Berlin-based renovation startup Wallround has become the first startup to secure funding and expertise from the joint PropTech Venture Studio of Founders Factory and Vonovia.
Wallround aims to transform energy-efficient renovations for private landlords and modernize outdated residential properties across Europe.
To meet the EU's ambitious climate goals by 2045, at least 2% of buildings must undergo energy-efficient renovations annually. However, current estimates indicate a renovation rate of less than 0.8%, hindered by outdated processes, a lack of digitalization, and insufficient resources for landlords.
Wallround addresses these challenges by offering a comprehensive technological solution that guides landlords through the entire renovation process, from initial analysis to execution. Starting with multi-family homes in Germany, the company aims to disrupt the €390 bn market for residential buildings in the EU with poor energy efficiency ratings.
Wallround was funded in 2024 by serial entrepreneur Lukas Steinhilber; Tatiana Wotzasek, who has played a key role in launching over 13 global tech companies for Rocket Internet and other organizations; and seasoned manager of large-scale construction projects Henning von Oesen. The company has managed to secure investment from prominent players in the real estate industry in Germany.
Lukas Steinhilber, CEO and founder of Wallround, said: ‘Vonovia is the ideal partner to advance our vision. Their expertise in scaling energy-efficient renovations, combined with Founders Factory's venture-building capabilities, is the perfect combination for our growth. Earning this trust just nine months after our founding and four months after our launch shows us that we are on the right path.’
Europe’s biggest landlord Vonovia and startup investors Founders Factory set up a Venture Studio in May with the shared goal of ‘supporting the scaling and availability of affordable, climate-neutral housing.’ The venture combines Vonovia's extensive housing market knowledge with Founders Factory's expertise in building and nurturing early-stage startups.
Founders Factory previously backed companies such as Tembo, Acre, and Built AI, successfully establishing over 90 new ventures through its Venture Studio since 2015.
