We launched OUTKOM CATALYST, an immersive strategy accelerator, in the Fall of '23. Its focus sits at the nexus of decarbonizing and sustainably densifying housing.
We believe these 2 critical needs possess a symbiotic relationship in unlocking affordable housing.
How do we see this manifesting itself?
Over time, fossil fuel homes will become more expensive as it relates to both CapEx and OpEx, as well as diminishing values due to the risk of becoming stranded assets.
The inverse is the case for decarbonized homes. As renewables and extended techs scale, decarbonized homes will become more affordable in relation to both CapEx and OpEx, as well as appreciating values as they become “performing assets”.
These effects will be further exacerbated due to evolving zoning & compliance codes. These codes will reward decarbonized homes & penalize, at increasing rates, fossil fuel homes.
Therefore, on the whole, decarbonization of housing leads to greater affordability. These investments, though, are realized and paid out over the long term.
We then layer in supply vs demand, the issue at the heart of today’s housing narrative. As per the World Economic Forum, because 80% of 2050’s building stock exists today, we deduce that the great majority of the supply side issue will be solved through increased densification of existing buildings. This pathway has sparked an ecosystem of innovations whose purpose is to transform existing space. This will be further supported as shifts in spatial needs continue, further enabling the scaling of these innovations.
As for the symbiotic relationship, we posit that for densification to realize housing affordability over the long term, it will require decarbonization innovations at its core, today. Without the coalescing of these two pathways now, we will not realize affordability over the long term. We may solve supply side issues realizing a “period” of affordability but we will inherit increased CapEx, OpEx, and depreciated asset values down the road.
Therefore, we believe today’s risk is bifurcating them.
Over the last 9 months, we have met dozens of startups focused on important micro-needs within the above 2 pathways. It is these interactions that have opened our eyes to this symbiotic relationship. Below is but a sampling of those innovating within these pathways. They have helped us make this connection and have inspired us to drive this mission forward.
Maket (Techstars '21)
OVR-VU powered by Rathco ENG
Switchee
Hydronic Shell Technologies
frakktal
Kit Switch
Floe, Inc.
AeroShield Materials
Kestrix
hesti
Building Atlas
Adept Materials
PadSplit
ecoLocked
Mimicrete
We are always looking to connect with more startups focused on solving these needs. Exposing ourselves to these innovations deepens our understanding of the space and enables us to make relevant connections within this burgeoning ecosystem. 🙏
Director of Franchise Development at Franchise FastLane
1wLucky to have a front row seat 🥰