The Weekly Smart Building Briefing - #6 2025
Latest Research & Insights
Consolidation in the Smart Buildings Startups Space 2024
Based on analysis from our latest research, Startups in Smart Buildings 2025, we examine M&A activity in the commercial buildings startups space. 2024 M&A activity in the smart commercial buildings space increased by 29% in volume to 197 acquisitions, of which 28% related to startups (companies founded since 2013). There were 56 acquisitions of startups in 2024, a number consistent with 2023 but down on the highs of 2021 and 2022.
ABB Electrification Business & 2024 Financials Explored
In this Research Note, we examine ABB’s Electrification business and its 2024 financial results announced on 30th January 2025, specifically in relation to commercial buildings and data center end markets. We also highlight acquisitions and investments made by the business throughout 2024. The Electrification business is split into 5 divisions, which provide products, solutions and services across residential, commercial and industrial building markets.
Signify’s Lighting Business & 2024 Financials Examined
In this Research Note, we examine the lighting business of Signify, based on their 2024 annual results announced on 24th January 2025 including the revised organization of four verticalized businesses, implemented in April 2024 and their guidance for 2025. The business reported a 2024 nominal sales decrease of 8.4% to EUR 6,143 million, including a negative currency effect of 1.8% from USD and CNY depreciation.
Cloudastructure Announces Approval to List Common Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market
Cloudastructure, Inc., a cloud-based video surveillance platform with artificial intelligence and computer vision analytics, announced that its Class A common shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Cloudastructure’s security platform utilizes a cloud-based architecture that features cloud video surveillance with AI/ML analytics, and a remote guarding solution.
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Funding & Investments
Finnish startup Cactos raises €7M to expand globally
Finnish startup Cactos, which develops distributed energy storage systems based on batteries, has secured €7 million in funding, backed by Superhero Capital and Union Square Ventures (USV).
Copenhagen’s Hybird Energy raises €2.4M
Copenhagen-based Hybird Energy, a startup developing intelligent electrical panels powered by an AI energy cloud, announced that it has secured €2.4M funding. The Danish company will use the funds to boost its commercial efforts in energy management across Europe, add automation features to its energy cloud, and expand into water and heating controls, creating a complete energy optimization platform.
LAIIER Closes US$4M Seed Extension Funding Round
LAIIER, a liquid leak detection solution provider for commercial and industrial buildings, announced that it has raised US$4M in seed extension funding. Closed Loop Partners' Ventures Group, the venture capital arm of the circular economy-focused firm, led the financing round, with participation from six other funds.
领英推荐
Leyton Capital Advisors secures Debt Funding for Oaktree Power's energy innovation expansion
Leyton Capital Advisors facilitates debt funding for innovative energy flexibility management solution software Oaktree Power from the Greater London Investment Fund (GLIF). OakTree Power is re-inventing electricity markets by matching blue-chip industrial and commercial clients existing electrical assets to a new and growing cross-border flexibility marketplace generating recurring revenue streams. Empowering companies to cut energy expenses and reduce carbon emissions to accelerate net-zero goals.
M&A & Partnerships
ConnectM Acquires MHz Invensys, Enhancing Wireless Communication Solutions
ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. announced the recent acquisition of MHz Invensys, a developer of high-performing wireless communication products and solutions. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster ConnectM’s capabilities in effectively delivering wireless communication, particularly in the smart metering/Advanced Metering Infrastructure (“AMI”) vertical.
Ricoh announces capital and business alliance with Butlr
Ricoh Company, Ltd. and Butlr Technologies Inc., a U.S.-based company that builds scalable people-sensing data infrastructure, announced that the two companies have entered into a business alliance agreement through Ricoh’s corporate venture capital (CVC) fund, the RICOH Innovation Fund. Through the capital and business alliance, Ricoh will apply Butlr’s sensor products and technologies to Ricoh’s services, such as RICOH Spaces.
ZeroEyes and Metrasens Partner to Enhance Layered Security Approach in Hospitals and Schools
ZeroEyes, the creators of an AI-based gun detection video analytics platform, and Metrasens announced a new industry partnership. The collaboration will enhance safety measures across US campuses, including hospitals and schools, by combining detection technologies to better protect customers in these environments.
Technology Developments
BIM is not a smart building
BIM and smart buildings are not the same thing. And if someone pretends that they are, it creates more confusion than clarity. At its core, BIM is a process for designing, constructing, and (if you’re lucky) managing buildings. It’s like a living, breathing blueprint that exists (I hope) in 3D, packed with data about materials, systems, and maintenance schedules. BIM should make building projects more collaborative and efficient, helping teams avoid costly mistakes and improve long-term asset management. A smart building, on the other hand, should be more about how the building operates after it’s built.
DOGE Looks to Cut GSA-Leased Office Space: Quantifying the Impact on Key MSAs
Following President Trump's inauguration, discussions around the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and federal Return to Office mandates have dominated headlines. Building on our previous analysis of how DOGE could reshape the federal government's office footprint, this research examines the geographical impact: over 35% of General Services Administration (GSA)-leased office space across more than 2,500 properties – representing $1.87 billion in annual rent – could be terminated during Trump's second term.
Trump orders federal workers back to office 5 days a week
President Trump is requiring millions of federal employees to return to the office. In an order issued Monday (20th Jan), the White House instructed all U.S. government departments and agencies in the executive branch to end remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work on a full-time basis. The executive order was among multiple directives targeting the federal workforce of 2.3 million that, along with the return-to-office mandate, includes a hiring freeze.
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