasing building materials in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, such as physical visits to suppliers, price negotiations, and lack of quality and delivery guarantees. These pain points inspired him to launch BRKZ in 2022, with a focus on revolutionizing the procurement process through technology.
BRKZ recently emerged from stealth mode with an $8 million Series A funding round co-led by Beco Capital and 9900 Capital. The startup has also received investments from prominent entities like Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures and Knollwood Investment Advisory. This funding will enable BRKZ to expand its B2B marketplace, streamline procurement processes, and introduce new services like equipment rentals and manpower sourcing.
With a strategic focus on Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, BRKZ aims to enhance its technological capabilities, optimize financing solutions, and ensure comprehensive supplier coverage across key cities in the region. Manna emphasized the importance of vertical integration with suppliers and expansion into new markets within MENA as part of the company’s growth strategy.
While BRKZ does not support direct online purchasing, buyers can easily submit Requests for Quotation (RFQs) through the platform or WhatsApp, enabling customization and negotiation for bulk orders. The startup promises quick turnaround times for common building materials and is working on implementing tailored pricing mechanisms for customers.
Since its inception, BRKZ has facilitated over $170 million in quotations across a wide range of products from numerous suppliers. As the company expands its presence in the Kingdom and MENA region, it aims to capitalize on the growing construction market opportunities in the region.
Manna highlighted the transformative impact of digitizing the construction sector, enabling customers to save time, streamline project management, and conduct business more efficiently. The goal is to make procurement processes smoother, faster, and more cost-effective for all stakeholders involved.
