HomeNewsBESIX Group embraces innovation and diversification with strategic investment in PropTech start-ups

24 July 2023

BESIX Group embraces innovation and diversification with strategic investment in PropTech start-ups

BESIX Group, a leading player in the construction industry with over 110 years of experience, announces its strategic decision to strengthen its diversification efforts through investment in PropTech start-ups. This move signifies BESIX's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and positioning itself as an innovative force in the ever-evolving property and construction landscape.

The establishment of BESIX Technology

Under the leadership of Thomas Vandenbergh, BESIX Group is proud to introduce BESIX Technology, a new business venture that complements its existing core divisions of Contracting, Real Estate Development, and Concessions & Assets. The establishment of BESIX Technology aligns with the company's mission to adapt and explore new avenues in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by today's rapidly changing world.

Our diversification strategy has been stable for many decades: next to our main area of activity, Contracting, we have steadily diversified in ventures close to our core business, that contribute regularly to our revenue streams, such as Concessions and Real Estate. We go now one step further and expand our diversification in PropTech and ConTech to swiftly identify innovative and sustainable solutions. Embracing new technologies will both help us contribute to industry transformation and generate diversified revenue streams.

Pierre Sironval

Deputy CEO, BESIX Group

Seven PropTech and ConTech start-ups

To drive this diversification strategy, BESIX Group will structurally strengthen its support to the seven PropTech and ConTech start-ups in which the group acquired equity stakes over the last years. These start-ups – Neanex, Litobox, BuildUp, Conneqtr, Circl, SquareSense, and aug·e – are active in asset management, off site construction, digitisation, energy efficiency, circularity and sustainability. With a clear vision and governance, BESIX will provide strategic and operational guidance to maximize the potential of these ventures and ensure they align with the overall strategic direction of the company.

Rise PropTech Fund

In addition, BESIX Group has signed investment agreements with two Venture Capital (VC) funds specializing in PropTech and ConTech: Rise PropTech Fund, a Belgium-based hands-on VC fund active in the PropTech sector, and PT1 – PropTech1 Ventures (Berlin and London), a pan-European VC fund platform investing in transformative real estate technologies. These investments will allow BESIX to leverage the expertise and market knowledge of seasoned investors in these fields while gaining access to a wider range of start-ups and technologies.

This diversification drive into PropTech builds upon our innovation journey, which began with the ‘Unleash’ program of intrapreneurship in 2016. We have built experience since then in open innovation and direct investments, and this has provided us invaluable insights to shape our current decision. By investing in our current start-ups and in VC funds, we can build a stronger, more resilient and more sustainable BESIX, ultimately benefiting the whole property and construction ecosystems.

Thomas Vandenbergh

General Manager BESIX Technology, BESIX Group

About BESIX Group

BESIX Group is a leading multidisciplinary company operating in the construction, real estate, concessions, and assets sectors. With over 110 years of expertise, BESIX has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects worldwide. The group is committed to innovation, sustainability, and creating value for its stakeholders while contributing to societal progress.