Proptech General

ClimateTech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

ClimateTech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

GreenTech/ClimateTech focused on the built environment refers to technologies and innovations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of buildings and construction. This spans sustainable building materials (e.g. low-carbon concrete, engineered timber), energy-efficient systems (insulation, heat pumps, solar integration), on-site renewable energy, building decarbonization solutions, and climate resilience technologies (like flood-proofing or heat-adaptive building design). It also includes tech for retrofitting existing buildings to be greener and software for tracking and reducing a building’s carbon footprint.

Market Growth and Investment

ClimateTech has become a major investment theme globally, and the built environment – responsible for ~40% of global carbon emissions (when including construction materials + operations) – is a critical target. Over the past few years, record capital flowed into climate tech, though it peaked in 2021–2022 and has since moderated​. Built environment-focused climate tech is a significant subset of this. For instance, H1 2024 climate tech funding was $11.3 B (down ~20% YoY amid broader VC pullback)​, and within that, the Built Environment vertical saw around a 40% drop in funding in early 2024 compared to a year prior​.

Despite short-term volatility, the long-term outlook is strong due to urgent climate goals: expect substantial growth through 2030 in areas like green building materials (projected multi-billion dollar markets on their own), energy-efficient appliance markets, and building energy management systems. A concrete example: the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that to hit climate targets, building efficiency improvements must double by 2030, and this could spur creation of many jobs and businesses​

Funding Trends

Venture and private equity funding for green building tech saw a surge after the Paris Agreement (2015) and again around 2020–2021 when ESG investing gained steam. Top categories include efficient HVAC and lighting solutions, prefab and modular construction (which reduces waste), smart glass and insulation tech, and carbon-negative materials. By 2024, there was some cooling in venture funding (as noted, climate-tech funding fell in 2023​), but importantly, government and strategic funding has ramped up.

Policies like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 allocate huge incentives for building efficiency upgrades and electrification, which in turn is mobilizing private investment (the U.S. climate-tech investment held strong in 2024 buoyed by the IRA​). The result: the U.S. led the world in climate-tech financing in H1 2024 with $6.7 B invested (vs. China’s $5.1 B)​. Europe likewise has Green Deal programs funneling money into building renovation and clean heating systems. ClimateTech funds (VC and PE) have tens of billions under management specifically to invest in climate solutions – by end of 2024, climate tech funds globally amassed ~$86 B (up 20% YoY)​.

Built environment tech is a major focus of these funds, often labeled “Buildings and Cities” or similar in their portfolios. For example, startups making heat pump technology, carbon capture for cement, energy storage for buildings, or upcycled construction materials have raised significant rounds. Another trend is corporates in construction and real estate launching decarbonization funds (e.g. big cement companies investing in low-carbon concrete startups). We also see carbon markets and ESG reporting driving adoption: real estate portfolios now measure emissions, and tech that can reduce measured emissions gets funded and sold.

Regional Insights

ClimateTech in buildings is heavily influenced by policy:

• North America: The U.S. has become a hotbed for building-focused climate tech due to policy support. The IRA provides tax credits for efficient HVAC, insulation, solar, etc., stimulating both demand and domestic manufacturing for these solutions. Thus, many U.S. startups in areas like smart thermostats, building retrofit analytics, and novel materials have strong tailwinds. Canada similarly promotes green building (e.g. Toronto’s net-zero building requirements). By region, North America leads in investment dollars for climate tech in 2024​, and a lot of that is in energy and building sectors. We can expect North America to continue as a leading market for green building tech deployment (retrofitting millions of older homes/buildings and constructing new net-zero buildings).
• Europe: Europe has arguably the most aggressive climate regulations for buildings. The EU Green Deal and associated legislation (like requiring all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy by 2021, all existing building stock to hit high energy performance by 2030–2050) create a massive market for building renovation tech, insulation, heat pumps, and renewables integration. Europe has a strong startup scene in Green Building Tech (e.g. companies focusing on building energy analytics, or sustainable materials like mushroom-based insulation). A lot of climate tech funding in Europe goes to energy and transport, but buildings are not far behind due to mandated demand. By 2030, Europe will have invested heavily in deep energy retrofits – meaning jobs and growth for firms making products to replace boilers with heat pumps, put solar PV on roofs, smart energy management, etc. In venture funding, Europe has many climate-focused funds that include building tech in their scope. One measure of employment impact: the International Labour Organization (ILO) predicts 5 million jobs in sustainable construction by 2030 worldwide​ , much of that in Europe and North America, given their plans to retrofit and build green.
• Asia-Pacific: APAC is critical for global climate goals because of rapid urbanization. China is the world’s largest construction market and also a major emitter – it’s investing in greener buildings (for example, updating building codes, promoting prefabrication which reduces waste, and pushing use of renewables in buildings). China’s climate tech funding was high in 2022 (China led in climate-tech investment in 2023)​, though policy changes there influence the flow. Still, expect China to invest heavily in areas like green cement, low-energy buildings, and urban cooling technologies given its commitment to peak emissions by 2030. Other APAC: Japan and South Korea have strong green building movements (Japan has many zero-energy house programs, and Tokyo mandates energy reduction in large buildings).
• India and Southeast Asia are at earlier stages but face huge needs – e.g. cooling demand is skyrocketing in India, leading to initiatives for efficient cooling (the India Cooling Action Plan spurs tech like efficient AC and passive cooling design). These emerging markets may not have as much VC funding, but are getting support via international climate finance to implement green building solutions. For instance, IFC and World Bank finance a lot of green construction in developing Asia, implicitly boosting cleantech providers. By region growth, APAC might see the highest percentage growth in green building tech adoption simply because baseline is lower and construction is higher, for example, Green Building Councils in many APAC countries are expanding certification programs which drives tech adoption (materials, systems to meet certification).
• Middle East & Africa: MEA has two different narratives. The oil-rich Middle East (like UAE, Saudi, Qatar) is ironically investing in sustainable buildings as part of diversification and future-proofing. Masdar City in Abu Dhabi was an early example of a low-carbon city; Saudi Arabia claims Neom will be highly sustainable, using renewable energy and innovative materials. These showcase projects aside, building codes in UAE and Qatar now emphasize green standards (Dubai has green building regulations, etc.), creating a market for climate tech in buildings (efficient chillers, insulated panels, etc. suitable for hot climates). Africa, with huge development needs, has potential for leapfrogging to green buildings but is currently constrained by cost. Still, there are efforts like African Development Bank’s green building programs or South Africa’s push for solar water heaters and efficient public buildings, which create demand for these technologies. By 2030, as climate impacts intensify (heat, extreme weather), MEA regions will realize the necessity of climate-resilient and efficient buildings – potentially spurring adoption of things like cool roofing, water recycling systems, and off-grid solar+battery combos for buildings in places with unreliable power. The challenge is financing: much of Africa and parts of Middle East will need international support to implement such tech widely.

Key Growth Areas

Cross-sector, building energy efficiency is the low-hanging fruit and seeing the most activity. Technologies like LED lighting (virtually standard by 2030), smart thermostats, advanced heat pump systems replacing fossil fuel heating (heat pump sales are booming in Europe and picking up in North America due to climate policies), and improved building envelope materials (high-performance glass, aerogels for insulation) are all growth markets. Also, renewable energy integration: solar panels on buildings plus battery storage and EV charging infrastructure,  effectively turning buildings into energy hubs,  is a huge trend. By 2030, many commercial buildings will have not just solar roofs but also two-way interaction with the grid (demand response, storing energy when abundant, etc.), enabled by tech and IoT.

Another growing segment is circular construction and materials: companies developing recyclable or bio-based building materials to replace cement, steel, plastics, etc., which is driven by both cost and carbon concerns. Carbon capture and utilization in the context of buildings (like tech that captures CO2 during cement production or concrete curing) could become a significant part of the construction process by late 2020s. Climate resilience tech is also part of ClimateTech: think flood barriers for buildings, wind-resistant design tools, and cooling technologies for extreme heat,  as climate change effects become more pronounced, buildings need to adapt, and tech solutions to do so will be in demand, especially in climate-vulnerable regions (coastal cities, etc.).

Employment Impact

The push for green buildings is a major job creator. Retrofitting millions of buildings for efficiency is labor-intensive and tech-intensive. The ILO estimates that shifting to a greener economy could create 24 million jobs globally by 2030, and notably sustainable construction is the second-fastest growing job sector (with 6.5 million jobs in sustainable construction by 2030)​, these jobs range from construction workers installing green systems to engineers and auditors. We’re already seeing a sharp rise in demand for energy auditors, retrofit project managers, and HVAC technicians skilled in heat pump and solar installations. Moreover, green architecture and engineering is a burgeoning field – architects specializing in sustainable design, engineers expert in green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM) are increasingly sought.

Sustainability consultants and Chief Sustainability Officers at real estate companies are now common, focusing on portfolio decarbonization. There’s also a whole value chain of jobs in manufacturing of green building products (insulation, solar panels, smart devices), which is being stimulated by industrial policy (for example, new factories in the US for heat pumps or in Europe for solar PV will add jobs). In developing countries, many of these green building jobs can be local (e.g. local workers making compressed-earth bricks, or installing solar kits). On the innovation side, climate tech startups in the building space are hiring engineers and scientists: e.g. companies working on new materials or AI optimization for energy are recruiting from top universities. Job training programs are ramping up: governments are funding workforce training for insulators, solar installers, etc., recognizing the need for skilled labor to meet targets. By region: the U.S. expects hundreds of thousands of new jobs from its building efficiency and electrification drive; the EU similarly through its renovation wave. In Asia, if countries like India invest in green construction, it could create large employment in installation and manufacturing of relevant tech (which is attractive as it aligns with economic development).

We should also note overlap with other sectors: a lot of GreenTech jobs in built environment overlap with ConTech and PropTech – e.g. a startup making AI for energy saving in buildings might be counted as PropTech or ClimateTech. The important point is that climate objectives are injecting additional momentum into built environment innovation and employment. Challenges remain: a shortage of skilled labor could bottleneck the massive retrofitting plans, so a concerted effort is needed to train workers (electricians, plumbers, builders) in new green technologies. If successful, by 2030 we’ll have a larger, greener workforce rebuilding our cities, jobs that are inherently local and cannot be offshored, which is a boon for local economies.

Sources:

• 5 Green Jobs of the Future – Zurich Insurance
• Climate Tech Funds in 2024: Investment Slowdown – WINS Solutions
• US is Top Climate Tech Financier in 2024 – BloombergNEF
• Climate Tech Investment and Adaptation – PwC
• Tripling Renewable Power by 2030 – IRENA
• State of Climate Tech H1 2024 – CTVC
• Where Climate Tech Stands in 2024 – Jefferies
• How Microcredentials Can Close the Skills Gap – Engineering.com

by admin-proptech

Smart Buildings Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

Smart Buildings Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

Smart Building Technologies encompass the IoT devices, sensors, automation systems, and software that make buildings intelligent and energy-efficient. This includes building management systems (BMS), smart HVAC and lighting controls, occupancy sensors, security and access control tech, and integration platforms that unify all building systems.

Market Overview

The smart buildings market is experiencing rapid growth as property owners seek to reduce energy costs and meet sustainability goals. Globally, the market was around $73–75 B in 2021–2022 and is projected to reach ~$177 B by 2030 (at ~11–12% CAGR)​. A report by ResearchAndMarkets pegs it at $176.9 B in 2030 from $73.7 B in 2022 (11.6% CAGR)​. Some analyses with broader definitions (perhaps including all connected devices and services) predict much higher values – for instance, Grand View Research expects the smart building market to soar to ~$570 B by 2030 with ~26–28% CAGR​. This discrepancy is because “smart building” can range from core BMS software to all IoT hardware and related services; nevertheless, consensus is that growth will be robust.

Key drivers are the need for energy efficiency, carbon reduction, enhanced occupant comfort, and security. Many countries are enacting building codes that require smart energy controls (like automatic lighting off, etc.), and corporate tenants are demanding smart features for employee wellness and hybrid work. By 2030, a significant portion of new and existing commercial buildings will incorporate IoT and AI for monitoring and control.

Investment and Trends:

Investment in smart building tech comes from both venture capital and large corporate players (like Siemens, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Schneider, etc., who have been in building automation for decades). In recent years, VC-backed startups have introduced innovations such as wireless sensor networks, AI-driven building analytics (for optimizing energy use), and tenant experience apps. Funding in this sector has followed the general tech cycle – big increases through 2018–2021, a dip in 2022–2023, but the strategic importance keeps it relatively strong. According to industry trend reports, investments and partnerships in smart building tech remained robust through 2024, though total funding volumes may have dipped slightly amid macroeconomic pressures.

 One specific trend: 5G rollouts are expected to catalyze smart buildings (enabling more reliable wireless connectivity for thousands of devices)​. We are also seeing convergence with PropTech and ClimateTech – e.g. climate-focused funds investing in building energy management startups. H1 2024 data indicated that while climate tech funding overall slowed, the built environment sector actually saw an increase in average deal size by ~11%​, hinting that serious investors are still picking winners in smart building tech. Major real estate asset managers are also directly investing in smart building solutions to implement across their portfolios (often through corporate venture arms or pilot programs).

Regional Insights

 Smart building adoption aligns with regions that have high-tech infrastructure and stringent energy regulations:

• North America: The U.S. is a leading market in absolute terms for smart building tech deployment. As of 2022, the U.S. market was about $22 B​. Large cities have many “smart” high-rises and campuses (e.g. tech company headquarters with advanced building automation). Drivers include energy cost concerns and corporate ESG commitments. Growth in the U.S. is steady, and by 2030 the U.S. will remain one of the top markets, although growth rate (~10–12% CAGR) is around the global average. Canada also actively adopts smart building standards (especially Toronto, Vancouver in new builds); Canada’s smart building tech market is set to grow ~10.4% CAGR through 2030​. North America also houses many of the solution providers and startups in this space, giving it an innovation edge.
• Europe: Europe’s focus on sustainability makes it a natural champion of smart buildings. The EU’s climate directives push for Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)​, which essentially mandates smart controls to achieve. Many countries in Europe have incentives for smart retrofits (for example, the EU “Renovation Wave” program). Key markets like Germany (forecast ~11.1% CAGR)​, France, the UK, and Nordics are seeing a surge in smart building implementations, from smart thermostats in homes to AI-controlled HVAC in office towers. Europe’s overall growth might be slightly lower than APAC’s, but it’s coming from an already advanced base of building automation. By 2030, Europe will have a large share of green, smart buildings given its aggressive climate targets.
• Asia-Pacific: APAC is experiencing some of the fastest growth in smart buildings. China stands out – with new construction on a massive scale, China is integrating IoT and automation in many urban projects. China’s smart building market is expected to reach $28.8 B by 2030 (13.6% CAGR from 2022)​, overtaking the U.S. market size. The government’s smart city initiatives and companies like Alibaba and Huawei investing in smart infrastructure boost this sector. Other high-growth APAC markets include Japan (projected ~9.2% CAGR)​, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. Japan has a large stock of modern commercial buildings where building management systems are standard, and now IoT retrofits (like adding sensors to old buildings) are rising. Singapore aims to be a “smart nation” and has many green intelligent buildings; South Korea similarly has advanced building tech in cities like Seoul. India and ASEAN countries are at earlier stages, but some upscale developments in these regions are adopting smart building tech (often focusing on security and energy due to unreliable grid issues). As costs of sensors fall, even developing cities in Asia will adopt basic smart solutions (like smart metering) by 2030. APAC’s diversity is large, but overall it’s the fastest-growing region for smart building tech deployment.
• Middle East & Africa: The Middle East has pockets of ultra-modern smart buildings – e.g. Dubai’s skyscrapers and malls have top-tier automation; Saudi Arabia and Qatar are building smart cities from scratch (Neom, Lusail City, etc.) which embed building tech by design. Growth here is strong due to new construction and the desire for prestige projects to be state-of-the-art. However, beyond the Gulf states, adoption is limited. MEA overall is likely the smallest region for smart building tech, but the growth percentage is significant in the Middle East segments. Africa, aside from South Africa and perhaps Kenya/Nigeria’s new corporate towers, has minimal smart building penetration as basic infrastructure takes precedence. That said, by 2030, a number of African commercial hubs might start using IoT for energy because solar + smart controls can offer reliable power management in areas with grid issues. The Middle East, with abundant new builds, could see high adoption rates; for example, smart HVAC and lighting are becoming standard in premium developments in UAE/KSA.

Hottest Growth Segments & Technologies

 Key growth drivers in smart building tech are energy efficiency and occupant experience. Technologies like smart sensors (for motion, CO2, temperature) and IoT gateways are proliferating – indeed, the number of IoT devices in commercial buildings is expected to explode to 4.12 billion devices by 2030​. This reflects that almost every system in buildings (lights, vents, appliances) will be connected. AI and data analytics form another hot segment: software that takes the torrent of data from buildings and provides actionable insights (like predictive maintenance alerts or real-time energy optimization) is highly in demand.

Cloud-based building management platforms that can manage portfolios of buildings centrally are also growing. On the user side, mobile apps for occupants (to control their environment or book rooms, etc.) are increasingly part of smart building offerings. Security tech (facial recognition entry, smart surveillance) is a growth area too, especially post-COVID where touchless access became important. We also see growth in smart home technology, which is related. Devices like smart thermostats, though residential, contribute to overall market growth and in large apartment complexes are part of “smart building” solutions.

Regionally, China is pushing technologies like AI-controlled systems and integrated city-wide building networks the hardest, while Europe is focusing on energy management and integration with renewable energy (like buildings adjusting power use based on solar generation). The U.S. market is seeing a lot of innovation in proptech-smarts (where commercial real estate firms adopt tech to attract tenants – e.g. smart air quality monitoring to claim healthier buildings). By 2030, net zero buildings (which generate as much energy as they consume) will heavily rely on smart tech to balance usage, this is a global trend aligning with climate goals.

Employment and Job Growth

 The rise of smart buildings is spawning new careers and shifting traditional facilities management roles. Buildings that once had stationary engineers manually operating HVAC now have “smart building managers” or IoT system integrators overseeing automated systems. There’s growing demand for building IoT technicians, controls engineers, and data analysts who can interpret building performance data. A building operator today might need to know how to manage software dashboards and set up sensor networks, rather than just turning dials in a boiler room. This is creating a skills gap in facilities management – many older FM professionals are being retrained or replaced by those with IT backgrounds. Job postings for “building automation specialist”, “energy management analyst”, or “smart building solutions architect” are increasing, especially with real estate companies and service providers. Also, the manufacturers of smart building systems (hardware and software companies) are hiring, everyone from product developers to installation experts.

Cybersecurity is an emerging concern for smart buildings (since buildings are part of the IT network now), leading to roles like OT (Operational Technology) security specialists for buildings. Overall, employment related to smart buildings is growing. One study noted that by embracing energy efficiency and smart tech, millions of jobs can be created in clean energy and efficiency by 2030​. For instance, installing and maintaining smart systems supports jobs in contracting and tech services. As of mid-2020s, there were about “166 players” (companies) in the smart buildings market worldwide​

– by 2030 that number will likely be far higher, each employing people. Real estate firms are also hiring “Chief Technology Officers” or “Smart Building Program Managers” to lead portfolio-wide upgrades. We also see cross-over from IT: many roles in managing smart building networks resemble IT networking jobs, so companies might integrate facilities teams with IT teams.

Regional job outlook

 in mature markets (US, Europe), a lot of retraining is happening and new companies are providing managed services (outsourcing building tech management). In fast-growing markets (Asia), completely new teams are built to handle the advanced systems of new smart skyscrapers. Additionally, construction and installation jobs get a boost from the requirement to retrofit existing buildings with sensors and automation (e.g. electricians installing smart meters, contractors weatherizing and adding IoT). In summary, smart building tech is not only saving energy but also shifting employment toward more tech-centric facilities roles.

 It’s contributing to the broader green jobs growth – for example, managing a building’s energy system is a green job. The World Green Building Council highlights that green buildings can drive economic growth and job creation through retrofits and tech deployment​. We anticipate a continued uptick in jobs like energy auditors, smart systems installers, and building performance analysts through 2030. These roles often require a mix of skills in HVAC/electrical systems and IT, making workforce development an important factor (many universities and trade schools now offer building automation in their curriculum). Overall, as buildings get smarter, the workforce maintaining and improving them must get smarter too – leading to a more skilled (and likely better-paid) facility management sector by 2030.

Sources:

• Smart Buildings Market Size, Share & Trends Report 2030 – GrandView Research
• Global Smart Buildings Strategic Industry Report 2024 – ResearchAndMarkets
• Smart Buildings to See Exponential Growth in IoT Devices by 2030 – Security Info Watch
• The Importance of Focusing on Jobs and Fairness in Clean Energy Transitions – IEA
• Green Building: A Driver for Decent Jobs and Economic Growth – World Green Building Council

by admin-proptech

AEC Tech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

AEC Tech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

AEC Tech overlaps with ConTech but focuses more on the design and engineering phase of building projects. Think of tools and tech used by architects and engineers: CAD software, Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms, structural simulation software, generative design, and collaborative cloud tools for design coordination. It also includes emerging tech like digital twins of buildings/infrastructure and AR/VR for design visualization.

Market and Growth

The AEC software/tools market is on a steady growth path as digital design becomes standard worldwide. The global BIM software market is a good indicator: it was about $4.17 B in 2024 and is projected to nearly triple to ~$11.36 B by 2031 (CAGR ~15.6%). More broadly, the global BIM market (including services) is forecast to grow ~14–15% annually, reaching the tens of billions by 2030. MarketsandMarkets estimates BIM (and related) could exceed $14 B by 2024 and continue climbing​. Additionally, digital twin technology, creating live digital replicas of buildings, is seeing explosive growth. The digital twin market (across industries) might grow ~35–40% CAGR this decade​, with AEC as a key application (the building digital twin sub-segment is rapidly expanding as owners seek real-time models of their assets). The uptake of AEC Tech is fueled by mandates and efficiency gains: many governments now require BIM on public projects, and firms have seen that using these tools can reduce errors and change-orders significantly. By 2030, we expect near-universal adoption of BIM in developed markets and increasing use in developing markets, as well as mainstream use of 3D simulations, parametric design, and AI-assisted engineering.

Investment and Innovation

Unlike PropTech/ConTech, AEC Tech historically has been dominated by established players (Autodesk, Bentley, Nemetschek, etc.) rather than a huge wave of VC-backed startups. That said, there is a vibrant startup scene in AEC Tech too,  companies working on AI for design (generating floor plans, optimizing building energy models), collaboration platforms, and AR/VR visualization have attracted investment. Much of the investment comes via acquisitions: e.g., large incumbents acquiring startups with novel tech.

The design software segment continues to grow healthily (Grand View Research notes ~10% CAGR for construction/design software)​. We also see strategic funding: for example, big engineering firms sometimes invest in software tools tailored to their needs. The total venture funding purely in AEC design tech is smaller compared to ConTech, but it’s present, often lumped under ConTech in statistics. A key development is integration: solutions that connect architecture, engineering, and construction stages (often called “end-to-end platforms”). This convergence means some startups span AEC and ConTech (hence the term “AECO tech” is used by some). In terms of innovation, cloud-based collaboration (multiple stakeholders working on the same BIM model in real-time) is becoming standard – Autodesk’s Construction Cloud and competitors see high uptake.

Generative design and AI are emerging: e.g., AI that can produce design options or check compliance automatically. By 2030, expect AI co-pilots for architects and engineers as a routine tool. Digital twin and asset management tech also links to AEC: engineers now often create a digital twin during design which then carries through to operation. That creates opportunities for companies offering unified platforms. Another growing area is open-standard and interoperable tools, allowing different AEC software to talk to each other (important as projects use many tools). In sum, AEC Tech investment is steady and strategic, with growth driven by both corporate R&D and select startup contributions.

Regional Insights

Adoption of AEC technologies like BIM varies globally, often tied to government policy:

Europe: Europe is a frontrunner in AEC Tech adoption. Europe is the leading market for BIM software (approx 35% global share), ahead of even the U.S.. Countries like the UK, Germany, and Nordics mandated BIM for public projects in the mid-2010s, which greatly boosted usage. For example, the UK required “BIM Level 2” on all government construction by 2016, leading to widespread industry uptake. Scandinavia and Germany similarly have high BIM penetration. This makes Europe a mature market, though still growing (the EU’s emphasis on sustainable design is driving new engineering software needs, e.g. for energy modeling).

• North America: The U.S. (and Canada) embraced AEC tech largely through market forces. The S. is about 30% of the global BIM market​, nearly as large as Europe. BIM adoption in the U.S. has become mainstream in large architecture and engineering firms, a 2023 survey showed 74% of contractors, ~70% of architects/engineers in the U.S. use BIM in some form​. Unlike Europe, the U.S. has no national BIM mandate, but owners (especially large private sector and government agencies like the GSA) increasingly require it on projects. Canada also encourages BIM on public works. North America is home to the major AEC software companies (Autodesk in US, Bentley in US, etc.), which helps keep the region at the cutting edge. We expect NA to continue as an innovation hub (particularly in new tech like generative design).

• Asia-Pacific: APAC is a mixed landscape. Japan and South Korea have high AEC tech usage (Japan has strong BIM usage in large construction firms; S. Korea mandated BIM for big projects since 2016). Singapore has been a model city-state, mandating BIM e-submissions for building approvals and heavily investing in virtual design and construction tech (as early as 2015, Singapore required BIM for projects over a certain size). China: The government strongly supports BIM and prefabrication to improve construction quality; adoption is rapidly increasing especially in major firms and megaprojects (for example, large infrastructure and state developers use BIM and Chinese-developed software like Glodon). By 2020, China had dozens of BIM pilot cities. So by 2030, China’s AEC tech adoption could rival the West, though they often use domestic software. Australia is another active adopter (some states require BIM in government projects). India and much of Southeast Asia are at earlier stages – top firms use AEC tech, but industry-wide adoption lags. However, as infrastructure booms, these countries are leapfrogging to modern tech out of necessity. APAC overall is the fastest-growing region in AEC tech adoption, as many countries move from 2D CAD straight to BIM.
• Middle East & Africa: In the Middle East, rich project owners are pushing AEC tech to ensure world-class construction. UAE and Qatar have had BIM mandates (Dubai Municipality requires BIM for certain large projects). The skyscrapers and complex projects in the Gulf often rely on advanced 3D modeling and digital coordination. Saudi Arabia’s Neom is fully leveraging digital design. These high-end projects create local expertise in AEC tech. Africa has pockets of use (South Africa, for instance, has some BIM uptake in big firms), but generally adoption is low due to resource constraints. Nonetheless, by 2030, as development continues, even African nations are expected to adopt more AEC tech to optimize costs, possibly via open-source tools or cloud services that lower the entry barrier.

Hottest Growth Areas

Within AEC tech, certain technologies and roles are particularly booming. BIM-related jobs are in high demand globally. e.g. BIM Managers, Coordinators are now key team members at construction firms, especially in Europe and NA. The demand for BIM services is increasing as more governments require BIM on public works​.

Digital Twin and integration with IoT is a hot trend bridging AEC and operations; markets for digital twin in buildings are projected to expand rapidly (as indicated by the digital twin market potentially exceeding $100B by late 2020s across sectors​). Another growth area is sustainable design tech: engineering software that helps design net-zero energy buildings, model wind/solar, or calculate embodied carbon is seeing a surge due to climate goals. Generative design/AI in architecture (tools that can automatically generate optimal layouts or structural systems) is an emerging niche likely to grow exponentially in the next 5–10 years, especially in North America and Asia where AI adoption is high.

Regionally, the fastest growth in AEC tech usage is expected in developing regions of APAC (South Asia, Southeast Asia) as they build new infrastructure and can adopt modern techniques from the start, as well as China, which is investing heavily in local AEC tech solutions. Europe and North America’s markets are more mature but will still grow steadily as technology capabilities broaden (for example, existing BIM users expanding into 4D/5D BIM, adding schedule and cost dimensions, and into facilities management integration).

Employment and Skills

AEC tech proliferation is changing the face of architecture and engineering employment. Overall demand for architects and engineers remains solid (engineering employment is projected to grow ~7% in the 2020s in the U.S.​), but the skill profile is evolving. CAD drafters are partly being replaced or upskilled into BIM modelers. Firms now seek employees proficient in BIM software (Revit, ArchiCAD, etc.), computational design (e.g. using Grasshopper for algorithmic design), and data analysis.

Emerging roles in this sector include: Computational Designer, BIM Specialist, Digital Practice Manager, and XR Visualization Artist (for virtual reality walkthroughs). These jobs hardly existed a decade ago but are now common in large AEC firms. There’s also a blending of IT with AEC – e.g. software developers who work within architecture/engineering firms to customize tools. As AEC tech adoption grows, training and upskilling is a priority; many engineers and architects mid-career are learning new software to stay relevant. Educational curricula for architects/engineers have incorporated BIM and 3D modeling as core skills.

By 2030, we expect that nearly all architecture and engineering graduates will be fluent in BIM and digital simulation tools, which will further accelerate tech use. The net impact on jobs: more tech-oriented jobs are being created (someone needs to manage all these digital processes), and productivity gains mean routine work (like manual drafting) reduces. Ideally, architects/engineers spend more time on creative and analytical tasks with tedious documentation handled by software.

Additionally, as buildings become more complex (smart, sustainable), the AEC workforce is expanding to include specialists like energy modelers, sustainability consultants, and digital project managers. A challenge is attracting talent, younger professionals with both coding and engineering skills are highly sought after. Companies that effectively integrate tech are seen as more attractive workplaces for new grads, potentially alleviating talent shortages in engineering. All said, employment in AEC fields will grow modestly in quantity but substantially in quality of digital skills. Firms that don’t adapt may find their staff less in demand. Conversely, those investing in AEC tech may need to hire new types of experts or partner with tech firms, indicating a collaborative future between tech industry and AEC industry professionals.

Sources:

• Valuates Reports – Global Building Information Modeling (BIM) Market Size
• Aremat Group – Top 10 BIM Trends in 2025
• Grand View Research – Global Digital Twin Market Report
• PlanRadar – BIM in the US: Market Insights & Adoption Challenges
• TopBIM Company – 12 Construction Industry Trends to Watch
• com – How Microcredentials Can Solve Hiring Challenges in Construction

by admin-proptech

ConTech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

ConTech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

ConTech encompasses technologies that improve construction such as project management software, Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the field, drones and robotics on jobsites, modular construction techniques, and construction-focused IoT. It aims to tackle the construction industry’s long-standing challenges of low productivity and project delays.

Market Overview

The construction industry itself is enormous (projected ~$18.75 trillion global output by 2030​), and ConTech is increasingly crucial within it. While it’s hard to size ConTech as a single market, related segments illustrate its growth: for instance, the construction & design software market (a subset of ConTech) was $10.96 B in 2024 and is growing ~10.4% CAGR to 2030​.

Niche areas like AI in construction are exploding – e.g. AI in construction is expected to rise from $1.3 B in 2022 to $13.5 B by 2030​. In general, expect high double-digit growth in advanced tech segments (robotics, AI, digital twins for construction), and solid growth (~10–15% CAGR) in more mature segments (construction project management software, BIM tools, etc.) through 2030. The overall ConTech adoption is accelerating as construction firms face pressure to build faster, safer, and greener.

Investment Landscape

ConTech venture funding saw a dramatic rise in the late 2010s, hitting a peak around 2021–2022, followed by a correction. 2023 saw a sharp downturn (~44% drop in ConTech investment vs 2022), but funding stabilized in 2024​. According to a Cemex Ventures report, global ConTech investment was about $3.0 B in 2023, and $3.1 B in 2024 (a 2% YoY increase)​. In 2024, investors were actually more active (325 deals in 2024 vs 236 in 2023) even though total dollars were roughly flat​, indicating many smaller deals and a “back to basics” approach. ConTech now comprises a growing share of venture capital: ~1.1% of total VC spend in 2024 (up from 0.6% in 2019)​.

Major funding rounds and trends: In late 2023, ConTech saw some large late-stage deals (Q4 2023 was a peak quarter with $3.7 B funding, influenced by some mega-deals)​. Categories attracting investment include: construction management platforms, BIM and digital twin technologies, off-site modular construction startups, construction robotics, and “green construction” tech. In 2024, the biggest investment category was productivity tools (project software, AI, etc.) with ~$1.5 B, followed by green construction tech (~$772 M, e.g. carbon-reducing materials), then future tech like robotics/3D printing ($535 M)​. This shows investors are funding both immediate pain-point solutions (software to plan and track projects) and longer-term innovations (automation, sustainability).

We also see strategic investors (large contractors, equipment firms) actively investing or partnering with ConTech startups. For example, giant contractors and cement companies have in-house venture arms (like Cemex Ventures itself). Overall, ConTech funding is past its frothy peak but remains resilient: even in a “VC winter,” Q3 2024 still added $800 M to ConTech startups​, and seed rounds are at all-time highs (early investors remain bullish on the sector’s potential)​

​Regional Insights

The uptake of construction technology varies by region, often correlating with the maturity of local tech ecosystems and the scale of construction markets:

• North America: The leading ConTech market by investment. In 2024, North America accounted for ~46% of global ConTech funding and 56% of deals​. The U.S. hosts many ConTech startups (in hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, and Austin) and large customers eager to adopt tech to mitigate labor shortages in construction. The high labor costs in the US drive interest in efficiency and automation. Late-stage ConTech funding is notably larger in North America – average late-stage round size ~$44M, among the highest globally​

. The presence of major players (Procore, Autodesk’s construction cloud, etc.) also boosts the ecosystem.

• Europe: Europe together with NA forms the bulk of ConTech investment (NA+Europe 85% of 2024 investment)​. Europe likely constitutes roughly 35-40% of funding. Countries like UK, Germany, and Finland are known for ConTech innovation (the UK has many BIM and project software firms, partly spurred by government BIM mandates; Finland has been a pioneer in construction IoT and modeling).

Europe actually leads in early-stage ConTech investment: average early-stage round in Europe ($8.6M) is slightly higher than in NA​, indicating a strong pipeline of young startups. EU builders are motivated by sustainability regulations and cost pressures to adopt tech (e.g. drones for site surveys, software for cost control). France and Scandinavia also have high tech adoption in construction. Europe’s fragmented market (many countries) can be a challenge for scaling ConTech startups, but EU-wide initiatives on digital construction are helping.

• Asia-Pacific: APAC trails in ConTech VC funding share (much lower than its share of construction activity). Many APAC construction markets still rely on traditional methods, but this is changing. Japan and South Korea have been early adopters of robotics and prefab construction (with companies using robots for demolition, etc.), and Singapore mandates high-tech processes (BIM, etc.) for efficiency given its land constraints. China is a special case: it has a massive construction sector and the government is pushing industrialized construction and BIM, but much of the tech development is domestic and state-driven rather than venture-funded, so it doesn’t reflect in global VC stats. As a result, APAC’s share of startup funding is perhaps ~10–15% currently. Nonetheless, APAC’s ConTech growth potential is huge! Markets like India and Southeast Asia have a pressing need to improve construction productivity, and we anticipate increasing adoption of mobile field management apps and inexpensive drones in those regions. By 2030, APAC’s adoption of ConTech is expected to rise significantly as projects become more complex and the younger, tech-friendly generation takes over construction firms.

• Middle East & Africa: MEA is a small but notable emerging region for ConTech. The Middle East in particular is using cutting-edge tech in headline projects - e.g. Saudi Arabia’s NEOM city is employing drones, AI and prefab at an unprecedented scale, and the UAE’s contractors are using 3D printing (Dubai has a strategy to 3D-print a portion of new buildings). These initiatives act as testbeds for ConTech in the region.

Overall VC investment in MEA ConTech is still limited (relative to NA/EU), but government-backed projects drive adoption. Africa has seen some tech solutions like mobile-based project management tools for smaller contractors and blockchain for property records, but widespread ConTech use is a longer-term prospect there due to budget constraints and lower digitization.

Hottest Growth Markets

In ConTech, the “hottest” markets are often those with either a strong tech startup scene or huge construction needs (or both). The United States will likely remain the largest and one of the fastest-growing ConTech markets through 2030, due to its combination of venture funding, high construction spend, and labor challenges spurring tech use. Canada is also seeing increased ConTech startup activity (e.g. in Toronto). In Europe, look to the UK and Germany to continue leading (their construction industries are investing in digital solutions), and also France and Scandinavia for strong growth (supported by policy and innovation culture).

In APAC, India could become a hotspot! Its government is encouraging digital upskilling in construction and huge infrastructure projects will necessitate tech (we may see one of the highest ConTech CAGRs in India). China – while its data isn’t captured in venture reports – is pushing the frontier in areas like AI project management and construction robotics (domestic firms like Country Garden’s robotics unit are building robots for construction tasks). By region, North America and Europe currently dominate ConTech innovation, but Asia-Pacific (notably China, India) may contribute more to growth by late in the decade as their tech ecosystems mature for construction.

Total Employment and Job Growth

The construction industry employs a vast workforce worldwide, and technology is reshaping those jobs. Overall construction employment is projected to grow moderately (e.g. ~4.7% growth in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033, slightly above the average for all occupations​). The real story is the changing skillset: By 2030, an estimated 45% of construction jobs will require advanced digital skills​. This is a huge shift, from BIM specialists to drone operators to data analysts on project teams. Traditional roles (carpenters, equipment operators) aren’t disappearing, but many are evolving to incorporate tech (for instance, a crane operator might need to interface with software; a site manager uses analytics dashboards).

New roles in ConTech are growing: BIM managers, VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) coordinators, robotics technicians for construction equipment, and software developers focusing on construction solutions. Companies are upskilling workers through training on digital tools. There is also job growth in off-site construction manufacturing (prefabrication factories) which blends manufacturing and construction skills.

One challenge is a skills gap...many construction firms report difficulty finding workers proficient in both construction fundamentals and IT. This is leading to initiatives in vocational institutes to teach construction technology. In summary, employment in construction is slowly rising in line with infrastructure and building demand, but the share of tech-enabled roles is rising sharply. By 2030, construction teams will include more tech professionals (IT support, drone pilots, etc.), and field workers with augmented reality goggles or tablet-based plans will be commonplace. This could make construction more attractive to younger workers and improve productivity, partially alleviating chronic labor shortages. The net effect is positive for job growth (the industry still needs workers), but those jobs will increasingly require a different mix of skills (digital fluency, data interpretation, familiarity with robotics) than a decade ago.

Sources:

• What’s Behind the Projected Construction Employment Growth (2023–2033)? – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Foundamental – AEC Tech VC Insights & Perspectives
• Foundamental – AEC Tech Funding Analysis Q3 2024
• Cemex Ventures – Construction Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 (PDF)
• Construction Dive – ConTech Funding Plummets in 2023 Despite More Deals
• Construction Dive – Infrastructure Investment Impact on ConTech Deals
• Contractor Magazine – AI in Construction Market Projected to Top $13.5B by 2030
• Grand View Research – Construction Design Software Market Outlook
• LinkedIn Pulse – Construction Market Size, Share & Industry Forecast

by admin-proptech

PropTech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

PropTech Industry Landscape and Projections (2025-2030)

PropTech refers to digital innovations in real estate – from online property marketplaces to smart property management and fintech solutions for real estate. The sector’s growth has been robust and is expected to continue over the next decade.

Market Overview

Globally, PropTech was valued around $36–40 billion in 2024 and is on track for strong growth. For example, one analysis shows the market growing from $36.55 B in 2024 to ~$88 B by 2032 (about 11.9% CAGR)​. By 2030, various estimates place PropTech at roughly $72–104 billion globally​. (Definitions vary: a conservative forecast by Zion pegs it at ~$32 B by 2030​, while others project well over $70 B​.) In any case, double-digit annual growth (~12–18% CAGR) is anticipated as real estate embraces digital transformation. Key drivers include AI adoption, data analytics, and the post-pandemic shift to online transactions.

Investment Landscape

Venture investment in PropTech surged in the late 2010s, peaked around 2021, and then moderated. Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty in 2023–2024 cooled funding (especially in residential tech), making 2024 a five-year low for PropTech funding​. Despite the slowdown, activity remained significant, roughly $4.3 B in growth equity and debt was invested into U.S. PropTech startups in 2024, across ~90 M&A deals​.

Notably, a rebound began in late 2024: second-half 2024 financing showed momentum (Q4 2024 US PropTech deals totaled $1.66 B)​. Public PropTech companies also performed well, with a PropTech stock index up 27% in 2024​. Investors continue to fund innovations like AI-powered property analytics and digital transaction platforms. We see strategic corporate investments and M&A (e.g. large real estate firms acquiring tech startups) alongside venture funding, as the industry consolidates and matures.

Regional Insights

North America and Europe currently lead in PropTech adoption and funding, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region:

• North America: The largest PropTech market, accounting for ~55.7% of global PropTech revenue in 2022​. North America’s PropTech market was $16.2 B in 2022, projected to grow at 15.7% CAGR to reach $52 B by 2030​. The U.S. sees heavy VC investment and many PropTech unicorns. Within NA, Canada is forecasted to have the highest regional growth (leading NA with the fastest CAGR through 2030)​, reflecting growing tech hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, etc.
• Europe: A robust PropTech arena, valued around $7.2 B in 2022, with an expected 16.1% CAGR to $23.9 B by 2030​. France is projected to lead Europe in growth rate (fastest CAGR to 2030)​, while the UK and Germany are major centers of PropTech innovation (London and Berlin host many PropTech startups). European real estate firms are adopting PropTech for efficiency and to navigate complex regulatory environments​.
• Asia-Pacific: Rapid growth from a smaller base. APAC’s PropTech market is expected to climb to $12.27 B by 2030 (implying a high ~17.3% CAGR 2023–2030)​, the fastest regional expansion. While APAC was under 20% of global PropTech in 2022, adoption is accelerating, especially in India (projected to have APAC’s highest CAGR)​. China has seen substantial PropTech activity (with large domestic platforms for rental, brokerage, etc.), and countries like Singapore, Australia, and Japan are also notable PropTech markets.
• Middle East & Africa (MEA): Currently nascent but growing quickly. The MEA PropTech market was only $817 M in 2022 but is set to reach $2.14 B by 2030 at 12.8% CAGR​. Gulf states (e.g. UAE, Saudi Arabia) are driving this growth by investing in smart city and digital real estate initiatives. For instance, Dubai’s push for paperless transactions and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project boost PropTech demand. The residential segment leads MEA PropTech revenue today, while commercial/industrial PropTech is expected to be the fastest-growing segment going forward​.

Hottest Growth Markets

Across regions, emerging markets are showing notable PropTech uptake. In North America, aside from the U.S., Canada’s PropTech scene is growing swiftly​. In Europe, France and also markets like the Nordics and Spain are seeing increased PropTech investment. In APAC, India stands out with a booming PropTech startup ecosystem (driven by its large real estate market and high mobile adoption)​. Southeast Asia is also a hotbed (e.g. Indonesia’s online property platforms). China remains huge in absolute terms,  its PropTech growth (~9% CAGR) contributes the largest APAC value by 2030.

Meanwhile, the GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia) lead MEA’s PropTech growth, leveraging high internet penetration and new developments to introduce PropTech solutions. Generally, residential PropTech (like property search apps, digital mortgage platforms) has been the initial driver in many markets, but commercial PropTech (office space management, CRE analytics) is now catching up as the “hottest” sub-sector in growth​.

Employment Trends

PropTech is creating new job roles and transforming others in the real estate industry. PropTech startups and tech divisions of real estate firms are hiring for roles such as software engineers, data analysts, AI specialists, and digital marketing for online property services. This has led to growth in tech employment within real estate companies. For example, large brokerages now employ teams for digital platforms and analytics.

At the same time, PropTech aims to streamline traditional roles – for instance, automating paperwork for agents or using AI to assist property valuations. Traditional real estate jobs (brokers, agents) are still growing modestly (projected ~4% growth 2020–2030 in the U.S.)​, but with PropTech tools augmenting their work. The net effect is a shift in skill requirements: real estate professionals with tech-savvy and data skills are in higher demand. We also see new hybrid roles (e.g. “PropTech product manager,” “digital transformation lead” in real estate firms).

Total employment directly in PropTech firms has risen sharply with the influx of VC funding in the past decade, thousands of jobs have been created at PropTech unicorns. Going forward, job growth in PropTech is expected through startup hiring and the digitization of real estate companies, albeit somewhat tempered by efficiency gains from technology. In summary, PropTech is less about adding sheer volume of jobs and more about shifting the employment mix toward tech roles in an otherwise traditional industry.

Sources:

• AscendixTech PropTech Market Map 2024
• Fortune Business Insights – Proptech Market Size, Share & industry Analysis, Regional Forecast, 2025-2032
• Grand View Research – Global Proptech Market
• Grand View Research – Proptech Market Report
• Lucidity Insights – Investors Show a Growing Appetite for Proptech in the Middle East and Africa
• Houlihan Lokey - 1H 2024 PropTech Market Update
• Houlihan Lokey - 2024 PropTechYear in Review (updated March 2025)
• JLL Global Real Estate Trends
• World Green Building Council
• CRETI – 2024 Proptech Venture Capital Report

by admin-proptech

20% Tariffs on European Imports Generates Shockwaves for PropTech & ConTech

20% Tariffs on European Imports Generates Shockwaves for PropTech & ConTech.

The U.S. has unveiled sweeping new tariffs on imports, a baseline 10% on most goods, with a punitive 20% rate on European Union products​.. For context, these measures echo the trade-war playbook from Trump’s first term, when Asian supply chains (especially China) were hit with 25%+ tariffs​. Europe had been largely spared until now, avoiding the broad levies that disrupted other regions. This abrupt shift means what was once a transatlantic free-flow of tech hardware is suddenly facing friction.

Transatlantic Supply Chains & Innovation at Risk

In PropTech and ConTech, global collaboration is the norm. Think smart building sensors from Germany, IoT lighting systems from the Nordics, or construction robotics from the US being used in Europe. A 20% import tariff jacks up the cost of these cross-border hardware flows overnight. For example, a US smart building developer sourcing French environmental sensors will see costs surge, potentially delaying projects or squeezing margins. While basic building commodities like steel or lumber are exempt from these new tariffs, high-tech building systems and IoT devices are not. Industry economists are already warning that material and equipment prices are likely to rise in coming months under the tariff regime​.

Such cost pressures could chill innovation and expansion. Smart building upgrades might be postponed if imported components become pricier. A European PropTech startup eyeing U.S. expansion now faces a dilemma: absorb the 20% duty hit, adjust its pricing model, or pivot to local manufacturing in America. Similarly, U.S. construction tech firms that rely on EU-made hardware must rethink procurement – possibly seeking domestic alternatives or re-engineering products to use tariff-free inputs. The result? Transatlantic projects may slow down, and some ambitious rollouts could be put on hold as companies digest the new cost structure. As one construction market analyst noted, the uncertainty around these policies can dampen investment in future projects​. In an industry where planning horizons are long, this kind of volatility is a formidable roadblock.

Leveling the Field  But New Uncertainties

Trade hawks argue these tariffs will “level the playing field.” Indeed, European imports now face similar hurdles to those Chinese goods have dealt with, ending a scenario where EU products had a relative advantage in the U.S. market. In theory, U.S. firms might benefit short-term: domestic PropTech manufacturers and American-made construction solutions could become more competitive if foreign rivals must add 20% to their price. It might also nudge European companies to consider localizing production in North America, a trend already gaining momentum as firms seek to nearshore supply chains​. This could spur new factories or partnerships in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico for European tech firms, creating a more balanced global footprint.

However, any “leveling” comes at the cost of heightened uncertainty and higher baseline costs for everyone. No one wins a trade war outright, as the PropTech and ConTech sectors learned in 2018-19 when prices yo-yoed. European smart building firms now grapple with unpredictable export economics, and U.S. developers face volatile sourcing costs. Even financiers and real estate developers could hit pause on projects due to unclear profit projections. Economists note that broad tariffs can drag down GDP growth on both sides of the Atlantic​, which may tighten budgets for innovation. In short, a policy meant to rebalance trade may end up rebalancing market dynamics in unintended ways, squeezing some of the very innovation and agility that define PropTech and ConTech.

At Aviary Consulting, me and the team have always approached such shifts with a neutral lens. We’ve tracked PropTech, ConTech, and Smart Building trends through boom times and trade spats alike. From that perspective, this tariff escalation is neither a world-ending crisis nor a trivial hiccup, but it is a significant plot twist. It levels the playing field in terms of import costs, yet introduces new hurdles that founders and innovators must leap over. The coming months will reveal which companies can adapt through supply chain creativity, cost engineering, or strategic partnerships. As neutral observers of the industry, we’ll be watching how this unfolds and advising stakeholders on navigating the turbulence.

by admin-proptech

Upcoming UK and EU PropTech Events in the second half of 2023:

In the ever-evolving world of real estate and property technology (PropTech), attending industry events has become an indispensable strategy for start-ups, investors, clients and talent alike. These events provide a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering partnerships.

These gatherings bring together pioneers, disruptors, and industry leaders who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology in the real estate sector. Start-ups can showcase ideas, products, or services, gaining exposure to potential investors, mentors, and collaborators. These events often feature pitch competitions, hackathons, and demo days, providing unparalleled opportunities to secure funding, valuable feedback, and industry validation.

PropTech events also act as fertile ground for talent, serving as a platform for aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and industry influencers. These events facilitate networking and relationship-building, creating opportunities for talent to connect with prospective employers, mentors, and peers. Start-ups looking to expand their teams can tap into a pool of highly skilled individuals who are passionate about driving change in the real estate industry. On the other hand, professionals seeking career growth can find avenues to showcase their expertise, gain visibility, and explore new job prospects.

With only 7 months left of 2023, we have highlighted some key events in the UK and EU that you shouldn’t miss out on:

14 June 2023- PropTech Vienna (Vienna, Austria)

PropTech Vienna offers a unique platform for keynotes, roundtables, panel discussions and pitches on the latest digitization trends in the Real Estate industry. PropTechs, Startups, Investors, Business Angels, VCs and Industry Associations in the CEE region will be in attendance. The event showcases 40 + speakers, 300 thought leaders, and 40 + PropTech start-ups. The event is right around the corner, tickets can be found here.

13-15 June 2023- PROVADA (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Provada is known for being the largest real estate fair in the Netherlands. The event has 275 + exhibitors, 250 + speakers, and 24000 + visitors, ranging across project developers, investors, builders, architects to financiers, advisers, brokers and housing associations - and more than 70 municipalities, provinces and the central government and the public sector. You can purchase tickets here.

29 June 2023- BWT UK - (London, UK)

Built World Technology is an event curated by SPACE+ for progressive property leaders, landlords, occupiers and investors to tackle their built world technology challenges. Tickets can be purchased here.

6-7 September 2023- PropTech Connect (London, UK)

London’s PropTech Connect is Europes largest PropTech event that cannot be missed. 3000+ attendees, 100+ speakers, 1000+ companies and 15000+ meetings. Some of the biggest names in Real Estate attend the event every year, including Blackstone, CBRE and JLL. Their mission is to connect executives, investors and entrepreneurs shaping the future of real estate technology. Tickets can be purchased here.

7-8 September 2023- REAL PropTech Conference 2023 (Frankfurt, Germany)

The REAL PropTech Conference gives the largest overview of the construction and real estate industry in the DACH region of GreenTech, ConTech & PropTech. The event hosts a hackathon, where talents have the opportunity to compete to win a prize of 5,000 euros. At the same time, attendees can explore structured network and exhibition areas to experience various trends in real estate innovation. Tickets can be purchased here.

4-6 October 2023- EXPO REAL 2023 (Munich, Germany)

EXPO REAL is an international trade fair for real estate and investment, and offers the ideal platform for a constructive and forward-looking exchange for all stakeholders in the real estate industry. It brings technology start-ups and participants, experts and investors together directly, where PropTech start-ups can present their solutions, services and ideas for the property sector. You can purchase tickets here.

25-26 October 2023- Urban Tech Forward (Warsaw, Poland)

Urban Tech Forward brings together industry leaders on a mission to accelerate the development of net-zero cities. Designed to rethink spaces where people live and work, through the prism of decarbonisation and resilience, it brings together urban tech innovators, VCs, real estate developers, policy-makers and the most prominent entrepreneurs to shift the way we build and make real progress on achieving a zero-carbon future. You can purchase tickets here.

Overall, the PropTech industry is a vibrant and rapidly evolving space, and attending events within this ecosystem offers immense benefits for start-ups, clients, investors, and talent. From providing a platform for start-ups to secure funding and partnerships, to enabling clients to explore cutting-edge solutions that transform their operations, to connecting talent with opportunities for growth and learning, PropTech events serve as a trifecta for all stakeholders involved.

By embracing the power of these events, the real estate industry can forge new frontiers, drive innovation, and shape the future of property technology.

We at PropTech Jobs keep our fingers on the pulse, keeping track of industry trends, whilst identifying innovative start-ups looking to hire exceptional talent as they scale their operations. Keep an eye out for our latest job openings here.

by admin-proptech

How PropTech is changing the real estate industry

Proptech is reshaping the real estate industry in many ways and offers plenty of opportunities for real estate professionals. Proptech refers to companies that are providing technologically innovative products and novel business models for the real estate markets. The digital landscape is constantly evolving. And so organisations are trying to keep up with these changes – as well as shifting consumer patterns – in order to gain a competitive edge, become more cost-efficient, responding to the diverse needs of clients, and offer innovations. This is the essence of proptech.

While real estate professionals all heard about proptech two years ago, it is still very much in its infancy. There is increasing awareness of how technology is transforming the real estate industry, but companies are also starting to understand why the digital age encompasses so much more than technology.

Industry Experts on Proptech

The KPMG Global PropTech Survey 2018 asked hundreds of real estate professionals what their opinions were on proptech. Key findings of the report include:

• 97% of respondents think that digital and technological change will impact their business.
• 60% think that this impact will be very significant.
• 73% see digital and technological innovation as an opportunity. A further 25% see it as both an opportunity and threat.
• 90% think that the corporate real estate industry views PropTech as an opportunity/enabler
• 78% feel that digital and technological innovation engagement from across the real estate industry has increased over the last 12 months.
• 93% agree with the statement “Traditional real estate organizations need to engage with PropTech companies in order to adapt to the changing global environment.”
• 66% do not have a clear enterprise-wide digital and technological innovation vision and strategy.
• 56% rate their business 5 or below out of 10 in terms of digital and technological innovation maturity.
• 30% of real estate organizations say they currently invest or plan to invest in PropTech start-ups.

Proptech is a Widespread Phenomenon

All over the world, we are seeing a sharp rise in the number of proptech companies. In Europe alone, the Real Estate Innovation Network (REIN) was able to identify 1,622 proptech startups. REIN, in collaboration with PwC and EXPO REAL, have published a PropTech Map, highlighting the top 100 European proptech startups in 2018.

Appetite From Investors

We have seen a dramatic rise in investment in the proptech sector. Indeed, global investment in proptech companies increased by 63% from 2016 to 2017, amounting to $17bn of total investment during that period. Furthermore, the Global Prop Tech Confidence Index for mid-2018 underlines that overall investor confidence in proptech has hit a record high. Aaron Block, Co-Founder & Managing Director of MetaProp NYC, said:

“Along with non-real estate-based institutional investors, the billions of dollars being directed to this investment category has catapulted PropTech to new heights of asset-class desirability.”

Meanwhile, Jordan Nof of Tusk Ventures stresses:

“The biggest change and opportunity will be watching how PropTech entrepreneurs execute on building their businesses during a market downturn, and how the investors who have supported them react. It is when the market gets difficult that we see who is really positioned for success.”

Nof also argues that companies who only make minor improvements in their approach to proptech could struggle in the competitive global market. KPMG make a similar point in their report, noting that many of its member firms are making piecemeal improvements, instead of taking a holistic strategy. Moreover, many of its firms seem to be doing a lot of talking when it comes to proptech, but aren’t putting those words into an actionable plan.

The Impact of Proptech on the Recruitment Industry

Given the rise of proptech, certain jobs are becoming increasingly in demand. This is due to the fact that specific digital, business, and numerical skills are now essential to any proptech company’s growth and success. Recruiters are now sourcing candidates for a variety of jobs, including:

• Full stack developer
• Business development manager
• Product manager
• Content marketing manager
• Analyst

Some key players (such as founders of tech companies) are trying to disrupt the real estate industry. These entrepreneurs have a purely tech background, with no past experience of real estate – yet they are utilising their knowledge and skills in order to fill a gap in the market.

One interesting company to keep an eye on is Appear Here, which describes itself as “the world’s leading marketplace for retail space”. Founded by Ross Bailey when he was just 22, the business helps brands to find and book space online, which they say is “as easy as booking a hotel room”. Appear Here has worked with some of the most valuable brands, including Apple, Nike, Coca Cola, Spotify, and Google.

Another promising business is Houzen, set up in March last year, with the aim of revolutionising the online lettings space. It’s a highly successful proptech business that focuses on the residential market. And so far, they have developed the fastest letting search engine that matches properties with ideal tenants. On top of that they sell services to tenants in order to generate additional revenue. Houzen has already a strong track record and they have mandates in place with top tier companies such as Greystar, L&Q, Kennedy Wilson, and Invesco.

Advice to Professionals

As a real estate professional, it’s important to keep up with proptech trends. Then, once you can gauge where the most promising technologies lie, it’s worth investing in them as quickly as possible. Competition for investment is tough. Another key tip is to regularly ask clients for how you could improve your services. This will help to keep you up-to-date with the latest consumer trends. Finally, while technology may be changing the nature of the real estate sector, there is still a need for human expertise. Technological innovations should be viewed as a means for enhancing, not replacing, essential human skills.

by Marc