Roy Danon leads Buildots as its CEO and co-founder, driving innovation in the construction industry from the heart of Israel’s tech scene. He transforms traditional building sites into data-driven operations using artificial intelligence. Danon, a Middle Eastern entrepreneur with roots in Tel Aviv, co-founded Buildots in 2018 to tackle age-old problems like delays and inefficiencies in construction projects. His vision combines cutting-edge technology with practical solutions, making him a standout figure in the global contech landscape. Under his guidance, Buildots has grown into an award-winning company that helps builders worldwide deliver projects on time and within budget.
Roy Danon grew up in Israel, where a culture of innovation and resilience shaped his worldview. He pursued higher education with a focus on technology and engineering, fields that would later define his career. Danon earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He then advanced his studies at Tel Aviv University, obtaining a Master of Science in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. These academic pursuits equipped him with a strong foundation in software development, electrical systems, and problem-solving skills he would soon apply in high-stakes environments.
Danon’s early years reflected a blend of curiosity and determination. Like many young Israelis, he balanced studies with national service, but his path took him into elite circles. He graduated from the prestigious Talpiot programme, an Israeli Defense Forces initiative that trains top talents in science and technology for leadership roles. This experience honed his ability to think critically under pressure, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.
Military Service and Early Career
Danon served in the Israeli Defense Forces as part of the Talpiot unit, where he tackled complex research and development challenges. This elite program, known for producing innovators, exposed him to advanced technologies and multidisciplinary teamwork. After his military stint, Danon took on a role as an R&D Group Manager for the Government of Israel. In this position, he led teams in developing cutting-edge solutions, gaining invaluable experience in managing high-tech projects.
These early career steps built Danon’s expertise in turning ideas into actionable technologies. He learned to navigate bureaucratic hurdles while fostering innovation, lessons that proved crucial when he ventured into the private sector. Danon’s time in government R&D sparked his interest in applying tech to real-world industries, particularly those lagging in digital adoption like construction.
Founding Buildots
In 2018, Roy Danon teamed up with Aviv Leibovici and Yakir Sudry—fellow Talpiot alumni—to launch Buildots. The trio spotted a gap in the construction world: projects often ran over budget and behind schedule due to poor tracking and communication. They set out to change that with AI-powered tools that use helmet-mounted cameras and computer vision to monitor site progress in real time.
Danon, as CEO, steered the company from a startup concept to a global player. He focused on validating the idea through rigorous testing, spending a year on proof-of-concept before diving into full development. Buildots’ platform automates progress reports, predicts delays, and provides a single source of truth for all stakeholders. Under Danon’s leadership, the company expanded rapidly, securing offices in Tel Aviv, London, and beyond. His hands-on approach ensured the technology met the needs of boots-on-the-ground builders, blending AI sophistication with user-friendly design.
Notable Projects
Buildots, under Danon’s direction, has powered several high-profile projects, showcasing its impact on complex constructions.
One standout is Intel’s multi-fab initiative across the US and EMEA. Intel used Buildots’ AI to track thousands of activities in semiconductor plant builds. The platform prevented delays through predictive analytics, saving 4.3% in rework costs per fab and avoiding four weeks of setbacks. It also enabled 1,176 model updates per project, streamlining workflows and boosting efficiency.
Another key project involved Juneau Construction Company on the Hub Knoxville student housing at the University of Tennessee. This 800,000-square-foot development included three buildings with nearly 600 units and extensive amenities. Buildots’ Performance-Driven Construction Management reduced delays by up to 50%, improved quality control, and enhanced visibility via key metrics like Delay Forecasting. Buoyed by success, Juneau extended the tech to the 33-story One Park Tower in North Miami, a luxury condo project.
Buildots also supported Build Group’s M2 Tower in San Francisco, part of a trio of projects in California and Washington State. The AI helped manage the tower’s complexity, ensuring timely delivery amid urban challenges. Globally, Danon’s company aids major builds in New York, Singapore, and London, proving its versatility across diverse markets.
Achievements and Impact
Danon’s leadership has propelled Buildots to remarkable heights. The company raised $45 million in Series D funding in 2025, valuing it at $300 million and fueling expansion in North America and Europe. Earlier, a $15 million round led by Intel Capital highlighted its strategic importance. Awards like Fast Company’s “Next Big Thing in Tech” underscore Danon’s innovative edge.
Beyond business, Danon influences the industry by advocating for AI adoption. He emphasizes human connection in tech sales and fosters a collaborative culture at Buildots. His work reduces construction’s environmental footprint by minimizing waste and delays, aligning with sustainable goals in the Middle East and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Roy Danon continues to push boundaries, eyeing further AI advancements to make construction smarter and safer. Based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, he balances professional demands with family life, drawing inspiration from Israel’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Danon’s story reminds us that great innovations stem from persistence and teamwork. As Buildots grows, he remains committed to empowering builders worldwide, one AI insight at a time.
