Building Ventures

Building Ventures Research Investment Thesis Building Ventures is a specialist venture capital firm treating the physical world as programmable hardware. Founded in 2018 by Jesse DeVitte and Travis Connors, the firm focuses exclusively on early-stage entrepreneurs transforming the built environment across the design, build, operate, and experience lifecycle. The fund partners with "visionary entrepreneurs who will have a profound effect on how and where we live as humans on our planet." Their core thesis centers on the massive opportunity to democratize and digitize the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry, which has been traditionally resistant to innovation. They believe that the best solutions come from founders who combine deep domain expertise with technical innovation. The firm emphasizes partnership, operational support, and leveraging a proprietary network of 100+ senior AEC/design executives for pilots, feedback, and distribution. Sector Focus Building Ventures invests across the entire built environment value chain: Design Phase: Generative design platforms (Hypar) 3D modeling and CAD software (SketchUp, SpaceClaim, TinkerCad) AI-powered space planning and product discovery (Parspec) BIM and conceptual design tools (assemble) Build Phase: Construction automation and robotics (Built Robotics) Modular construction (Blokable) AI-powered fabrication (BuildFactory) Jobsite safety and workforce management (GoContractor, Skillit) Project management and compliance (Clearstory, Joist AI) Operate Phase: Building automation and energy optimization (75F, Aeroseal, Adaptis, enVerid) Property maintenance and management (Mezo, Clearstory) Real estate operations and procurement (Honest Buildings, Join) ESG reporting and sustainability (Measurabl, Station A) Geothermal heating solutions (Dandelion) Experience Phase: Shared mobility and amenities (Envoy, Work&) Modular office space solutions (CANOA) Smart building experiences (75F) The firm also invests in enabling infrastructure and tools: project management platforms, AI applications for construction, digital twin technology, insurance and risk management for real estate, and permitting technology. Stage Focus Building Ventures targets seed and Series A investments, with the majority of capital deployed at the seed stage. They typically lead or co-lead rounds and act as the first institutional investor for many portfolio companies. Check Size Based on API data and portfolio analysis: Typical range : $100K - $10M Seed focus : $500K - $3M Series A follow-ons : Up to $10M The firm maintains flexibility and will adjust check size based on founder caliber and market opportunity. Fund Details Fund I (2018) : $53 million (debut fund) Fund II (2022) : $95 million (closed September 2022) Current AUM : Approximately $94-100 million based on deployment stage The firm is actively deploying from Fund II with sustained deal activity throughout 2024-2025. Recent investments include BuildFactory (November 2025), Copper (August 2025), Parspec (continued investment), Station A, and Faura. Team & Leadership Jesse DeVitte - Co-founder and General Partner. Deep expertise in built environment innovation and entrepreneurship with a consistent track record of genuine engagement with founders and long-standing relationships in the VC space. Travis Connors - Co-founder and General Partner. Co-founder with Jesse DeVitte, active in investment announcements and thought leadership on sustainability and AI in construction. Heather Widman - Partner with experience in investment leadership and growth scaling. Allen Preger - Partner. Active in investment leadership and data-driven design philosophy, recognized thought leader on AEC innovation. Lucas Turner-Owens - Principal. Recent addition to team (2024) with focus on sustainability and the built environment. Mayra Arntz - Principal. Promoted to Principal in 2025, active in new investments and AI adoption in construction. The team is notably composed of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, startup operators, and built environment innovators with decades of combined experience in AEC and real estate. Portfolio & Track Record Portfolio Size : 50+ portfolio companies representing diverse proptech and contech solutions Notable Companies : 75F (smart building automation), Adaptis (carbon optimization), Aeroseal (emission reduction), Animated Insights (digital twins), assemble (BIM software), Blokable (modular development), BuildFactory (AI fabrication), Built Robotics (solar automation), Dandelion (geothermal), Hypar (generative design), Measurabl (ESG platform for 45K+ buildings), Parspec (AI material discovery), Station A (real estate decarbonization), Copper (battery appliances), and many others spanning the full AEC value chain. Decision Process & Timeline Decision Structure : Partnership-based investment committee led by Jesse DeVitte and Travis Connors with active participation from all partners. Decision Timeline : 3-8 weeks. Building Ventures does "due diligence differently," prioritizing getting to know founders and teams, valuing communication style and receptiveness to feedback, and emphasizing relationship-focused rather than transaction-focused engagement. Warm Introductions & Network Warm introductions strongly preferred. Building Ventures maintains a proprietary network of 100+ senior AEC/design executives providing portfolio companies with access to industry leaders in architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate. The network is actively leveraged for pilots, feedback, distribution, and customer introductions. Recent Momentum (2024-2025) AI continues to dominate investment conversations. Fund II is actively deploying with steady pace of new investments. Strong portfolio momentum with recent Series A activity (Copper $28M Series A in August 2025). Team expanded with Lucas Turner-Owens (2024) and promoted Mayra Arntz to Principal (2025). Consistent thought leadership on AI in construction, sustainability, and data-driven design. Founder Preferences Building Ventures seeks founders with: Deep AEC domain expertise (architecture, construction, engineering background) Technical competency in software/hardware applications for physical world transformation Founder-friendly mindset with receptiveness to feedback and genuine communication Ambitious vision to solve structural inefficiencies in $300B+ industries Network readiness to leverage AEC executive network for customer validation Portfolio testimonials highlight founders' appreciation for exceptional operational support, genuine partnership mentality, industry expertise, active engagement, and transparent trust-based relationships. Lead Tendency Leads rounds consistently, acts as first institutional investor for many portfolio companies, maintains board seats and active involvement post-investment.