Design-build firm Clayco has launched an investment arm called Treehouse Adventures to provide financing and operational infrastructure to startups, including those serving the AEC industry.
“We see a lot of opportunities in construction services,” says Michael Latiner, who joined Clayco last November as Treehouse’s President and Principal.
The goal is to create an environment where fledgling companies can concentrate on innovation and worry less about running a business. Clayco has dedicated the 14th floor of its headquarters in Chicago to provide space for the startups.
Treehouse’s first investment is Chicago-based Ventana Design-Build Systems, a five-month-old company that designs, supplies, and installs high-performance glass curtain wall façade systems. Latiner says Ventana’s President, Bob Trainor (center in photo, flanked by VPs Marty Trainor, left, and Ryan Murphy), was known in the business and had the ideas and processes, but needed Clayco’s operational backbone for support. “We were able to get them up and running in a week,” says Latiner.
Trainor says that Treehouse uses Clayco’s back-office services to provide marketing, IT, legal, and accounting support. It also provides an experienced senior management team and a network of relationships that startups like Ventana can leverage.
Treehouse doesn’t have a dedicated fund set aside for investment, but Latiner says he anticipates investing in two or three companies a year. A second deal has already been cut, with a technology startup whose expertise is making buildings smarter.
Read about more innovations from BD+C's 2014 Great Solutions Report.
Related Stories
Industry Research | Jun 13, 2017
Gender, racial, and ethnic diversity increases among emerging professionals
For the first time since NCARB began collecting demographics data, gender equity improved along every career stage.
Architects | Jun 7, 2017
Build your very own version of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum with this new LEGO set
744 LEGO bricks are used to recreate the famous Wright design, including the 1992 addition.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 7, 2017
Multifamily visionary: The life and work of architect David Baker
For 35 years, architect David Baker has been a spirited voice for affordable housing, in San Francisco and beyond.
Architects | Jun 5, 2017
NCARB launches second alternative path to architect certification
Architects without a professional degree in architecture can now earn NCARB certification through an alternate path.
Architects | Jun 2, 2017
NELSON joins forces with Cope Linder and KA
More growth ahead, as NELSON expects to double its workforce and revenue this year.
Office Buildings | Jun 2, 2017
Strong brew: Heineken HQ spurs innovation through interaction [slideshow]
The open plan concept features a Heineken bar and multiple social zones.
| Jun 2, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: How maker culture is transforming Sasaki’s design practice
Sasaki’s Pablo Savid-Buteler and Brad Prestbo talk about how the firm’s maker initiatives are changing the way Sasaki goes to market, and how they are helping the firm win new business.
| May 30, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: The ROI of innovation culture, Russ Sykes, SmithGroupJJR
Russ Sykes discusses SmithGroupJJR’s ongoing journey to create a firm culture that ignites innovation and propels change across all levels of the organization.
| May 30, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Finding the money for your clients' projects, Paul Westlake, Jr., DLR Group|WRL
Architect Paul Westlake, Jr., shares his methods for adding value to projects through creative financing.
| May 30, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Health-generating buildings, Marcene Kinney, Angela Mazzi, GBBN Architects
Architects Marcene Kinney and Angela Mazzi share design hacks pinpointing specific aspects of the built environment that affect behavior, well-being, and performance.