3 MIN READ
Tech for Good Spotlight: UTOPI
Who are Utopi?
Utopi is the specialist ESG technology platform for multi-tenant real estate. We use smart technology to collect live data from buildings, then present the data on easy-to-read dashboards. This allows communities to engage with our resident app and provides real, tangible, and contextualised information; so residents can take action and move towards decarbonisation of real estate.
What problem are you solving?
Not only does the Utopi platform collect ESG data and engage investors, asset managers, operators and residents alike on their environmental impact; the platform demonstrably enables the real estate community to deliver better, greener, more sustainable communities. Utopi bridges the gap between ESG data and operational understanding.
This is the new face of Scottish innovation – designed, built, and manufactured in Scotland. And ultimately we are helping drive the real estate industry to net zero carbon.
We are actually on track to reduce over 6,500 tonnes of carbon from multi-resident buildings over three years. That is the equivalent of the amount of energy 3,004 homes require for a full twelve months of heating.
We help:
- Reduce costs and emissions by 20-30%
- Improve ESG performance by 20%
- Gain the data required to achieve asset level certifications like GRESB, BREEA, Fitwel, etc.
- Gain control of void management, waste management and enhance operational efficiency
Jonathan Burridge, CEO of Utopi
Where did it all begin?
I’ve always had a drive to innovate and disrupt, and that’s echoed in my extensive sales background across the UK.
But my true passion is creating something from nothing, and seeing it add value to industries and make real change. That’s hugely motivating and has seen me work alongside some brilliant people in my career.
My career actually started in Telecommunications, and has included Strategic Sales roles across the UK and Ireland. So, I have an eye for growth, an eye for strategic development, and an eye for the best talent.
Utopi is such a unique business, and I knew from day one with the team we had built, we would curate something truly special.
With a team of four founders, none of us from the PropTech sector, we knew we had a challenge ahead, but ultimately that vision of wanting to make the world a better place and shift the narrative on green real estate – it has been our point of difference, and one which has always driven continuous innovation.
Seeing it all come together, seeing the positive changes we are stimulating, and seeing the team grow and be just as passionate as I am – that helps too.
This is your life’s work. How do you cultivate that passion in others?
It’s important to always be kind, transparent and realise that people all have a purpose in life.
If you can unlock that passion in a business purpose, great – but I’m a strong believer that they also need to respond to the people in the business. I know I have responded well to people who listened, led with positivity, and were always open and willing to hear me. And that’s what we’ve built at Utopi.
The growth is amazing to see and working in a fast-paced environment you can sometimes forget about the people who are driving the business forward, and we are committed to remembering everyone is key in our business.
And with a strong culture, and a team of motivated, fulfilled employees, we know we will cultivate that passion in everyone.
Plus, we can’t forget Utopi are operating in a sector with immense meaning. To build sustainable communities around the world, and to drive closer to net zero carbon… that is powerful stuff that has real effects on our planet.
I know that drives me and the team alike.
What are some of your latest achievements?
The standouts in 2023 are:
- The team headcount hitting 40+
- Gaining £5 million investment from Scottish National Investment Bank
- Hitting the milestone of collecting over 2.5 billion data points since 2020
- Being named ‘Most Innovative PropTech Developer – UK, 2023’ at the BUILD Construction and Engineering Awards
- Being named in the Top 50 Most Rewarding Companies to work for in the UK by Hyer
- And being shortlisted for another six awards, and still counting!
- Kicking off our US expansion, and getting to go and meet with new clients and survey new sites in the states
- Working with some of the biggest names in multi-tenant real estate in the UK, Ireland, Europe and now the US
- Seeing our innovations drive real positive change – seeing energy consumption reduce, seeing emissions reduce, and seeing people use ESG data for good
- See the business grow and offer more jobs to the local economy
We’re also about to move into a new office at EastWorks, Glasgow – an exciting regeneration area which stands for what we do.
Talk to Denholm
One of the best things about my role as Client Relationship Director for Tech and Fintech is getting to know these amazing, innovative, and game-changing technology companies that are coming out of Scotland. It’s so rewarding to promote businesses working toward the greater good and using technology for a positive impact.
For more information about how we help companies build future-fit teams, please contact us on 07432 466 624 or email gareth@denholmassociates.com.
