Qnect
Qnect provides QuickQnect, a cloud-based SaaS that engineers and optimizes structural steel connections inside Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit 3D models, serving steel detailers, fabricators, and engineers of record with AISC- and CISC-compliant connection design and bolt-pattern optimization.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersHadley, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Qnect does
Qnect is a construction-technology company that builds and sells QuickQnect, a cloud-based SaaS platform that engineers and optimizes structural steel connections inside 3D modeling environments. Delivered as a plugin for Trimble's Tekla Structures (the dominant steel-detailing platform) and as a standalone plugin for Autodesk Revit, QuickQnect processes structural models uploaded by detailers, fabricators, and engineers of record and outputs code-compliant connection designs, engineering calculations, and cost reports. Headquartered in Hadley, Massachusetts, Qnect was formed in 2013 to commercialize the software and launched QuickQnect commercially in April 2016.
QuickQnect's core technology evaluates loads from the 3D model against AISC and CISC codes and designs each connection individually rather than selecting from standard connection libraries. Its optimization sub-modules include B+Op (variable bolt-spacing optimization that reduces bolt counts 20-40%), P+Op (preference comparison across bolt sizes, connection types, and welding configurations), and Doubler Optimization (automated recognition of doubler-plate requirements). The company reports throughput of roughly 3 joints per second and per-ton project savings in the $30-$120 range; an "Early Connected Models" service extends the platform into a digital-engineering deliverable aimed at hyperscale and enterprise project owners.
Qnect generates revenue primarily on a usage-based SaaS model: $10 per connection for the first run with free re-runs and revisions, plus project-based per-ton custom pricing for larger engagements under multi-year agreements. Go-to-market combines a self-serve, product-led motion (free trial, Autodesk App Store listing, sample preferences) with an enterprise sales motion (dedicated account managers, demos at NASCC and NISD), channel distribution through reseller Integrous Steel Software Solutions, and a preferred-partner network of detailers and connection engineers. The firm maintains 11-50 employees and has raised approximately $6.5 million in disclosed equity and exempt-offering filings, with strategic backers including Nucor Corporation ($3.8M, 2018) and Walters Group (Series A, 2015).
Qnect firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Qnect
- Legal name
- Qnect LLC
- Website
- https://qnect.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Qnect provides QuickQnect, a cloud-based SaaS that engineers and optimizes structural steel connections inside Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit 3D models, serving steel detailers, fabricators, and engineers of record with AISC- and CISC-compliant connection design and bolt-pattern optimization.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Qnect is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hadley
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Qnect business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Connection-based SaaS subscription: Qnect charges per connection processed. First run costs $10 per connection with no additional fees for re-runs with the same preferences. No setup charges, no maintenance fees. Users pay only once per connection type.
- Project-based pricing: Custom quotes for larger projects. Pricing is per-ton based for full project connections, with adjustment if less than 60% of model is connected. PE stamping available as separate service through connection engineer partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Pay-per-connection model with no recurring fees |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Project-based custom pricing |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free trial and demo available |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Qnect product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Qnect offers QuickQnect, a cloud-based SaaS platform that engineers and optimizes structural steel connections in 3D Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit models. The software applies AISC, CISC, and CSA-S16 building code compliance to produce optimized connections at a rate of approximately 3 joints per second, with bolt optimization that reduces bolt count by 20–40%. It is sold primarily as a pay-per-connection SaaS with a free trial, complemented by an Early Connected Models digital engineering service for mission critical owners.
Product overview
Qnect is a construction technology company offering a unified SaaS platform centered on QuickQnect, a cloud-based connection engineering and optimization tool for the structural steel industry. QuickQnect is delivered as a Tekla Structures plugin (and as a standalone Revit plugin) where users run connection design through a simple two-button workflow (Button 1 to upload model data, Button 2 to optimize). The platform comprises three core optimization sub-modules: B+Op (Bolt Optimization), which reduces bolt counts by optimizing spacing patterns; P+Op (Preference Optimization), which compares multiple connection configuration runs to find the lowest cost; and Doubler Optimization, which automates doubler plate reporting. An Early Connected Models service extends the software into digital engineering delivery, bridging design and fabrication for faster, lower-carbon construction. Qnect's engineering is based on AISC, CISC, and CSA-S16 building codes, and the platform integrates with Tekla Structures, Autodesk Revit, FabTrol, FabSuite, and STRUMIS.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- QuickQnect: Cloud-based steel connection optimization software that engineers and connects Tekla 3D steel structures to optimize fabrication time, improve accuracy and increase project profitability.
Products and services
- QuickQnect Cloud-based SaaS platform that engineers and optimizes steel connections in 3D Tekla Structures models. Users upload model data, select preferences, run optimization in the cloud, and receive AISC/CISC-compliant engineered connections, cost reports, and connection maps. Includes Bolt Optimization (B+Op), Preference Optimization (P+Op), and Doubler Optimization modules. Priced per connection with free re-runs.
- Qnect for Autodesk Revit Plugin for Autodesk Revit that detects framing issues early in steel designs so structural engineers can resolve them before they result in RFIs. Available on the Autodesk App Store with a 30-day free trial and brings QuickQnect connection optimization to Revit-based BIM workflows.
- Early Connected Models Digital engineering service in which Qnect delivers structural frames fit-out ready weeks ahead of schedule by bridging the gap between design and fabrication. Targeted at mission critical owners of hyperscale and enterprise facilities who need better cost and schedule certainty and reduced embodied carbon.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20-40% bolt reduction through B+Op optimization
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Qnect
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Qnect technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
Qnect partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered primary, core and preferred.
- Integrous Steel Software SolutionsprimaryNationwide reseller agreement. Integrous helps accelerate awareness of Qnect's benefits and delivers breakthrough savings with QuickQnect to their loyal customers. Integrous has worked for decades to help increase profitability for steel customers.
- Trimble (Tekla Structures)coreTrimble owns Tekla Structures, the leading 3D modeling software platform for the steel industry. QuickQnect is optimized to enhance Tekla Structures. Qnect enjoys a friendly, cooperative relationship with Trimble. The QuickQnect plugin integrates directly into the Tekla toolbar.
- Steel Structures Detailing, Inc. (SSDI)preferredPreferred partnership agreement with SSDI. Companies often work together on projects to offer complete detailing solutions, from modeling and connecting to full detailing, engineering and stamping.
- Meyer Borgman Johnson (MBJ)preferredConnection Engineering Preferred Partner. Award-winning structural engineering and connection engineering firm with over 63 years of experience. Uses QuickQnect software to optimize time and savings for their customers.
- The Harman GrouppreferredConnection Engineering Preferred Partner. Engineering firm that uses Qnect for unique projects like The Harper in Philadelphia.
- Martin & MartinpreferredConnection Engineering Preferred Partner.
- Drucker ZajdelpreferredConnection Engineering Preferred Partner.
- ProDraftpreferredDetailer Preferred Partner. Worked with Qnect on the Grifols Clayton Campus project.
- Canam GrouppreferredDetailer Preferred Partner. Chief Drafter Line Cusson noted there is no reason not to use bolt optimization and no project that wouldn't benefit from it.
- WSP MountainpreferredDetailer Preferred Partner.
- Tru-linepreferredDetailer Preferred Partner.
- MJD ConsultingpreferredDetailer Preferred Partner.
- JKU DetailingpreferredDetailer Preferred Partner.
- DeltechpreferredDetailer Preferred Partner.
- Tri-TechpreferredDetailer Preferred Partner.
- TectonixpreferredDetailer Preferred Partner.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Qnect competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- IDEA StatiCa: IDEA StatiCa is a direct competitor providing cloud- and desktop-based steel connection design and code-check software for structural engineers, addressing the same connection-engineering workflow as QuickQnect. Both target engineers-of-record with automated, code-compliant connection checks.
- SDS/2 (Design Data): SDS/2 is a long-established 3D steel detailing and connection-design platform with built-in automated connection design. It competes with Qnect by providing connection engineering as part of a full detailing suite used by structural steel fabricators.
Broad incumbents
- Tekla Structures (Trimble): Tekla Structures is the dominant 3D BIM platform for structural steel detailing and the host application for QuickQnect. Trimble offers built-in connection design features that overlap with QuickQnect's scope, making it both a critical distribution partner and a potential competitive incumbent.
- Autodesk Advance Steel: Autodesk Advance Steel is Autodesk's steel detailing and connection design application within the AEC portfolio. It overlaps with Qnect's Revit plugin and broader steel connection workflow, and Autodesk's platform reach makes it a strategic incumbent.
- RISA-3D (RISA Technologies): RISA-3D is a widely used structural analysis and design program for buildings, including steel members and connections. It competes for the structural engineer's design and connection-design budget that Qnect's In-Model Review tools also address.
- SAP2000 (Computers and Structures, Inc.): SAP2000 is a general-purpose structural analysis and design platform used by structural engineers for steel buildings. It overlaps with Qnect at the structural engineer workflow level and represents an incumbent tool that engineers must integrate with.
- Bentley RAM Elements: Bentley RAM Elements provides structural analysis and design of steel and concrete members, including connections. It is used by structural engineers who also evaluate Qnect as an alternative for connection engineering.
- Procore: Procore is the leading construction management SaaS platform for general contractors and owners. While not a direct competitor for connection design, it sits in the same AEC procurement stack that Qnect must integrate with for owner-side adoption of Early Connected Models.
Others
- Bluebeam (Nemetschek Group): Bluebeam is a construction document markup and collaboration tool widely used across AEC. It is adjacent rather than competitive, but is often part of the review-and-approval workflow that Qnect's In-Model Review tools integrate with.
- Trimble Connect: Trimble Connect is Trimble's construction collaboration platform used to share BIM models across project stakeholders. It is part of the Trimble ecosystem that Qnect plugs into and is complementary infrastructure for distributing QuickQnect-optimized models.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Qnect social profiles
Digital presenceQnect financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Qnect leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Qnect funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds11 records
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Qnect M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Qnect
What does Qnect do?
Qnect offers QuickQnect, a cloud-based SaaS platform that engineers and optimizes structural steel connections in 3D Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit models. The software applies AISC, CISC, and CSA-S16 building code compliance to produce optimized connections at a rate of approximately 3 joints per second, with bolt optimization that reduces bolt count by 20–40%. It is sold primarily as a pay-per-connection SaaS with a free trial, complemented by an Early Connected Models digital engineering service for mission critical owners.
Is Qnect a public or private company?
Qnect is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Qnect founded?
Qnect was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Qnect based?
Qnect is headquartered in Hadley, United States, in the North America region.
How does Qnect make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Connection-based SaaS subscription is the primary driver. The others are project-based pricing.
Who are Qnect's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are IDEA StatiCa and SDS/2 (Design Data). Broad incumbents are Tekla Structures (Trimble), Autodesk Advance Steel, RISA-3D (RISA Technologies), SAP2000 (Computers and Structures, Inc.), Bentley RAM Elements and Procore. Others are Bluebeam (Nemetschek Group) and Trimble Connect.
Does Qnect have an API?
No public API is recorded for Qnect.