In this episode of Built Leadership, host James Onyks interviews Dustin Bowers, founder of PLAEX. They explore the realities of building a deep-tech construction startup focused on transforming waste into scalable building materials through an interlocking modular system designed for durability, reuse, and circular economy applications.

Dustin shares the challenges of bringing physical innovation to market, including navigating six years of research and development, certification barriers, and the complexity of scaling hardware-based solutions compared to software businesses.

The conversation also dives into broader founder lessons on fundraising in uncertain economic conditions, the importance of raising sufficient capital to withstand global disruptions, and the evolving role of AI in reshaping traditional consulting and de ...