Bucharest, 1 October 2021: anticipating the potential of a market valued at billions of euros globally, Graphein is betting on business development through the acquisition of the Autodesk business division of Dendrio Solutions – formerly GECAD, founded by Radu Georgescu. The value of the transaction totalled 2.2 million lei. Dendrio is part of Bittnet Systems, another company with Romanian founders Cristian and Mihai Logofătu.
The founders of Graphein – Eugen Ursu and Andrei Șueran are determined to create a synergy between Autodesk’s business division and 3D scanning and modelling services or virtual tours, with one goal in mind: to contribute to the digitisation of buildings and cities by creating Digital Twins for every scanned object in the world.
Eugen Ursu, CEO of Graphein reveals the reasons behind the acquisition:
By acquiring the Autodesk division from Dendrio, we are entering a business sector valued at several million euros in Romania and in the billions of euros globally: the market for specialised software in construction, manufacturing, industry and media & gaming.
By acquiring the Autodesk division, we want to help create a digital twin for every object in the world. It’s a bold vision that has internationalisation potential
Autodesk provides software products and services that include AutoCAD, BIM 360, Civil 3D, Fusion 360, InfraWorks, Inventor, Maya, PlanGrid, Revit, Shotgun, 3DS Max. Among the most popular in our country being AutoCAD, 3DS Max and Maya.
Solutions used by engineers, architects and construction managers, CAD software has replaced manual design. They help users create 2D or 3D models so they can visualise the construction. CAD software makes it possible to develop, modify and optimise the design process.
Everyone uses CAD software: public authorities, state-owned companies, property developers, builders, architects, car manufacturers and game developers.
Another strategic reason for the Graphein – Autodesk deal is the expansion of the customer portfolio in Architecture and Engineering&Construction and diversification into other industries such as product design, manufacturing and digital. With Mihai Logofătu, CEO of Bittnet Group, I was a high school mate, so it was easy for us to get the confidence that we want the Autodesk project, especially since the project is a “legacy” received from Radu Georgescu.
The evolution of Bittnet Group is one that inspires us in the development of our business. Some time ago we asked Mihai Logofătu to give us some advice on financing, organisation and business development. During those discussions, and because Dendrio had an offer to take over the Autodesk division, we considered to accelerate the discussions and grow the business ourselves.
Eugen Ursu
Graphein is determined to be the engine of digital transformation for the Romanian construction market.
Using 3D scanning, CAD software and training provided by Graphein, companies will be able to re-engineer their processes, strengthen their business and grow to become leading organisations in their field. Cities that want to make the transition to smart cities are also targeted.
We’ll have a support, training and coaching team to help them keep up to date with all the opportunities offered by digitisation. We also aim to integrate technologies like VR, AR and AI.
If we have a collaborative 3D way of working, with data on all the elements in a building, using artificial intelligence we can have more efficient and sustainable buildings. There are already software products that use artificial intelligence for urban planning studies or efficient design. And Autodesk is the largest developer of such solutions.
Eugen Ursu
Graphein is transforming itself into an integrator of services and products for the digitisation of construction and the built environment
The acquisition budget will also depend on future funding that we are looking to access from investors to accelerate expansion into new international markets. We aim to grow from 5 franchises, which we currently have, to a network of 10 franchises nationwide and open an office in London in 2022
Eugen Ursu
Digital transformation is making huge progress across industries worldwide, with leading companies and governments adopting and implementing advanced digital technologies. The rest of the companies will have to adapt, pick up the pace of adoption or risk falling behind.