JLL launches investment wing; Backs decor startup Foyr

Property consulting firm JLL India has announced the launch of its independent investment vertical,  JLL India Real Estate Technology Ventures under the leadership of Anuj Nangpal. The new division will invest in start-up or growth-stage companies developing innovative and disruptive technology solutions specific to the real estate sector. This initiative is spearheaded by Anuj Nangpal, a real estate industry veteran and a specialist in M&A, private equity, corporate advisory and investment banking.

“The purpose of this vertical is to invest into early-stage companies – or start-ups – which can potentially disrupt the real estate business with brand-new thinking, backed by sound, workable technology. With this investment vertical, JLL has its eyes trained on Geographic Information Systems, Visualisation and Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, sustainable energy, water efficiency, smart commercial buildings, Smart City tech applications, property Management technologies, data analytics, home automation and – on a broader level – the Internet of things,” Anuj Puri, Chairman & Country Head, said in a statement. This will be an independent investment entity which will focus on enhancing the value of its equity holdings in the target firms. JLL will also explore the potential of working with private equity funds and financial institutions to make even larger investments, if needed.

The investment entity has announced its maiden investment into Foyr.com, a cutting-edge technology platform for visualising real estate spaces. Foyr’s patent pending technology offers developers the ability to market their developments and allows customisation of interiors on the fly.

“Foyr’s unique technology has global appeal, and the advancements they have made in AR/VR are globally competitive and scalable,” said Anuj Puri. The investment vertical expects to announce three further investments before the end of 2016.