JLL Spark – Investors in PropTech

Blog Post

What is JLL Spark?

JLL Spark Global Ventures is the corporate venture arm within JLL Technologies, JLL’s technology division. Founded in 2017 by experienced Silicon Valley entrepreneurs with successful track records building and investing in tech companies, JLL Spark offers JLL the ability to provide innovative products and data-driven solutions to real estate owners and operators. 

“Our goal is to bring the best of the startup ecosystem to JLL and its clients, globally,” said Mihir Shah, co-CEO, JLL Technologies. JLL Spark is unique in the industry, combining venture capital expertise and more than 200 years of commercial real estate experience with the ability to provide a path to revenue for the startup companies in the global venture fund’s portfolio. 

With JLL Spark as an investment partner, technology startups can scale their solutions by leveraging the global presence of JLL. The JLL Spark team will assist in the growth of the startup, supporting its go-to-market strategy and facilitating commercial agreements among JLL’s vast network. 

JLL Spark has invested over $340 million across more than 40 property technology, or PropTech, startups since June 2018. Investments range from seed stage to Series B. “JLL Spark identifies concepts that we believe will be successful and deliver significant value,” said Raj Singh, managing partner, JLL Spark. “We’re growing new ideas by providing both traditional VC value such as funding and JLL’s deep commercial real estate industry expertise to transform the real estate industry through technology-based innovation.”  

What types of technology does JLL Spark invest in?  

JLL Spark’s portfolio consists of global technology startups that support JLL and its clients with data-driven solutions in environmental, social, and governance (ESG), financial technology (FinTech), construction technology (ConTech), smart buildings, the future of work, and logistics/supply chain. Each investment signifies JLL’s commitment to shape the future of real estate with innovative solutions. Many of JLL Spark’s investments aim to increase operating efficiencies, thus reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.   

“The real estate industry is realizing the value of innovative technology to prevent disruption, increase productivity and community, and meet sustainability goals. JLL Spark offers a portfolio of technology-based solutions to address these demands,” said Laurent Grill, partner, JLL Spark. 

Why should startups partner with JLL Spark?  

JLL Spark invests in and grows early-stage technology companies that transform the real estate industry through disruptive hardware and software advancements. An investment from JLL Spark offers access to JLL’s extensive commercial real estate client roster, including its global distribution and scale. More than 60% of JLL’s top investor and occupier clients use a JLL Spark portfolio company solution. 

“JLL has embraced digital transformation to provide our clients with tech-enabled services, which led to the creation of JLL Spark to invest in real estate technology,” said Tanguy Quero, investment principal at JLL Spark based in Europe. “The Spark team actively searches for new solutions in the PropTech ecosystem to engage with startups that have developed innovative products.” 

JLL Spark offers an important growth component to the technology startups in its portfolio. Growth principals on the Spark team are experienced technologists and real estate leaders who serve as liaisons to internal JLL business lines. They partner with each startup to provide growth strategies and guidance, identifying opportunities to generate revenue and scale the technology solution within JLL’s global property network. 

“With over four billion square feet in property and facilities management, JLL can pilot and scale tech startups across its global network. As a growth principal, my main focus is to work with the companies we have invested in and help them grow by leveraging our network and our industry knowledge,” said Carolyn Trickett, Asia Pacific lead and growth principal at JLL Spark. 

How do startups get started with JLL Spark? 

PropTech startups are encouraged to apply for strategic investment from JLL Spark. The JLL Spark team welcomes early-stage industry innovators with solutions that positively impact commercial real estate, from development and management to leasing and investing. Apply for investment consideration here or for other questions please email contact.spark@jll.com.