The construction industry is on the cusp of a transformative shift, as evidenced by the bold new strategy unveiled by WND Ventures at BuiltWorlds Venture West. The venture arm of DPR Construction has set its sights on revolutionizing corporate venture capital in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, with a laser focus on fostering innovation that delivers tangible value throughout project lifecycles.
WND Ventures is doubling down on its commitment to driving industry change, backed by DPR Construction’s extensive experience and a decade of investing in the sector. The new approach is rooted in a practical, long-term vision that addresses the real needs of the construction industry. With labor shortages, rising material costs, and the rapid advancement of AI and robotics, WND is zeroing in on solutions that automate workflows, expedite decision-making, and enhance cost and schedule predictability.
At the heart of WND’s strategy is the belief that innovation must be applied and tested in real-world scenarios. To achieve this, WND is making project data accessible to innovators, enabling them to develop tools tailored to the industry’s actual needs. “For 35 years, DPR has been building complex projects and pushing the industry forward,” said Atul Khanzode, Chief Technology Officer at DPR. “WND reflects what we’ve learned: innovation only matters when it’s applied, and to find solutions, we need to work together. That is why we are partnering with other innovators in the space to solve real problems and deliver more predictable outcomes for our owners and the industry.”
WND Ventures is not just talking about change; it’s already walking the walk. With investments in startups like Dusty Robotics, Rhumbix, and ConstructivIQ, WND has been instrumental in advancing what’s possible on construction sites. Now, with a sharper focus on AI, supply chain intelligence, and automation, WND is positioning itself as a unique force in corporate venture capital—a model built by practitioners, for practitioners.
The new WND model is characterized by several key pillars designed to accelerate innovation and deliver lasting impact:
Shorter spinout cycles: WND is compressing the time it takes to bring new technologies to market, aiming for 1–2 years instead of the traditional 3–5 years.
Hands-on collaboration: WND is actively engaging DPR’s subject-matter experts and real-world projects to ensure that innovations are practical and effective.
Future data platform: WND is developing a data platform to support scalable AI integration, providing a robust foundation for future innovations.
Long-term capital commitment: WND is dedicating sustained capital to foster continuous innovation in the industry.
Active partnerships: WND is forging strategic alliances across the supply chain, including owners, technology companies, other corporate venture capital firms, and AEC practitioners.
“Owners and developers are feeling the impact of rising costs, labor shortages, and growing complexity across their projects,” said Kaushal Diwan, WND Ventures leader. “We’re refining our model to help deliver greater schedule and budget certainty in a time when volatility has become the norm. If we want to keep meeting customer expectations, we need to innovate with purpose.”
WND Ventures’ evolved strategy is a clarion call to the construction industry, challenging norms and sparking debate about the future of building. By focusing on practical applications of AI, automation, and collaborative innovation, WND is not just investing in startups—it’s investing in the future of construction. This approach has the potential to reshape the industry, driving efficiency, sustainability, and predictability in an era of unprecedented change.
The construction sector is at a critical juncture, and WND Ventures is stepping up to the challenge. By fostering a new kind of corporate venture capital, WND is paving the way for a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable future. The question now is, who will join WND in this bold endeavor, and how will the industry respond to this call for transformative change? The stage is set for a new era in construction, and WND Ventures is leading the charge.
