JLL Spark investor: Sean Wright 

Our latest post in the JLL Spark investor series is a feature on Sean Wright, JLL Spark’s Investment Principal covering the EMEA region. Originally from the United States, he is based in Germany where he has lived and worked for many years.  

How did you end up in Europe? 

Good question, since I get asked this all the time. My family hosted a German exchange student when I was in high school. We became good friends and still are close. After he spent a year with us, his family invited me live with them for a year, which I did. During that year I learned the language fluently. Later, after I finished my MBA at Wharton Business School, I got a job working in private equity for Allianz in Munich. And then I married a local…   

So, are you staying for good? 

Most likely, but the world is a small place these days and opportunities abound.   

Tell us about your investment career? 

As noted, I started my investment career in private equity doing buyout deals and mezzanine debt investments. Then I was an entrepreneur for twelve years, and during most of that time I ran an investment management business with some partners. We invested mainly in publicly traded securities, like stocks, bonds, preferred stocks, options, and futures, using a systematic approach. But I continued to make private investments along the way. And then about eight years ago, I got an opportunity to work in venture capital, which has turned out to be a very rewarding career choice. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to back many successful founders. 

What do you enjoy most about venture capital? 

I really like working with entrepreneurs. Every day I get to meet and work with smart, motivated people that want to make the world a better place by building successful businesses. Having been an entrepreneur myself, I understand what they are going through and seek to provide guidance with a bit of empathy along the way.   

What are the most exciting topics for JLL Spark in venture capital right now? 

JLL’s mission statement is “We shape the future of real estate for a better world.” In my opinion, the two most important themes that meet this mission are AI and sustainability. AI agents are going to take over large swaths of the work in real estate, especially in property and facility management. We already see this change taking place, and it is improving outcomes for owners and occupiers, while uplifting the human working experience. And improving the sustainability of the built environment is a must to reduce carbon emissions, but it also makes sense financially. Sustainable buildings generate higher rental income, have lower operating costs, sell for higher multiples, and are more comfortable for occupants. We don’t see the trend towards sustainable real estate decreasing even though countries seem to continually change their environmental regulations. 

Why should entrepreneurs choose to work with JLL Spark? 

If you are building a business that can revolutionize commercial real estate, it will be hard to find a more value-added partner. JLL Spark provides industry know how, branding, and distribution. Our dedicated growth team works 24/7 to provide you with commercial opportunities within JLL and with JLL’s customers, who are the largest owners and occupiers of commercial real estate globally. And we come with zero corporate baggage. We’ll never ask for commercial exclusivity or a right of first refusal. We are always on the side of the entrepreneur. To find out more about the value we bring to companies, read our previous post here. 

Connect with Sean via LinkedIn.  

Interested in a strategic partnership with JLL Spark? Apply for an investment here.