In an era defined by the relentless expansion of digital infrastructure, San Jose-based Planera is carving out a vital niche by revolutionizing how complex data center construction projects are planned and executed. The company, specializing in visual collaborative scheduling tools tailored for construction, has announced a new $8 million funding round that bolsters its total capital raised to $26.5 million. This infusion is earmarked to deepen Planera’s foothold within the booming data center sector, where demand for hyperscale and AI infrastructure is reshaping the landscape of global construction.
Planera’s platform replaces cumbersome, fragmented scheduling practices with an intuitive, collaborative interface built on the principles of Critical Path Method (CPM) planning. This approach is proving essential to major contractors and subcontractors handling the industry’s most intricate and deadline-sensitive builds. Among its marquee clients are HITT Contracting, the nation’s top data center builder, Ralph L. Wadsworth (RLW), known for delivering facilities for tech giants, and Ryan Companies, a leader in mission-critical projects. Each utilizes Planera to enhance visibility, streamline workflows, and maintain rigor on timelines where delays translate directly into millions of dollars in lost opportunity.
“We are witnessing unprecedented growth in data center projects worldwide, and our customers demand scheduling solutions that match the complexity and speed of these developments,” said Nitin Bhandari, CEO of Planera. “The new funding will allow us to scale our dedicated data center service team and expand AI-powered tools that identify schedule risks early, enabling proactive acceleration of projects.”
The investment round features returning backers such as Sorenson Capital, Sierra Ventures, Prudence, and Brick and Mortar Ventures, alongside strategic contributions from Zachry Construction Corporation and influential construction executives. Ken Elefant, Managing Director at Sorenson Capital, underscored the economic imperative driving Planera’s adoption: “A single day’s delay on a 60MW data center project can cost roughly $500,000. Planera’s platform is uniquely positioned to help general contractors and owners meet these high stakes schedules reliably.”
Zachry’s Vice President of Project Controls, Ranjeet Gadhoke, reinforced this endorsement: “Planera’s technology enhances our scheduling precision and transparency. Our continued investment signals confidence in their vision to transform construction efficiency.”
Editorial Insight:
Planera’s surge is emblematic of a broader transformation in construction technology, where traditional project management tools struggle to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated infrastructure demands. The company’s focus on visual, collaborative scheduling fills a critical gap, particularly in hyperscale data center construction—a sector expected to nearly double its market size to $214 billion by 2030 according to Arizton, driven by AI and cloud computing growth.
Moreover, Planera’s integration of AI for early delay detection and resource optimization represents a strategic leap beyond static scheduling software. This positions the company not only as a scheduling tool but as a proactive project risk mitigator—vital in an industry where every minute and resource counts.
As hyperscale data centers become the backbone of digital economies worldwide, the ability to execute complex builds on-time and within budget will define winners and losers in the construction ecosystem. Planera’s expanding client roster, robust funding, and technology innovation suggest it is well-positioned to be a linchpin in this evolving market.
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