Meirav Oren stands out as a dynamic force in the construction tech world. As the co-founder and executive chairwoman of Versatile, she drives innovation that transforms how builders work. Her journey from a family rooted in construction to leading a global startup inspires many. Oren blends sharp business skills with a passion for solving real-world problems, making her a key player in the Middle East’s thriving tech scene. Based in Israel, she leads Versatile to tackle inefficiencies in an industry ripe for change.
Oren grew up in a family deeply connected to construction. Her father worked as a general contractor, and her brother manages projects today. This background sparked her interest in the field early on. She recalls watching her father’s sites and seeing the challenges firsthand, like delays and waste. These experiences shaped her drive to improve the industry.
She pursued higher education at Tel Aviv University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Technology and Information Systems from 2002 to 2004. During her studies, Oren volunteered as an English teacher in high schools in Kiryat Gat, showing her commitment to community. She later completed a Master of Business Administration in 2006-2008, focusing on business and technology. These degrees equipped her with tools to bridge tech and real-world applications. Her time at university also involved seminar work in international business, honing her global outlook.
Career Beginnings
Before founding Versatile, Oren built a strong foundation in tech and operations. She spent a decade at Intel, a giant in semiconductors. There, she led business operations and financial services teams. Oren managed international projects with diverse, multicultural groups, sharpening her leadership skills. She handled complex challenges, from streamlining processes to driving efficiency in high-stakes environments.
Her Intel experience taught her the value of data-driven decisions. She saw how technology could optimize manufacturing, a lesson she later applied to construction. Oren’s roles involved spearheading initiatives that crossed borders, building her reputation as a collaborative leader. This period fueled her entrepreneurial spirit, pushing her to seek bigger impacts beyond corporate walls.
Founding Versatile
In 2016, Oren co-founded Versatile with Danny Hermann, Barak Cohen, and Ran Oren. The idea stemmed from her family’s construction roots and her tech expertise. She noticed the industry’s lag in adopting modern tools—projects often ran over budget and time due to poor data insights. Versatile aims to change that by turning construction into a controllable manufacturing process.
The company develops AI and IoT solutions that collect jobsite data without disrupting workflows. Their flagship product, CraneView, attaches to cranes and captures thousands of data points daily. This tech provides real-time insights, helping teams predict issues, cut overtime, and demobilize cranes faster. Oren’s vision? Make construction safer, faster, and more efficient. Starting in Israel, Versatile quickly expanded globally, reflecting the Middle East’s role as a hub for innovative startups.
Innovative Solutions at Versatile
Under Oren’s guidance, Versatile focuses on non-intrusive tech. CraneView uses sensors to analyze workflows, spotting bottlenecks early. The system integrates machine learning to offer predictive analytics, much like factories use for optimization. Oren emphasizes quality data as key to AI success, especially in construction, where processes vary widely.
The company avoids heavy hardware, making adoption easy for builders. This approach stems from Oren’s problem-obsessed mindset—she prioritizes solutions that fit real needs. Versatile’s tech has evolved to include broader site intelligence, helping teams make informed choices on the fly.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Versatile has powered several high-profile projects, showcasing Oren’s impact. One standout is the pilot on Turner Construction’s Manchester Pacific Gateway in San Diego. There, CraneView improved schedules by providing actionable data, reducing delays on a major development. This success led to an enterprise agreement with Turner in 2021, rolling out the tech across their sites.
Another key project: The Ozone Cronulla Development in Australia, where Versatile handled completion as the selected builder. In Parramatta CBD, they contributed to a $250 million build-to-rent complex with over 200 apartments, setting new standards for efficiency. Versatile also works with clients like Gilbane Building Company and Pepper Construction, optimizing large-scale builds.
Achievements abound. In 2020, the World Economic Forum named Versatile a Technology Pioneer—the first in construction. Funding milestones include a $20 million Series A in 2020 and $80 million Series B in 2021, led by Insight Partners. These rounds fueled growth, valuing the company highly. Oren’s leadership earned her spots at global forums, like co-chairing the WEF’s Annual Meeting of New Champions in 2023.
Leadership and Impact
Oren leads with passion and resilience. She fosters collaboration, drawing from her Intel days. As CEO until 2024, she grew Versatile into a leader; now as chairwoman, she guides strategy while Eishay Smith handles operations. Her unyielding spirit shines in talks, where she stresses AI’s role in construction.
In the Middle East, Oren boosts Israel’s contech ecosystem. She mentors women in tech, sharing her story as a mother, veteran, and entrepreneur. Her work cuts waste, enhances safety, and promotes sustainability—vital in a region with booming infrastructure.
Looking Forward
Oren envisions a future where construction mirrors efficient manufacturing. Versatile continues to innovate, eyeing more AI integrations. She remains active in global discussions, pushing for digital transformation. Meirav Oren’s story reminds us that passion plus expertise can reshape industries. Her human touch—rooted in family and real experiences—keeps her grounded amid success.
