Leading VCs discuss how COVID-19 is impacting real estate & proptech

Many of the categories we’ve invested in, including tech-enabled amenities, smart apartment technology and digital workflow and management, generate significant operational savings and drive productivity for rental property owners in an economic downturn and will likely see continued strong investment.

In our view, the short-term impacts to real estate are highly varied by asset type. Office space tends to be safer during market disruptions simply due to longer lease terms and a corporate tenant base. Hotels, restaurants and retailers are particularly vulnerable as a result of widespread travel bans and social distancing policies. We also expect ... See more

Will coronavirus catalyze a period of “de-urbanization” whereby social distancing becomes the cultural and social norm going forward? What does this mean for society and the real estate infrastructure that exists today?

Death of retail was the headline of the last decade. Will a prolonged coronavirus outbreak lead to the death of other types of spaces, too — Office spaces? Public space? Entertainment venues?

Once the immediate adjustments are made, there will be winners and losers. Absent extensive bankruptcies (and missed rent payments), traditional commercial landlords may take the lightest hit as companies still need office space, but the WeWorks of the world are in for tough times as struggling startups and small businesses look for cheaper (or fre... See more