$1.2B in 2021 Q3 Venture Activity: COVID supply chain disruptions shifts how the built environment interacts in the marketplace

Building upon a strong investment Q2 investment cycle of $775M, deals around the built industry have increased over 50% to over $1.2B over the summer. Over a half of investment activity (53%) was in three topics related to how companies engage with the marketplace: 1) Real Estate, 2) Materials Marketplace, and 3) Equipment Tracking. As the world shifts to adjust to a new normal post-COVID, many startups have taken the opportunity to revamp how buyers interact with suppliers. Many traditional supply chains and dealers have been disrupted; innovators are looking to shake things up and streamline to value chain.

Within Real Estate, investors are seeking platforms connecting rental properties to tenants; Blueground raised $140M in equity funding, Mynd raised $57.3M in venture activity, and Measurabl closed its Series C with $50M. What this means for those within the built environment is that individual property owners are seeking direct avenues to tenants; contractors, developers, and architects may see shifting tastes to styles better aligned to managing tenants remotely.

Infra.Market raised $125M in its Series D, capitalizing on COVID’s effect on Materials Marketplace’s supply chains worldwide by altering how construction materials are procured. There are three key takeaways for the industry: First, there is more pressure for supply chains to be nimble in liming exposure. Second, suppliers must be intentional in offering specialized knowledge and design services as more procurement professionals are starting to go direct. Third, contractors and developers should use this opportunity to evaluate existing relationships and look to create value within the supply chain.

With the largest activity of the quarter, EquipmentShare raised $230M as it expands its footprint into the US. Construction companies may elect to allocate a larger percentage of equipment to rentals if they can better respond to market conditions and supply chain issues. EquipmentShare is seeking to espouse digital metrics to physical machinery in an evergrowing effort to improve construction productivity. A shared platform to track productivity metrics of rented equipment may shift how contractors obtain jobsite equipment. 

For A Full List Of Active Investors & All Recent Investments Made In The Space Check Out The Venture Dashboard

BuiltWorlds Offers 2 Venture Focused Membership Subscriptions: (Strategic & Venture +).

BuiltWorlds Venture brings together action-oriented construction companies, engineering firms, tool and equipment, materials and supply, tech, and other strategic players in the construction sector. BVF members look to accelerate innovation by investing in and piloting the most promising construction technology products and services, while also gaining deeper insights into market shifts, and funding their R&D through investment. To learn more about these memberships visit our Venture Offerings page.

21Q3 Deals - Activity

Q3 2021 Deals - Notable Investors