Start-ups take on the challenge of climate change and city living
Smart Cities World

Curated daily by our industry experts. Stay informed on how tech is shaping the real estate industry with these important headlines.
Smart Cities World
GlobeSt
Bisnow
Simon Property Group has formed a special purpose acquisition company with a target value of $300M, according to a new filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Friday. The filing stipulates that the new SPAC, called Simon Property Group Acquisition Holdings Inc., doesn’t have a target company. The SPAC could raise up to $345M if its underwriter, Goldman Sachs, exercises an option to purchase an additional 4.5 million shares….
CREtech+
Voxelgrid
Welcome – We are Voxelgrid, a very innovative startup from Munich, Germany, with the ability to digitize existing buildings. For that we have developed a hard- and software solution that enables us to scan buildings while walking. We offer pointclouds, CAD- and 3D-plans as well. On top of that our service is super cheap because our patented technology does it all. …
AXIOS
The next big thing in transportation could be electric flying taxis — think of a drone crossed with a helicopter — that would ferry people and goods high above congested roadways. Why it matters: Air taxis are billed as a cheaper, faster, cleaner mode of transportation, and an important link between remote areas and population centers. But there are still technical and regulatory challenges to overcome — not to mention public skepticism.
AXIOS
A fledgling system north of Tel Aviv has three drones making six test runs a day from a Pizza Hut to designated parking lots, where drivers pick up the meals and deliver them the “last mile.” Why it matters: All signs point to a future in which systems like this are ubiquitous across America, with food and merchandise shuttled overhead to centralized landing hubs (as opposed to your doorstep or balcony).
PlaceTech.
New York City landlords risk facing more than $10bn of fines per year if they fail to cut carbon emissions ahead of strict limits coming into force in 2024. Local Law 97 requires most buildings larger than 25,000 sq ft in New York City to cut their carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, rising to 80% by 2050, or face a fine of $286 per excess metric tonne.
HqO
Chase is joined by HqO’s COO, Dan Koh. They cover Dan’s career path from being a narc for the Andover Police Department to working as Chief of Staff for Arianna Huffington and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Dan has some great insights on the importance of relationship-building and what it means to be a chief of staff/COO.
Edge
Last month the EU Green Deal was finally fully outlined, bringing an end to the speculation of what becoming carbon neutral by 2050 will actually mean for many industries. Looking at the ten main areas covered by the deal, including real estate, Coen van Oostrom, founder of leading sustainable real estate developer EDGE, outlines what he feels is important to take on board. From the specifics mentioned in the deal, to the fact that politicians, further legislation, real estate and development it…
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR EUROPE 2030: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE BUILT WORLD IN LONDON ON JULY 1, 2025