Brdg Raises $850K for Construction Finance Tech

Montréal-based startup Brdg has successfully closed a $850,000 CAD pre-seed funding round, signaling a significant push to modernize the often-cumbersome construction financing sector. The capital infusion, secured through a simple agreement for future equity, was led by New York’s Forum Ventures, with participation from undisclosed strategic investors deeply embedded in real estate and construction finance.

The company aims to streamline the complex process of managing construction loans, a critical but historically manual-driven area within the real estate development industry. Brdg is developing a platform designed to replace fragmented spreadsheets and labor-intensive workflows with an integrated software solution. This technology will automate key functions such as document collection, compliance verification, budget reconciliation, and the packaging of loan draw requests, which are typically disbursed in stages as projects meet specific milestones.

The impetus for Brdg stems from the founders' firsthand experiences with the inefficiencies plaguing construction finance. Co-founder Ness Cabessa highlighted the archaic nature of current systems, noting that "a lot of time is being wasted, and time in construction is money." This sentiment is echoed by Samuel Brand, another co-founder, who identified the challenges faced by small to mid-sized developers lacking robust internal infrastructure to manage these intricate financial processes.

Forum Ventures recognized the potential in Brdg's approach. Partner Kevin Corliss pointed to the founders' deep domain expertise and their "commercially savvy" strategy of partnering with cost consultants for distribution. This focus on understanding not just the problem but also the business mechanics of solving it was a key attraction for the venture firm, which has previously shown interest in Canadian AI software innovation.

The construction technology market, often referred to as ConTech, is experiencing substantial growth, with an increasing demand for digital solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce risk. The global ConTech market is projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, driven by the need for greater productivity and sustainability in the built environment. Brdg's focus on the financial backbone of construction projects positions it to capture a significant share of this evolving market.

Launched in beta in early 2026 and publicly available this summer, Brdg has already garnered traction, partnering with stakeholders on projects valued at over $600 million in active development. These projects span diverse asset classes, including residential, industrial, hospitality, and retail developments. The company's ambition is to become the de facto "operating system for construction finance."

With this new funding, Brdg plans to expand its five-person team, enhance its AI capabilities, and forge strategic alliances within the construction lending ecosystem. The goal is to solidify its presence across Canada and beyond, offering a scalable solution to a persistent industry challenge.