Opinion: BlackRock’s GIP Deal Signals the Smart Money is on Infrastructure

When the world’s leading investment manager talks, we tend to listen – and this time, it speaks volumes for the direction of our industry. 

BlackRock announced Friday it is buying Global Infrastructure Partners for $12 billion, marking arguably the largest company acquisition in the AEC space. The deal is expected to close in Q3.

GIP’s investment portfolio includes everything from toll road projects to airports, waterworks to energy projects. Private investment in infrastructure is less common in the United States, but that may be changing: BlackRock’s acquisition underscores the tremendous need and consequent opportunity that the likes of a $10 trillion global investment firm sees in infrastructure. 

It also highlights the construction ecosystem beyond commercial buildings. While commercial real estate may be in the midst of a challenging period, the world has a growing, acute need for more and better infrastructure. 

This presents increasingly attractive investment alternatives to residential and commercial real estate, and consequently the related technology solutions that will improve infrastructure development and management. It’s a great opportunity for our entire ecosystem – engineers, contractors, maintenance firms, tech companies – and venture investors.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink told CNBC that the firm’s growing focus on infrastructure is 

“one of the most exciting long-term investment opportunities.” 

Message received.

 

Join us this April in San Francisco for the 2024 Venture West Conference

BuiltWorlds Venture Conferences are where leading investors meet to take a pulse of the investing atmosphere within the AEC space. At this conference we will hear from leading VCs, CVCs, and strategics who are actively investing and get their opinions on the current state of the built worlds through a venture-specific lens.

We currently have over 30 thought leaders slated to present on panels ranging from topics on early-stage investing all the way through a panel centered on go-to-market strategies.

BuiltWorlds Venture Conferences also feature DealMakers Alley. This unique portion of the event allows start ups to schedule meetings with investment groups who are in attendance to have private meetings. At Venture East, some of the groups included; Blackhorn Ventures, Stanley Ventures, Nemetschek Group, CRH Ventures, Brick & Mortar Ventures among others.

This event has sold out two years in a row so don’t hesitate to purchase (or if you’re a member, redeem) your tickets today!

Sign up Here!