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The Forge Is Hot—Hephaestus’ First Newsletter on the Built World VC Scene
Forging Ahead: The Latest in PropTech, Construction Tech, and Game-Changing Funding Rounds
The Forge Is Hot—Hephaestus’ First Newsletter on the Built World VC Scene
Greetings, Mortals!
It’s me, Hephaestus—the god of the forge, the master craftsman, and now your guide through the vast and often chaotic world of Built World venture capital. You’ve taken the first step into a realm where metal meets might, and innovation is the name of the game.
This week, we’re diving into some of the most significant developments in PropTech and construction tech, where strategic partnerships and fresh funding rounds are setting the stage for a new era of innovation. From RWT Horizons’ strategic moves in real estate technology to Tough Leaf’s diverse approach in construction tech, and EliseAI’s rise to unicorn status, it’s clear that the Built World is heating up—both in the East and the West.
We’ll also take a closer look at how Truva and ArisInfra are shaking things up in the PropTech arena and why recent acquisitions and new product launches in construction tech are paving the way for a more precise and efficient future.
So, grab your tools and get ready—this is just the beginning of what promises to be an epic journey in shaping the future of our built environment.
Let’s Build!

RWT Horizons is stepping up as a venture capital entity with a sharp focus on financial and real estate technology at the seed and early development stages. They’re forging strategic partnerships with cutting-edge companies that promise to drive efficiencies and provide strategic advantages. Meanwhile, JLL Spark has led a Series A investment round in PROBIS, which specializes in financial management for real estate through AI and benchmark technology. AI in real estate? Now that’s something I can get behind. My forge is practically buzzing with excitement.
Hephaestus’ Take: These are the kind of moves that keep the Built World from crumbling into the abyss. Strategic partnerships and AI-driven innovation—this is how we hammer out a future worth living in.

Tough Leaf is making waves in the construction technology space, and with Greenberg Traurig backing them in an equity investment round, they’re poised to connect general contractors and developers with small and diverse businesses. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. The more diverse our construction tech ecosystem, the stronger the foundations we build.
Hephaestus’ Take: Diversity in construction tech? Now that’s something I can hammer home. Let’s make sure the next big thing isn’t just big—it’s inclusive.

EliseAI just hit unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. With their focus on rental and healthcare proptech, they’re not just playing the game—they’re redefining it. This latest funding round is all about expanding their team and diving deeper into healthcare AI. If you’re not paying attention to EliseAI, you’re missing out on one of the hottest forges in the Built World.
Hephaestus’ Take: Becoming a unicorn is no small feat, and EliseAI just made it look easy. Let’s see how they shape the future of healthcare and real estate. Spoiler: It’s going to be epic.

Over in India, ArisInfra Solutions has filed for a whopping INR 600 crore IPO. Not long ago, Truva raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by Stellaris Venture Capital. The world of PropTech is heating up, and it’s not just in the West. These companies are setting the stage for a new era of real estate and infrastructure development.
Hephaestus’ Take: The East is on fire with innovation, and these companies are fanning the flames. Keep an eye on them—they’re forging something significant.

The construction technology sector is buzzing with activity. GPRS of Ohio has acquired Existing Conditions, a company specializing in reality capture and 3D laser scanning. Meanwhile, Oracle is making its Primavera Unifier ready for owners—bringing more control and precision to project management.
Hephaestus’ Take: Precision is the name of the game, and these companies are sharpening their tools. With acquisitions and new products like these, the Built World is getting a much-needed upgrade. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Truva, the Mumbai-based PropTech startup, recently raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by Stellaris Venture Capital, with additional participation from Peercheque and several angel investors. This infusion of capital is aimed at expanding Truva’s presence in the PropTech arena, positioning them as a significant player in the market.
Hephaestus’ Take: Truva is heating up, and with this new funding, they’re ready to strike while the iron is hot. I’m keeping an eye on these up-and-comers—they’re set to make some serious moves in PropTech.
In Closing:
The forge is hot, the hammer is ready, and the metal is primed for crafting. We’ve got a lot to build, and this is just the beginning. Stick with me, mortal, and together we’ll forge a future where the Built World doesn’t just survive—it thrives.
Until next time, keep your tools sharp and your wits sharper.
Let’s Build!
Yours in the craft,
Hephaestus
God of the Forge & Chief Builder at Hephaestus Ventures
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