Julieta Moradei’s journey from structural engineer and architect to venture capitalist is a testament to her unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. Her unique trajectory has positioned her at the forefront of driving technological adoption and empowering entrepreneurs to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Moradei’s career began with a solid foundation in structural engineering, working for prestigious firms like Disney and Arup. However, her path took a pivotal turn when she shifted her focus towards addressing the housing crisis. “I saw firsthand the barriers that prevent us from building more efficiently and sustainably,” Moradei recalls. This realization led her to create an R&D team dedicated to mitigating these obstacles, marking the beginning of her journey into venture capital and social entrepreneurship.
Her experience in the construction industry revealed a stark truth: despite its size and economic significance, the sector lagged behind in innovation. This insight drove Moradei to co-found Hometeam Ventures, a venture fund focused on investing in early-stage startups bringing breakthrough technologies to construction and housing. At Hometeam, she fundraised and managed operations, investing in companies that promised to revolutionize the built environment.
Moradei’s latest venture, Overlay Capital Build, is a natural evolution of her mission. As the managing partner and co-founder, she leads an investment vehicle and consulting practice hyperfocused on the “missing middle” in the built environment—the bridge between startups and builders. “We’re not just investing in technology; we’re fostering partnerships that drive adoption and implementation,” Moradei explains. This approach aims to accelerate the integration of innovative solutions into the construction industry, addressing long-standing inefficiencies and sustainability challenges.
Moradei’s academic background, which includes an M.S. in structural engineering from the University of California-Berkeley and a B.S. in structural engineering and architecture, has been instrumental in shaping her approach. Her research, conducted in Boston, Berkeley, and Switzerland, has centered on circular economy principles, virtual reality, automated drone inspection, resilience, and sustainability. This interdisciplinary knowledge allows her to identify and invest in technologies that promise significant social and environmental impact.
One of Moradei’s key areas of focus is bridging the gap between architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) through collaborative design. She believes that maximizing innovation for social impact and climate change requires a holistic approach that integrates these disciplines. “Collaboration is key,” she asserts. “By working together, we can create more resilient, sustainable, and efficient built environments.”
Moradei’s passion for digitizing the built environment is evident in her investments and partnerships. She is particularly interested in technologies that enhance construction efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. Her work with Overlay Capital Build reflects this commitment, as she seeks to empower entrepreneurs and builders to adopt and implement cutting-edge solutions.
Moradei’s influence extends beyond her investment activities. As a founding member of Women in Construction Technology, she advocates for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry. She believes that a more diverse workforce will bring fresh perspectives and drive innovation. “We need to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute,” she says.
Julieta Moradei’s journey is a compelling narrative of how technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for sustainability can drive transformative change in the construction industry. Her work with Overlay Capital Build and her advocacy for collaborative design and diversity underscore her commitment to building a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable future. As the industry continues to evolve, Moradei’s leadership and vision will undoubtedly shape the next generation of construction technologies and practices.
