The Bau Ventures: From Concept to Implementation
With the launch of The Bau Ventures in 2025, Drees & Sommer consolidated its activities around startups and new digital business models under one umbrella. The goal: to accelerate innovation and actively shape its path to market.
Today, the approach has clearly moved into execution and continues to evolve dynamically.
Building an Active Venture Portfolio
Within a short period of time, The Bau Ventures has established an initial portfolio:
- 4 direct investments in startups
including Optiml, MOD, aedifion, and Mineral Minds - 3 investments in European venture funds
including Pale Blue Dot, PT1, and Realyze Ventures - Initial strategic partnerships, for example with atechX
These investments provide broad access to new technologies and business models across the construction, real estate, and infrastructure sectors.
Connecting Industry and Innovation
A key element of the approach is the “Build First” model. New digital solutions are co-developed together with internal teams and tested directly in the market.
The Bau Ventures aims not only to finance new solutions, but to actively co-create them.
“We benefit greatly from the expertise and market access within Drees & Sommer. This enables us to develop and test new solutions much faster,” says Christoph Wend-Erdel, who leads the Build First unit at The Bau Ventures.
Market Shows Renewed Momentum
The market is also showing clear signs of change:
“We’re seeing increasing openness to new solutions. Companies are more willing to explore new paths,” Wend-Erdel explains.
There is particularly strong demand for solutions in real estate management—often supported by artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and streamline processes.
The Bau Night 2026: Strengthening the Network
A highlight was The Bau Night 2026 in Berlin. In an exclusive setting, startups, investors, and industry experts came together to exchange perspectives on the future of the built environment.
Key impulses on topics such as artificial intelligence and urban development shaped the agenda. At the core was personal exchange and cross-company networking.
Outlook
The focus is now on further expanding the portfolio and bringing even more solutions into real-world application.
