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Billd’s Sixth Annual National Subcontractor Market Report Reveals the Playbook Behind the Industry’s Fastest-Growing Subcontractors

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With 83% of subcontractor owners now worried about cash flow, up from 71% a year ago, the report identifies the repeatable capital strategies that set the strongest-performing subcontractors apart.

AUSTIN, Texas, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Billd, the leading provider of financial solutions for commercial subcontractors, today released its 2026 National Subcontractor Market Report, the sixth edition of its annual study on the financial health of commercial subcontractors. Based on responses from more than 600 subcontractors, suppliers, and general contractors nationwide, the report identifies a clear, strategic playbook for repeatable success, from engaging in supplier negotiations and using early pay programs to pricing capital into bids and diversifying working capital beyond cash.

Now in its sixth year, the report draws on one of the construction industry’s most experienced panels of financial decision-makers, with 87% of respondents in business for more than 10 years and working across trades, geographies, and revenue bands up to $50 million or more. The result is a detailed look at how commercial subcontractors managed cash flow, pricing volatility, and rising costs through a year defined by uncertainty.

The continued strain traces back to a payment cycle that still works against subcontractors. According to respondents, they wait an average of 51 days to be paid after submitting a pay application, while general contractors estimate payment is sent in just 35 days, a 16-day gap between expectation and reality. Sixty-four percent of subcontractors report being slow-paid by their GC, and 78% do not take regular profit draws, leaving cash tied up in the business.

“Each year that we conduct this survey, we discover that subcontractors continue to face challenges stemming from a broken payment cycle, rising prices on materials and labor, and uncertainty in the market overall,” said Chris Doyle, founder and CEO of Billd. “However, we also find that despite these unique challenges, subcontractors remain resilient, and those that emerge as industry leaders deploy an effective working capital strategy, especially while operating in difficult market conditions.”

This ongoing broken payment cycle was compounded last year by climbing material and labor costs (up 12% and 11%, respectively), which drove average net profit margins down to 13.3%. Even so, two-thirds of subcontractors maintained or improved their profitability throughout the year, and those who did used a mix of strategies that primed them for growth.

Across the data, the subcontractors who pulled ahead shared a set of consistent, repeatable habits. The report organizes them into ‘The Growth-Minded Subcontractor’s Playbook,’ a blueprint for businesses looking to get ahead regardless of market conditions:

Negotiate with suppliers and pay them on time for best pricing. 85% of subcontractors negotiate pricing and terms with their material suppliers, leverage that matters when 41% of suppliers raise prices, by an average of 9%, on customers who pay late.Build the cost of capital into every bid. Subcontractors who account for the cost of capital in their bids are 25% more profitable than those who don’t (14.6% vs. 11.7%) and far more likely to grow; 62% grew year over year, compared with 46% of those who don’t. More than half of subcontractors (54%) now price it in, up from 45% in 2024.Use early pay programs. 28% of subcontractors now take advantage of GC early pay programs, but 76% of general contractors still don’t offer one, leaving clear subcontractor demand unmet.Diversify beyond cash. With 52% of subcontractors holding a bank credit line that covers less than 10% of their annual revenue, the strongest performers layer multiple capital sources rather than relying on cash alone, while 42% secured capital before they needed it, rising to 48% among $50 million-plus firms.

“The subcontractors outperforming their competition share the same disciplined approach to capital, giving them an edge,” Doyle said. “They’re building capital costs into their bids, negotiating with their suppliers, and securing additional forms of capital before they need it. The financial performance of this cohort demonstrates how valuable these habits are, and they’re raising the bar for the entire industry.”

Subcontractors are carrying that momentum into the year ahead: 84% plan to grow their business in 2026 and 66% intend to take on larger projects. The cohort that showed the highest level of proactive decision-making was the $50 million-plus revenue group, 48% of which secured capital before they needed it, positioning them to grow faster, take on more projects, and build for the future.

“At Billd, we have served as the Champion of the Sub for eight years,” Doyle said. “Our team is focused on empowering subcontractors to do the best work of their lives, and this report serves as a roadmap to those hard-working business owners who are the backbone of our industry.”

Download the full 2026 National Subcontractor Market Report by visiting:
https://billd.com/resources/2026-market-report.

About Billd
Billd stands alone as a partner that truly champions the subcontractor. Founded in 2018 by two industry veterans in both construction and finance, Billd’s construction-specific financial and payment products empower subcontractors to overcome the impacts of the longstanding broken payment cycle in construction. Billd offers access to working capital solutions to cover subcontractors’ most pressing costs, including materials and labor, providing flexible credit to accommodate the unpredictability of cash flow in construction. Billd’s patented analytic and financing methodology allows subcontractors to stabilize cash flow and more effectively grow their businesses.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lydia Adams
Billd
lydia@billd.com

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SOURCE Billd

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AKEEYO to Showcase 711Air, 750S and H2 Ride Cameras at EICMA 2026

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56 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AKEEYO, a brand dedicated to dash cams and ride cameras, will exhibit at EICMA 2026, November 3–8 at Fiera Milano Rho, Italy. At Hall 24, Booth B67, the brand will showcase the 710Lite, 730Pro, 750Lite, 750S, 711Air and H2, spanning lightweight recording, 4K image quality and helmet-view capture.

711Air Makes Everyday Recording Simple

Weighing just 80g, the new 711Air adds minimal weight to a helmet, while its 1800mAh battery supports 8–10 hours of recording. One-touch quick recording, with vibration feedback confirming power on/off and recording start/stop, means riders never need to look at the camera. It also offers up to 36 hours of Always On Video (AOV) monitoring, plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, app connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

750S Captures the Road in True 4K HDR

The 750S combines true 4K HDR recording with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for detailed, steadier riding footage. Dual-band Wi-Fi supports stable connections and efficient video transfers, while app access and OTA firmware updates simplify video management and keep the camera up to date. It is designed for touring riders, cyclists and anyone seeking high-quality recordings.

H2 Records from the Rider’s Perspective

Designed for helmet-view recording, the H2 features dual 1080p cameras that capture two perspectives at once, along with 8–10 hours of runtime and a 3-second quick-release mount. Its lightweight, easy-to-use design suits daily rides and longer motorcycle journeys.

Also on display are the AKY-730Pro 4K touchscreen camera, the ultra-compact AKY-710Lite and the endurance-focused 750Lite.

Visit AKEEYO at EICMA 2026

Dates: November 3–8, 2026
Booth: Hall 24 • Booth B67
Venue: Fiera Milano Rho
Address: Strada Statale del Sempione 28, 20017 Rho (MI), Italy

For AKEEYO, EICMA 2026 is the right stage to introduce the 711Air to riders, media and the global two-wheeler industry. Visitors can handle the 80g body and try one-touch recording in person, and dealers and distributors interested in partnering with AKEEYO are welcome to fill out the inquiry form.

About AKEEYO

AKEEYO designs dash cams and ride cameras for cars, motorcycles and bicycles, helping users record the road and relive their journeys.

Website: www.akeeyo.com 

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For A Bright Future Foundation Launches NextGen Finance Lab Across Manhattan High School District, New York

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56 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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District-wide rollout brings project-based financial literacy and professional mentorship to Manhattan’s 50 public high schools, building on a successful pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future (“For A Bright Future,” “FABF”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity for underserved youth, today announced the district-wide expansion of its NextGen Finance Lab program into the Manhattan High School District. In partnership with the Manhattan High School District Team, under the supervision of Superintendent Gary Beidleman, FABF will launch the program’s first cohort of 8 high schools this fall, with plans to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to additional Manhattan high schools in the semesters that follow as part of a phased, district-wide rollout.

“At Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, we saw firsthand what this program can do. Our students left Pitch Like A Dragon more confident, more articulate, and more prepared to manage their own financial futures than I’ve seen from any other initiative we’ve run. I’m proud that the model our students and teachers helped build is now reaching classrooms across Manhattan,” said Manuel A. Ureña, Principal, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School.

The NextGen Finance Lab is a project-based financial literacy program that integrates the Dave Ramsey Financial Literacy curriculum with FABF’s FinTech mentorship ecosystem. Throughout the program, students build core skills in budgeting, saving, debt elimination, investing, and entrepreneurship, while working directly with FinTech industry professionals who share real-world perspective on banking, digital wallets, investing, and career pathways in financial technology. The program culminates in “Pitch Like A Dragon,” a school-level and district-level competition in which student teams pitch original business and FinTech concepts to a panel of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and New York City business professionals, with scholarship awards presented to top teams.

“This expansion is proof of what’s possible when a nonprofit, a school district, and industry partners commit to the same goal. Everything we’re scaling today started as a pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, where educators and students helped shape the curriculum and the ‘Pitch Like A Dragon’ event structure now being adopted by seven more schools this fall. That’s how one school’s success becomes a lasting pathway for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, For A Bright Future Foundation.”This expansion demonstrates the collective impact achievable through aligned partnerships. The model shaped at  Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) High School now serves as a lasting foundation for advancing financial literacy for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, FABF. The success at JKO High School, now fueling district‑wide deployment, was strengthened by the guidance of FABF’s Consultant in Academic Affairs and former Senior Deputy Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education, whose deep expertise helped shape a program adaptable to each school’s unique vision and academic priorities.

FABF and the Manhattan High School District Team have confirmed the following schools for the initial launch cohort:

Leadership and Public Service High SchoolJacqueline Kennedy Onassis High SchoolHigh School for Law and Public ServiceMurry Bergtraum High School for Business CareersHigh School of Fashion IndustriesHudson High School of Learning TechnologiesMott Hall High School: Finance Lab ProgramFood and Finance High School

FABF’s long-term goal is to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to all 50 high schools in the Manhattan District, expanding in phased cohorts over the coming semesters.

“As someone who spent a career in financial services, I know how much of a difference it makes when young people are exposed to these concepts early. This program doesn’t just teach students about money; it gives them the confidence to pitch real ideas, take feedback, and think like entrepreneurs,” said Benson Porter, Program Chairman, NextGen Finance Lab, FABF.

About For A Bright Future Foundation

Louis Hernandez Jr’s Foundation For A Bright Future is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that empowers underserved youth with equitable access to education, technology, financial capability, and wellness. We help students develop future‑ready skills that unlock lifelong opportunity and support thriving global communities. Learn more at www.fabff.org. 

FABF operates programs nationwide, including the NextGen Finance Lab, the NextGen Media Creators Lab, the merit- and need-based scholarships, and youth leadership development, working directly with schools, districts, and industry leaders to bridge opportunity gaps for the next generation.

Media Contact
Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs
For A Bright Future Foundation
gmr@forabrightfuturefoundation.org

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SOURCE Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future

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VOICEBUDS, A QUIETER WAY TO WORK WITH VOICE, NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY SHIPPING

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56 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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Voicebuds reinvent earbuds for personal voice computing, even below a whisper

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Subtle announced today that Voicebuds, its award-winning private voice computing device, is available to ship in time for the 2026 holiday season, with customers ordering by December 10th receiving their devices by December 24th.

Since Voicebuds were unveiled in January, AI voice dictation has surged in popularity, but the fundamental problems with voice input remain unsolved. Dictating aloud is awkward in open offices, offers little privacy in public spaces, and remains unreliable when others are speaking nearby.

With Voicebuds, Subtle has reinvented the earbud as a private voice interface that works even at a whisper. The device combines Subtle’s breakthrough voice isolation technology with an AI voice computing app for iPhone and Mac, enabling discreet, reliable voice computing in the places where people actually live and work. Voicebuds serve as both premium everyday earbuds for music and calls, and a personal computing device for voice dictation and AI. They are designed for voice productivity in crowded commutes, quiet libraries, noisy cafes, and shared spaces where traditional voice tools have always failed.

“It’s been inspiring to hear from our beta testers using Voicebuds to prompt AI in shared offices without booking a quiet booth, dictate on planes without bothering their seatmates, and take calls amid the noise and bustle of their daily lives,” said Tyler Chen, cofounder and CEO of Subtle. “We’re incredibly excited to put Voicebuds in the hands of all of our customers just in time for the holidays and hear what new use cases they come up with.”

In Subtle’s internal testing across real-world noise environments, Voicebuds delivered up to 5X fewer transcription errors than AirPods Pro 3 combined with leading AI dictation software.

Voicebuds offer:

Subtle voice dictation: Write with voice in any app on iPhone and Mac, without being overheard.Voice notes: Capture thoughts and ideas instantly, and access them across multiple devices.Contextual AI chat: Brainstorm with an AI assistant, without being overheard.Music and calls: Everyday listening, noise cancellation, multipair connectivity and clear calls.

For holiday shoppers, Voicebuds replace multiple devices and apps as a single product for listening, communication, and voice computing that finally works in the real world.

Voicebuds are available starting today for $249 in either Parchment White or Ink Black. Voicebuds ship with a 1-year membership to the Subtle app for iPhone and Mac, providing a complete voice productivity experience across dictation, contextual AI chat, and cross-device voice notes. After year one, users can continue the full Subtle Pro membership for $17 per month, or switch to the free tier anytime with full earbud functionality and limited AI usage.

Customers can order now at subtle.co.

About Subtle

Subtle is pioneering personal voice computing technology, designed to make voice the most effective, trusted interface anywhere. Its machine learning technology powers consumer hardware for whispered, private, and noise-resilient voice AI that works in real-world environments. Founded by Stanford engineers and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Subtle is supported by funding from Entrada Ventures, Amplify Partners, Abstract Ventures, and founders of Twitter, Pinterest, and Perplexity. Learn more at subtle.co.

Media Contact

press@subtle.co

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SOURCE Subtle Computing

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