During the first half of 2018, venture capital firms invested a record $1.05 billion in construction technology startup companies, or nearly 30% more than during the same period in 2017, according to a new report from JLL.
Since 2009, VCs have funded 478 ConTech deals totaling $4.34 billion. “The construction sector is on the verge of major disruption, as tech startups tackle head-on the industry’s biggest pressure points,” says Todd Burns, President of Project and Development Services for JLL.
Indeed, JLL put its money where its mouth is when it brought on two Silicon Valley veterans last year to launch JLL Spark, a business that includes a $100 million global venture fund, and is set up identify and deliver new technology driven real estate service offerings.
Its report calls out three areas where ConTech startups are focusing their efforts:
• Collaborative software, and especially leveraging cloud-based solutions to optimize workflow. Some of the frontrunning startups in this category include Procore Technologies, Flux Factory, PlanGrid, and Clarizen.
• Offsite construction. The building industry can no longer ignore prefabrication and modular solutions at a time when skilled labor is getting harder to hire. Among the new leaders in this category is Katerra—into which Soft Bank has invested $865 million—which is building several new prefab factories, and in recent months has acquired the design firms Michael Green Architecture and Lord Aeck Sargent.
• Big data and artificial intelligence. Predictive data and automation tools are helping construction teams make better-informed decisions to save time and money by extending the work life of equipment, reducing jobsite risk, and automating simple processes. Uptake Technologies is among the startups in this category’s vanguard.
Related Stories
| Apr 6, 2012
Rooftop solar energy program wins critical approval from L.A. city council
Los Angeles Business Council applauds decision allowing LADWP to create new national model for rooftop solar energy
| Apr 3, 2012
Product Solutions
Two new PV systems; a lighter shelf; and fire alarm/emergency communication system.
| Apr 3, 2012
Johns Manville publishes 2011 Sustainability Report
Report covers JM’s long-time sustainability focus and progress towards goals.
| Apr 3, 2012
Educational facilities see long-term benefits of fiber cement cladding
Illumination Series panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price. The design for Red Hawk Elementary School stems from the desire to create a vibrant place for kids to learn. In an effort to achieve this design, RB+B Architects selected Nichiha USA to provide a durable yet modern, contemporary exterior finish.
| Apr 2, 2012
TGP launches new fire-rated glazing website
Website offers online continuing education courses registered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), BIM 3D models, and rapid-response quoting, among other support tools.
| Apr 2, 2012
EB-5 investment funds new Miramar, Fla. business complex
Riviera Point Holdings breaks ground on $17 million office center.
| Mar 27, 2012
Skanska hires aviation construction expert Bob Postma
Postma will manage Skanska’s nationwide in-house team of airport construction experts who lead the industry in building and renovating airport facilities and their essential features.
| Mar 21, 2012
10 common data center surprises
Technologies and best practices provide path for better preparation.
| Mar 20, 2012
Stanford’s Knight Management Center Awarded LEED Platinum
The 360,000-sf facility underscores what is taught in many of the school’s electives such as Environmental Entrepreneurship and Environmental Science for Managers and Policy Makers, as well as in core classes covering sustainability across the functions of business.
| Mar 20, 2012
New office designs at San Diego’s Sunroad Corporate Center
Traditional office space being transformed into a modern work environment, complete with private offices, high-tech conference rooms, a break room, and an art gallery, as well as standard facilities and amenities.