TruBuild, a Saudi-based construction technology startup co-founded by Bisrat Degefa (CEO) and Dr. Sari Sabban (CTO), has raised $1 million in Seed funding to transform how construction projects are delivered, with a focus on eliminating cost overruns, delays, and misalignment in large-scale developments.
The round was led by Wa’ed Ventures, the $500 million VC arm of Saudi Aramco, and Dar Ventures, the venture capital arm of Dar. Additional participants included Plug & Play Ventures, OQAL, Taz Investment, and notable angel investors such as Simon Moon, former CEO of Atkins Middle East. TruBuild previously received early backing from Antler MENAP during the Riyadh 2023 cohort.
Tackling Construction’s $1.6 Trillion Problem at a Global Scale
The construction industry loses more than $1.6 trillion each year due to unexpected project changes, vague scopes, and miscommunications, often with no clear traceability across teams.
TruBuild is tackling this head-on. Its AI-powered platform integrates directly with tools used by contractors, consultants, and project owners, quietly working in the background to surface early-stage risks, automate documentation, and align stakeholders, helping teams avoid rework and move faster, together.
By embedding intelligence into everyday workflows, TruBuild helps reduce admin burden, clarify decisions, and speed up tender evaluations, contract awards and change approvals by up to 80%.
Bridging Global Expertise with Saudi Vision 2030
TruBuild’s model is a direct response to the Kingdom’s need for smarter, more efficient infrastructure. By blending British construction expertise with Saudi-led AI R&D, the company supports Vision 2030’s objectives to localise innovation and modernise public and private sector project delivery.
“TruBuild is combining the best of British construction expertise with cutting-edge Saudi AI R&D to support the realisation of the Saudi Vision 2030 and beyond.”
— Matt Jones, Saudi British Joint Business Council
Strategic Support from Key Investors and Institutions
“We fully believe in TruBuild’s mission to eliminate costly project changes and variations, in line with our mission to invest in impactful businesses in the construction sector.” — Anas Algahtani, Wa’ed Ventures
“TruBuild’s mission and founding team have the potential to disrupt the construction industry and redefine the status quo.”
— Faysal Shair, Dar Ventures
Trusted by Leading Project Developers
TruBuild is already embedded within projects led by major developers in Saudi Arabia, including Osool Real Estate Company.
“TruBuild’s approach is an integral part of our digital strategy, allowing Osool to procure and develop projects more efficiently.”
— David Watkins, Chief Project Development Officer, Osool Real Estate
A Founding Team of Industry Veterans
The company is led by a world-class team with deep roots in both engineering delivery and cutting-edge technology:
● Bisrat Degefa, CEO. Former Global Director at Atkins and Gleeds with over 15 years of experience managing project portfolios worth more than $34 billion.
● Dr. Sari Sabban, CTO. AI developer, two-time Fulbright Scholar, and patent holder with nearly two decades of experience in machine learning and research.
“We’re not here to disrupt for the sake of it,” said Bisrat Degefa.
“We’re here to make everyday decisions easier through objective data and to help teams avoid the painful surprises they’ve faced for decades.”
What’s Next for TruBuild
The seed funding will fuel TruBuild’s product development, team growth, and market expansion. The company plans to scale across the Kingdom and into global markets, continuing its mission to de-risk construction with clarity and confidence.
