20 High-Growth Architecture Startups (2023)
You may also like:
The architecture industry in the US is expected to reach $55 billion in market size in 2023.
With new technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and real-time augmented reality, architecture practices are changing.
This is paving the way for tech companies, architecture firms, and entrepreneurs to launch tech-based architecture startups.
We’ve rounded up some of the fastest-growing and most unique architecture startups to follow in 2023 (and beyond).
1. UpCodes
5-year search growth: 975%
Search growth status: Exploding
Year founded: 2016
Location: San Francisco, CA
Funding: $7.6M (Series A)
What they do: UpCodes is a SaaS startup that provides tools for constructing code-compliant buildings for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. With an advanced search engine that’s built for the construction space, users can make systematic searches for building code. It is designed to reduce delays while streamlining requirements for construction projects. Recently, UpCodes secured $3.36 million in additional funding while surpassing 500,000 active monthly users.
2. Material Bank
5-year search growth: 71%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2018
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Funding: $323.2M (Series D)
What they do: Material Bank is a digital material platform that enables architecture and design professionals to order physical samples online, providing quick access to materials from a wide range of manufacturers. With over 14,000 materials from over 700 brands, Material Bank streamlines the sample ordering process for designers, making it easy to find, sample, and specify materials for their projects. The platform also provides sustainability information for each material, helping designers make more informed choices.
3. PlanRadar
5-year search growth: 233%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2013
Location: Vienna, Austria
Funding: $102.5M (Series B)
What they do: PlanRadar is a SaaS and project management platform for real estate project documentation and collaboration. With features like direct communication, digital plans, and easy ticketing, PlanRadar aims to make construction more efficient. According to their website, the tool can increase project efficiency by 70%. Currently, the company has over 120,000 customers across 65 countries.
4. WoHo
5-year search growth: 0%
Search growth status: Peaked
Year founded: 2020
Location: Cambridge, MA
Funding: $4.5M (Seed)
What they do: As an architecture tech startup, WoHo creates “components” that can be pieced together to construct a building. Their tech allows architects and real estate builders to work on small to large-scale projects. WoHo systems manage everything from materials and manufacturing to assembly. Their $4.5 million seed funding was led by The Engine - a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage Touch Tech companies.
5. BRIXEL
5-year search growth: 333%
Search growth status: Peaked
Year founded: 2016
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Funding: Undisclosed (Non-Equity Assistance)
What they do: BRIXEL is an innovative company that combines cutting-edge robotics, artificial intelligence, and interactive architecture to create intelligent spaces that can be used for a range of applications. The company's goal is to create responsive and adaptive environments that can be customized to meet the needs of any user. BRIXEL's technology has been used in projects such as interactive facades, adaptive architecture, and responsive interiors, among others.
6. Cove.Tool
5-year search growth: 700%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2017
Location: Atlanta, GA
Funding: $36.8M (Series B)
What they do: As a web app and tool, CoveTool lets architects and designers assess a building’s impact on sustainability. It provides continuous end-to-end support through automated performance analysis to assist in decision-making. The goal is to find the least costly, yet most sustainable design. Most recently, the company launched new features to streamline building models and create design prototypes more quickly.
7. Arcbazar
5-year search growth: 133%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2010
Location: Cambridge, MA
Funding: $743.3K (Series Unknown)
What they do: Arcbazar is an online architectural competition platform where architects, designers, and interior experts compete. It offers clients access to hundreds of architects and designers, creating a freelance marketplace for them. In 2014, Entrepreneur listed Arcbazar in its 100 Brilliant Companies list.
8. Monograph
5-year search growth: 7%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2016
Location: San Francisco, CA
Funding: $29.3M (Series B)
What they do: As a project management software for architects, Monograph allows users to track time, invoice clients, and manage tasks. They have a budget-tracking tool that is designed to be used by all forms of AEC firms. Along with that, the MoneyGantt system allows users to manage their budgets and schedules simultaneously. In November 2021, Monograph announced a $20 million Series B funding round.
9. Archilogic
5-year search growth: 300%
Search growth status: Peaked
Year founded: 2014
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Funding: $9.3M (Convertible Note)
What they do: Archilogic provides a platform for interior designers and architects to build websites, apps, and ‘experiences.’ Using data and a floor plan, the company develops 3D models to help architects visualize spaces. The four co-founders of the startup previously ran an architecture firm, called AERO Architekten, which led to the creation of the automation-based Archilogic.
10. Ecoworks GmbH
5-year search growth: 1100%
Search growth status: Exploding
Year founded: 2018
Location: Berlin, Germany
Funding: $24M (Convertible Note)
What they do: Ecoworks is an environment-first renovation company that aims to reshape building designs. Their processes are inspired by the Building Information Modeling (BIM) movement. They use modular construction practices, energy-efficient systems, and industrial prefabrication for sustainability. Ecoworks was awarded the 2019 PERPETUUM Energy Efficiency prize.
11. Archistar
5-year search growth: 225%
Search growth status: Peaked
Year founded: 2010
Location: Sydney, Australia
Funding: $20.8M (Series A)
What they do: An AI-driven software, Archistar aims to assist architects, property professionals, and individuals in making better decisions. Using machine learning, the software aids in finding profitable sites and helps in designing feasible buildings. In April 2021, it was announced that Archistar raised $6M from Skip Capital and AirTree Ventures.
12. Capmo
5-year search growth: 700%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2018
Location: Munich, Germany
Funding: $36.9M (Series B)
What they do: As a construction management software, Capmo’s primary offering is to smoothen the construction process. They function as an end-to-end partner for the design and construction of any project they work on. The projects can range from homeowners to industrial designs. Currently, Capmo has over 10,000 active projects in Germany.
13. Infurnia
5-year search growth: 900%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2014
Location: Bengaluru, India
Funding: $2.5M (Series Unknown)
What they do: Infurnia is a cloud-based architecture software for implementing BIM in custom-built environments. The software incorporates CAD, computational architecture, data management, product schedules, and collaboration tools. Infurnia’s last funding round was in 2020 when they received $240K from various investors.
14. canibuild
5-year search growth: 300%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2019
Location: Sydney, Australia
Funding: $8.9M (Series A)
What they do: canibuild is a French architecture startup that offers a 3D modeling platform to architects, engineers, and contractors to make the design process more efficient and collaborative. Their software can convert 2D drawings into 3D models and simulate lighting and materials for accurate visualization. canibuild also integrates with other BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools and offers cloud-based storage for easy file sharing.
15. Hypar
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2018
Location: Culver City, CA
Funding: $8M (Series A)
What they do: Hypar is a cloud-based platform for generating, designing, and sharing building systems. Using BIM and a self-learning AI, the software helps design building models and layout designs. It also features analysis and simulation tools to help predict performance. Hypar closed its second round of funding ($1.48M raised) in 2020 and is currently in the process of scaling.
16. MADE Renovation
5-year search growth: -50%
Search growth status: Peaked
Year founded: 2019
Location: San Francisco, CA
Funding: $9M (Seed)
What they do: As an architecture and planning company, MADE provides bathroom renovation services. Their process is designed to provide interior design, material procurement, and construction services. Most recently, the company is set to receive $23 million in Series A funding from existing and external investors.
17. Physee Technologies
5-year search growth: -60%
Search growth status: Peaked
Year founded: 2014
Location: Delft, The Netherlands
Funding: $13.7M (Series A)
What they do: Physee Technologies creates various solar, coating, and sensor technologies in a bid to make glass more efficient. Their objective is to help establish energy-neutral buildings to maximize sustainability. They are currently dedicated to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the EU Green Deal.
18. FalconViz
5-year search growth: 200%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2014
Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Funding: $1.8M (Series Unknown)
What they do: Using UAS systems, FalconViz provides 3D mapping, data modeling, and volumetric analysis services. They use drone technology and self-learning AI software to monitor and inspect sites. That data is then used to create accurate models for further analysis. In June 2021, it was announced that Saudi Aramco invested $500,000 in the startup, making it their second investment in the company.
19. Acelab
5-year search growth: 75%
Search growth status: Regular
Year founded: 2019
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Funding: $3.5M (Seed)
What they do: Acelab is an architecture-based software company that creates custom web applications, mobile applications, and e-commerce platforms. The company focuses on using modern technologies and agile development methodologies to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Additionally, Acelab provides ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that its solutions continue to perform optimally.
20. Higharc
5-year search growth: 100%
Search growth status: Peaked
Year founded: 2018
Location: Durham, NC
Funding: $27M (Series A)
What they do: Primarily an architectural design software tool, Higharc aims to reduce the time it takes to make a construction-ready design. It incorporates planning phases, material lists, 3D sales tools, and provides access to permit/construction documents. In their latest funding round, Higharc raised $21M through Spark Capital.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best architecture startups to follow in 2023.
In a spirit of entrepreneurship, each new business in the architecture industry today creates a unique business model. As technology continues to become the foundation of these startups, we’ll continue seeing unique applications in the AEC industry.
As the need for construction and architecture increases globally, we should be seeing more architecture startups popping up in the near future.
