10 startups solving ‘most pressing needs’ in real estate

From modular construction software to VR training programmes and workplace mindfulness, Pi Labs has picked the most advanced and diverse cohort of startups yet for its latest growth programme.

Chosen from more than 1,000 applications across 47 countries, the 10 participating startups are ones that can “best capitalise on the growing proptech opportunity and address the sector’s most pressing needs”, according to Faisal Butt, CEO and founder of Pi Labs.

Following nine accelerator programmes since 2015, the proptech VC firm has this year shifted to supporting companies that are at a more advanced stage in their business development.

Startups this year are split evenly between pre-seed and seed funding stages.

The 2022 cohort is the largest and most international to date, with startups from Norway, Germany, Israel, Austria, Ireland and the UK taking part in the 16-week online and in-person hybrid programme.

Pi Labs also highlighted the gender diversity of its chosen businesses, four of which are led by female founders.

The 10 startups are:

CONXAI (Germany)

CONXAI founders Sharique Husain and Krishna Sridhar

A “no-code” AI platform for architecture, engineering and construction. Targeted at non-tech users, the software generates insights into projects by analysing transactional, sensor and historical data. Read more

Firmus (Israel)

The product identifies missing or incorrect design information in construction drawings, allowing users to mitigate problems that otherwise would lead to wasted time and expenses. Read more

Alicia Navarro, founder of Flown

Flown (UK)

A tool that provides mindfulness content to help users focus at work, “recharge” and, ultimately, get more done. Read more

Greenpass (Austria)

Software that enables planners, developers and investors to compare the climate resilience of different project designs to optimise the sustainability and profitability of real estate developments and open spaces. Read more

Laiout (Norway)

A building tool that automates the creation of early-stage architectural floor plans. Read more

LiveCosts (Ireland)

Construction software that automates cost management processes for builders and contractors. Read more

Modulize (Norway)

Offsite construction software that aims to make design, planning and procurement easier and faster for all stakeholders. Read more

Moonhub (UK)

A virtual reality training platform for the workplace, designed to “fight poor quality training” and provide analytics about how employees are progressing. Read more

Route Konnect (UK)

Real-time video processing to help organisations understand the movement of people and vehicles – anonymously – within cities, public transport, retail and construction sites. Read more

SymTerra (UK)

Built to eliminate uncertainty from construction sites, SymTerra is a communication tool that connects everyone working on a project. Read more

Each startup will receive an initial investment from Pi Labs (with the potential for follow-on funding) and gain access to real estate industry leaders, advisers, venture partners, mentors and investors.

Butt said: “We’re truly excited to bring on board our largest and most international cohort to date, including four female founders, demonstrating the explosive demand for technological solutions in global real estate, a sector which has been slow in digital adoption.

“There is increasing demand from real estate occupiers, developers and property owners to invest in proptech solutions to help them future proof their assets and operations. Our entrepreneurs will have access to the largest proptech ecosystem in Europe, enabling them to navigate and reshape a sector that is ripe for digital transformation.

“We view our growth programme as an incubator for success for our startups, and 70% of last year’s cohort have already raised capital to grow. We look forward to supporting this year’s intake of proptech visionaries on their journey in 2022, and beyond.”

The Pi Labs Growth Programme Demo Day – an in-person event where startups from the 2022 cohort will pitch for investment – will take place in May 2022.