Problem Statement: Trustees across different buildings and associations are often isolated, with limited opportunities to communicate, share experiences, or collaborate on common challenges. This separation restricts their ability to learn from one another, share solutions to recurring problems, and make informed, strategic decisions based on collective insights.

 

Solution: BuildingBeam is a data-driven, community-centered platform that connects trustees from different buildings and condo associations, enabling them to share experiences, tackle challenges, and collaborate on solutions. Leveraging advanced AI, including large language models, BuildingBeam delivers actionable insights that empower trustees to make informed decisions, streamline management processes, and build stronger, more connected communities.

 

Founder Background: BuildingBeam LLC, a Massachusetts-based company, was founded on October 18, 2024, by Uri Kartoun, a robotics PhD with over 16 years in the U.S., having worked for Microsoft, Massachusetts General Hospital, and IBM Research. Uri’s professional background includes holding over seventy-five patents with the U.S. Patent Office. In addition to his technical expertise, Uri brings a hands-on understanding of trustee responsibilities, having served as a trustee in a large condominium building in North Cambridge, MA, for nearly three years during the pandemic. This experience inspired the creation of BuildingBeam LLC—a platform he wished had existed during his trustee tenure to address building management challenges through shared insights and advanced data solutions.

 

About the Name: The name "BuildingBeam" carries a dual meaning, making it both symbolic and unique. A beam represents a communication or laser beam, emphasizing the connections the platform aims to foster between different buildings and condo associations. At the same time, beams are fundamental structural components of buildings, often made of steel, symbolizing strength and support. Together, these meanings encapsulate BuildingBeam’s mission to build strong, connected communities and empower trustees with tools for efficient and sustainable building management.

 

Primary Users: Trustees and associations, who can use the platform to connect, share experiences, and access valuable insights. The primary users are trustees of buildings in Cambridge MA.

 

Secondary Audience: HOA members benefit indirectly from the platform’s insights as their trustees make more informed, data-driven decisions.

 

Service Providers: BuildingBeam aims to connect trustees with individuals and contractors who offer services to buildings. This group includes professionals such as plumbers, construction companies, electricians, HVAC technicians, landscapers, property management consultants, legal advisors, and cleaning services. These service providers bring valuable resources, solutions, and expertise, helping trustees and associations manage building needs more effectively.

 

Intellectual Property: BuildingBeam owns intellectual property in the form of patent-pending technologies, which covers the platform’s unique approaches.

 

Current Product (November 2024): The platform, based on Slack technology, allows condo trustees to register and communicate with one another in a chat channel called the "lobby." The lobby channel enables all registered trustees to interact. The platform also provides association-specific channels (there are several hundred in Cambridge), where access is restricted to the trustees of that specific association and BuildingBeam team members. BuildingBeam team members can attempt to provide advice by accessing publicly available databases (e.g., Registry of Deeds, Cambridge Permits Databases, Cambridge Archives) and applying advanced computational methods.

 

Cost: There are no costs associated with using the platform. Trustees can access free of charge.

 

Disclaimer: BuildingBeam provides advice and insights based on publicly available data and computational methods; however, the platform is not responsible for any decisions, actions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Trustees should independently verify all information before making decisions.