
Pi Labs, Europe’s Premier Proptech VC, Expands into Asia with Hong Kong Outpost
Europe’s foremost proptech-focused venture capital firm, Pi Labs, has marked a significant milestone by expanding into Asia with the establishment of a new outpost in Hong Kong. Founded in London in 2015 by Faisal Butt, Pi Labs has emerged as the most active VC in Europe dedicated to advancing technology in the built environment. With over 80 startups in its portfolio and a gross value of £8.8 billion based on recent valuations, Pi Labs has become a driving force for digitalization and decarbonization in real estate.
The move into Asia is fueled by the firm’s expanding global investor network and the growing demand for proptech investment expertise in the region. Pi Labs aims to leverage its strategic presence in Hong Kong to provide a gateway for its portfolio companies to tap into the burgeoning Asian market. The firm’s collaborative approach, honed over nearly a decade in Europe, will be a cornerstone as it looks to foster partnerships with Asia-based real estate groups leading the charge for transformative change in the built world.
To lead this expansion, Pi Labs has appointed Ms. Akina Ho, a seasoned technology and real estate professional with over 20 years of experience. Ho’s extensive background, including roles in Silicon Valley and her involvement in cutting-edge technology and disruptive business models, positions her as a valuable addition to Pi Labs’ leadership. Faisal Butt, Managing Partner at Pi Labs, expressed pride in the firm’s growth and emphasized the pivotal moment this expansion represents.
As Pi Labs sets its sights on global markets, Hong Kong, with its progressive real estate developers and strategic location, emerges as a key gateway to Asia. The move aligns with the increasing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the Asian proptech landscape, presenting a timely opportunity for Pi Labs to contribute its expertise and cutting-edge technologies to the region. Akina Ho, Head of Asia at Pi Labs, emphasized the unique value proposition Pi Labs brings to Asia, offering investors access to transformative startups and technologies that are not readily available elsewhere. The expansion is poised to facilitate international exchanges of investment opportunities and the adoption of sustainable technologies, marking an exciting chapter in Pi Labs’ global evolution.