From Scribbled Notes to the Big Stage: How WorkGuardAi Went from Idea to Pitching for €500,000

When I first sketched out the idea for WorkGuardAi during a Compass session, it was nothing more than a few rough notes on paper. But over the past year, that humble idea has evolved into a robust vision for transforming the construction industry. The journey has been one of growth, resilience, and a lot of networking in Helsinki’s startup ecosystem, culminating in a powerful pitch at NEXUS Demo Day, where we announced our goal: raising €500,000 to drive WorkGuardAi forward.

Starting Out: Compass Pre-Incubator Program and Building Connections

Starting fresh in a new city like Helsinki, I knew that simply having a great idea wasn’t enough; I needed the right support network. Enter the Compass Pre-Incubator, a stepping stone that not only refined my concept but also introduced me to a community of innovative thinkers and mentors. This environment gave me both the confidence and feedback to push forward, and I made valuable industry connections who remain part of my network. When you are new to the city and working to create solutions for an established industry like construction, a network of like-minded peers is invaluable.

My passion for construction has deep roots. Since I was around 12 or 13 years old, I spent time with my father, helping him operate heavy equipment on job sites. Those early experiences sparked my curiosity and respect for the industry. Later, while working as a Sales Manager in mobile IoT connectivity, I saw firsthand the challenges in the construction sector and recognized how technology could help. From compacting asphalt with my dad to researching construction tech trends, I gained a unique insight into the digital gaps that continue to challenge the sector.

The Birth of WorkGuardAi: Seizing an Opportunity for Change

After years in IoT, I could see the enormous potential for digital transformation in construction. Today, up to 80% of work on construction sites is inefficient, with about 77% of projects running behind schedule, costing billions daily worldwide. These inefficiencies could be tackled through real-time data collection, computer vision, and AI-driven insights, ultimately boosting profitability and significantly reducing costs.

But I didn’t stop there. I knew WorkGuardAi needed a user-friendly approach. My background working with solutions that support public transportation gave me experience with user-centered design, and I wanted to bring this perspective to create a solution that construction teams—often less familiar with high-tech applications—could use comfortably.

Navigating the Next Step: NEXUS and Beyond

With a more refined concept, I applied to NEXUS, a program that required a team and plenty of dedication. Thanks to the support from Compass, I entered NEXUS ready to expand, learn, and equip WorkGuardAi for the next level. NEXUS pushed us through workshops and rigorous pitch practices, equipping me to present WorkGuardAi with clarity and confidence. Each pitch taught me something new about public speaking, storytelling, and connecting with potential investors.

I learned that pitching is more than presenting facts; it’s about building a narrative that resonates with an audience, demonstrating both the need for and impact of our solution. From one-on-one feedback sessions to interactions with experienced industry members, I sharpened WorkGuardAi’s vision and improved the way I communicate its potential.

Preparing for Demo Day: From Team Building to Growth

To realize WorkGuardAi’s vision, I needed a strong, committed team. Over time, I was able to recruit talented members, all dedicated to transforming the construction industry. With my background in sales, I understood the importance of building industry relationships and identifying early adopters who could serve as pilot clients for our solution. In the ConTech market, projected to be worth €9 billion by 2027, our focus on computer vision and AI-driven efficiency is uniquely positioned to reshape project management.

In the months leading up to Demo Day, we tirelessly pursued opportunities to validate WorkGuardAi’s solution. We met with companies to understand their needs, refining our technology to enable real-time project tracking, safety monitoring, and progress updates—all remotely accessible. We also applied for €60,000 through Business Finland Tempo funding, which would further accelerate our growth by supporting product development and market entry.

Demo Day at Miltton House: The Pitch to Raise €500,000

Demo Day at Miltton House in Helsinki was a milestone. I had three minutes to convey everything we had built, the vision we are pursuing, and the opportunity WorkGuardAi presents to the construction industry. Each second counted, knowing one misstep could mean a lost opportunity.

The presentation was a success, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We had positioned WorkGuardAi as a unique, much-needed tool to solve critical issues in construction, and our message resonated with the audience. As a result, WorkGuardAi earned an invitation to pitch at Slush, the renowned tech conference in Helsinki where potential investors will be in the audience and the pitch will take place at the Nordea bank’s stand. This exposure is not just validation but an incredible opportunity to secure the investment we need to grow and which will be used on platform development and market expansion.

Competing for the Big Break: A Chance to Appear on a nationally known entrepreneurial event

Even more exciting, we are competing for a spot on entrepreneurial event through a pitch event hosted at Slush. Could you imagine WorkGuardAi being presented as a nationwide business solution on a national event in finland? Well, that’s very much possible. As a team, we believe in making history—not just talking about it.

What’s Next for WorkGuardAi?

Moving forward, WorkGuardAi is not just a vision but a business on the path to realizing substantial impact in an industry overdue for transformation. Our goal to raise €500,000 is not just about funding; it’s about finding partners who believe in WorkGuardAi’s potential to change how construction is managed.

Reflecting on the journey from a few rough notes to pitching in front of investors, it’s clear that every step has been part of a bigger picture. With support from my mentors, my talented team, and a vibrant startup community, WorkGuardAi is ready to make a mark in ConTech. Now, we are aiming high and preparing to make an even greater impact.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—from the mentors in Compass and NEXUS to our dedicated team members and the inspiring community here in Helsinki. The future of WorkGuardAi is promising, and we are just getting started.