Technology and Innovation Weekly Digest

Welcome to this week’s Technology and Innovation digest where we explore the latest innovations driving sustainability and efficiency across the industry. This week, we will cover some of the major developments in climate-focused funding, modular housing, green building materials, and AI-driven property management.

Aaliyah Pollock- AI Data and Tech Analyst

Bill Gates’ Climate VC Raises Nearly 1 Billion

As part of its third flagship fund, Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), has raised $839 million. Established by Bill Gates in 2015, BEV funds startups that can significantly reduce emissions with investments in sectors such as electricity, transportation, and agriculture. The company has launched two investment funds previously, BEVI and BEVII. Currently BEV has invested over $3.5 billion in more than 110 companies, and with BEVIII, it aims to expand its portfolio by 40%.

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Can Modular Housing Address Guernsey’s Housing Shortage?

With growing pressures on the housing supply in Guernsey, modern methods of construction such as modular housing, are being considered by the Committee for Environment and Infrastructure. They aim to assess the suitability of these methods based on factors like transport logistics, building regulations, and longevity, with an aim to deliver quality homes more quickly and at potentially lower costs. Pods, micro houses, and volumetric modular homes are among the solutions being explored for the Guernsey Housing Plan.

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Southeast Asia and Australia Green Building Materials Market is Set to Reach $43.3 Billion by 2031

The green building materials market in Southeast Asia and Australia is expected to grow from $16.8 billion in 2021 to $43.3 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 9%. The market growth is driven by the reduction of emissions and lower operational costs associated with green building materials. Currently Singapore is the market leader, but the Philippines is expected to have the highest growth rate. The market's expansion is supported by the construction sector's growth in the region.

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Swiss Proptech Optiml Raises €3.5 Million to Advance Decarbonisation in Real Estate

RICS Tech Partner Optiml, a Zurich-based proptech specialising in sustainable real estate software, has secured €3.5 million in a pre-seed extension round led by BitStone Capital and supported by KOMPAS VC. Existing investors, including Innovation Endeavors and Planet A Ventures, also contributed. The funding will help Optiml enhance its decarbonisation software, expand its team, and improve features to meet rising demand in the DACH region and UK. Their software provides helps property professionals make financial and sustainability decisions by analysing portfolio assets across relevant ESG and regulatory data points.

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EliseAI Secures $75 Million to Enhance Property Management with AI Chatbots

EliseAI, a startup providing AI-driven tools for property management, has raised $75 million in Series D funding. Now valuing at $1 billion, EliseAI, develops chatbots to handle renter communications, such as lease inquiries and maintenance requests, aiming to reduce management burnout and improve operational efficiency. The funding, led by Sapphire Ventures and supported by Point72 Private Investments and others, will be used for hiring, AI research, and expansion into new markets like healthcare.

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