Bobyard, an artificial intelligence platform focused on transforming how contractors perform construction takeoffs and estimates, has raised $35 million in a Series A financing round led by 8VC. Additional participants in the round include Pear VC, Primary Venture Partners, Tishman Speyer, RXR, Caffeinated Capital, and Merrick Ventures.
Based in San Francisco, Bobyard develops proprietary computer vision technology designed to automate the most time-consuming aspects of construction estimating. The company says its platform can automate up to 70 percent of the quantity and material takeoff process, enabling contractors to generate accurate bids in minutes rather than hours. Takeoffs serve as the foundation of preconstruction, and Bobyard’s trade-specific models are built to interpret blueprints in a manner similar to experienced estimators, converting static drawings into structured data that improves speed, accuracy, and consistency.
Bobyard initially focused on landscaping, a trade that is often complex and underserved by modern software tools. Since launching, the platform has been adopted by commercial contractors across the United States. According to the company, customers report an average 65 percent reduction in takeoff time, the ability to submit three to five times more bids per estimator, and more consistent and accurate takeoffs that contribute to improved win rates and margins.
Chopper Landscaping is among the contractors using Bobyard’s platform. The company reported that the software helped it secure its first commercial projects, resulting in approximately $350,000 in new work. Bobyard has also enabled estimators to reduce time spent on takeoffs while bidding more quickly and confidently in competitive markets.
With the new capital, Bobyard plans to continue enhancing its AI models and product capabilities within landscaping while expanding into additional construction trades, including drywall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and framing. The company is also growing its engineering and go-to-market teams to support product development and customer adoption.
Bobyard was founded in 2023 by Michael Ding, a Stanford-trained engineer and award-winning mathematician. The company’s team includes computer vision engineers and operators with backgrounds from institutions such as Stanford, Princeton, Berkeley, and Virginia Tech. The company positions its mission around advancing applied AI for the construction industry, one of the world’s largest and most essential sectors.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re solving some of the hardest problems in computer vision by teaching machines to understand blueprints. It’s an opportunity to push the boundaries of AI in a field that directly shapes the built environment.”
Michael Ding, founder and CEO of Bobyard
“This is the way to go. This is literally the future of estimating in landscaping and it’s time to get on board.”
John Barrett, Project Manager And Estimator At Chopper Landscaping
