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Voices of PropTech is VendorPM’s new podcast series, bringing you real conversations at the intersection of real estate and technology. Hosted by our CEO and Co-founder, Emiel Bril, this series features candid discussions with industry leaders who are shaping the future of the built world.
From emerging trends to practical strategies, Voices of PropTech delivers insights straight from the experts - whether you're a founder, investor, or property management professional looking to stay ahead in the PropTech space. Each episode unpacks the challenges, innovations, and ideas redefining how we build, manage, and optimize properties.
In our debut episode, Emiel sits down with Courtney Cooper, Partner at Alate Ventures, to explore the evolution of PropTech investing, the increasing demand for data centers, and key advice for founders in the space. Drawing from her experience; her early days at Dream to leading investments in cutting-edge solutions, Courtney shares valuable insights on what it takes to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry.
🎧 Catch the full episode on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Or, keep reading for the key takeaways from our conversation with Courtney.
Courtney highlighted the rapid growth of data centers as a significant trend in the real estate space. With the rise of AI adoption across industries, the need for high-powered computing infrastructure has skyrocketed. She pointed out that the energy demands for these facilities are massive, with some reaching upwards of 100 megawatts. While we are not yet at the scale of gigawatt data centers, the trajectory suggests a significant impact on energy grids and sustainability efforts.
For real estate professionals, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are driving demand for large-scale data centers, which could influence property development, infrastructure planning, and sustainability initiatives. While Elate isn’t directly investing in data centers, Courtney noted that the firm is actively exploring the software companies that support these developments—whether through energy efficiency solutions, data management, or operational tools for data center management.
For founders navigating the PropTech space, Courtney emphasized that one of the biggest barriers to success isn’t necessarily the technology itself, but how it is implemented within organizations. Having been on the inside of multiple companies rolling out new software, she stressed that change management is often underestimated.
She believes that real estate companies don’t always get the full benefit of a technology platform because they fail to allocate the necessary time and resources to integrate it into their workflows. Leadership buy-in is critical—executives must actively champion the software, incorporate it into meetings, and ensure it becomes the source of truth for their teams. Without proper implementation and adoption strategies, even the best technology can fall short of its potential impact.
When it comes to the buying cycle, Courtney advised real estate companies to have a clearer strategy in place before evaluating new software. Often, organizations look for a perfect solution that meets every requirement, but she encouraged decision-makers to focus on their top priorities and understand which features matter most.
Additionally, she underscored the importance of having a dedicated person internally to own the implementation process. Successful tech adoption isn’t just about making a purchase—it requires ongoing commitment from leadership, clear communication, and structured change management.
Courtney’s insights serve as a reminder that technology adoption is not just about innovation but also about execution. The companies that succeed will be those that not only build great products but also help their customers navigate the complexities of implementation and change management.
As the industry evolves, keeping an eye on emerging trends, like the impact of AI-driven data centers, and improving the way technology is adopted will be key to driving meaningful transformation in real estate.
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