JLL to Acquire ValuD Consulting, Strengthen Technology Expertise to Offer Innovative Proptech Solutions

JLL has signed an agreement to acquire ValuD Consulting, a leading provider of IBM software integration and consulting services in the United States and India. The transaction significantly enhances JLL’s ability to bring the next generation of technology to its clients through future-focused innovation and deepened expertise in IBM’s TRIRIGA*, Maximo** and Watson Internet of Things (IoT) services***.

The acquisition supports JLL’s commitment to lead the industry and its clients through digital transformation. It will add 300 highly skilled technology experts – many recruited, trained and certified through ValuD’s unique university partnerships – to JLL’s specialized Technology Solutions team globally.

This enhanced expertise will provide clients with market-leading technology systems that enable faster, more informed real estate decisions and improved business performance. The acquisition will also help explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cognitive buildings and predictive analytics

Ramesh Nair, CEO and Country Head, JLL India, said, “With fintech revolutionizing the financial services industry globally and in India, proptech will be the game changer for the real estate sector. Driven by consumers’ propensity for latest technologies, rapid urbanization, government support for smart cities coupled with rise of millennials, the realty landscape in India is undergoing a massive transformation. Acquisition of ValuD reinforces JLL’s commitment to enhancing our technological capabilities in the proptech segment, and offer cutting edge and innovative solutions to our clients in the areas of facilities management, IoT applications, and others.”

ValuD was founded in 2009 by Gopi Latpate, Chief Executive and Technology Officer. He has been involved in the IBM TRIRIGA platform and application since its inception. The company, which has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing privately held companies in the United States for the last four years, is owned by Latpate, and Scott Williamson, Chief Commercial Officer, ValuD. Both Latpate and Williamson will assume leadership roles in the IBM Practice of JLL’s Technology Solutions business.

On the acquisition, Latpate said, “By joining JLL, we’re bringing together two growth companies with a common culture. We wanted to find the right partner who has the same drive and is serving the same client base —JLL was a perfect match. Combining our talent, tools and knowledge will drive value for our clients.”

The ValuD acquisition, which is expected to close in November subject to customary closing conditions, is another step forward in JLL’s ongoing digital transformation. In July, it announced the appointment of former Google executive Vinay Goel who joined as global Chief Digital Product Officer. Previously, JLL launched JLL Spark, a global division dedicated to identifying and delivering new technology-driven real estate service offerings. Recently, JLL Spark announced the creation of its $100 million Global Venture Fund for investment in companies innovating in proptech.

JLL’s Technology Solutions offers clients end-to-end technology solutions to help drive better business results from their real estate. It provides advisory, implementation and support around corporate real estate applications, integrated workplace management system (IWMS), business intelligence & analytics and IoT.

* IBM TRIRIGA is an integrated workplace management system (IWMS) that manages the lifecycle of a facility.

** IBM Maximo is an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) tool used for managing building operations and processes

*** Watson IoT is a fully managed, cloud-hosted service designed to simplify Internet of Things development.