#21 - Alon Gorbonos, General Partner & Founder at RE Angels

In Episode #21 of Slice of Real Estate, Alon Gorbonos, General Partner & Founder at RE Angels


Listen to the full episode to learn about: 

  • Expert-Driven Investment Model: RE Angels combines capital with insights from experienced real estate operators across various sectors.

  • Technology Meets Real Estate: Focusing on early-stage innovation to address inefficiencies in the largest asset class globally.

  • Sustainability and ESG Prioritization: Pioneering investments in material science and carbon footprint reduction to combat climate change.

  • Collaborative Approach: Emphasizing deep relationships between investors and founders for long-term success.

  • Emerging Opportunities: Exploring AI, data centers, and programmatic construction to tackle challenges like affordability and efficiency.

Watch

Listen

Read More

What is RE Angels?

RE Angels is a venture capital firm that takes a unique, expert-driven approach to investing. Founded by Alon Gorbonos, the firm stands out by being composed entirely of real estate professionals with hands-on expertise in sectors like residential, commercial, construction, and leasing. This ensures not only financial backing but also unparalleled industry insights for the startups they support.

“Imagine having 20 seasoned professionals available to propel your business forward,” explains Gorbonos. This model emphasizes collaboration and in-depth knowledge, setting RE Angels apart from traditional VC firms.

The Vision Behind RE Angels

Alon Gorbonos, the General Partner and Founder, brings a decade of experience as a real estate operator and investor, having managed over $100 million in property transactions. Frustrated by the lack of technological advancement in such a critical industry, Gorbonos launched RE Angels in 2022 to fill a void in early-stage investments for real estate technology startups.

Gorbonos sees a parallel between the ongoing transformation in real estate and the financial sector’s disruption two decades ago. “The wave of innovation coming to real estate is one for the books,” he says.

Focus Areas in Real Estate Technology

RE Angels categorizes its focus into three primary verticals:

  1. Property Management (PropTech): Innovations in managing existing properties efficiently.

  2. Construction Technology (BuildTech): Addressing sustainability challenges with materials science and advanced site management.

  3. Real Estate Finance: Modernizing financial transactions and payment systems within the industry.

One standout investment is Tangible Materials, a platform that calculates the embodied carbon footprint of construction projects, enabling developers to make sustainable material choices.

Supporting Founders Beyond Capital

RE Angels prioritizes building personal relationships with founders. Gorbonos emphasizes the importance of shared values, adaptability, and resilience in startup teams. Regular in-person meetings between investors and founders foster collaboration and problem-solving.

“I’ve become personal friends with many founders I’ve invested in,” Gorbonos shares, reflecting the deep trust and camaraderie built within the RE Angels ecosystem.

What’s Next for RE Angels?

With tailwinds from economic recovery and growing interest in real estate technology, Gorbonos is optimistic about the firm’s trajectory. “The intersection of technology and real estate is poised for massive growth,” he predicts, citing opportunities in AI, data center operations, and affordable housing solutions as key areas of exploration.

As RE Angels continues to align expertise with innovation, it’s redefining what it means to invest in the future of real estate.

To learn more about RE Angels:

Follow us 😁