Cohesion

High-Level Overview

Cohesion is a smart building technology company founded in 2018 that integrates building systems, people, and spaces through AI-driven software platforms and advisory services.[1][2][6] It serves commercial real estate owners, enterprise organizations, and facility managers—such as CoStar, JLL, CBRE, and Morgan Stanley—by solving fragmented building operations with tools for security access control, occupant engagement, smart maintenance, energy management, and space utilization analytics.[2][5] Key products like the Savvy platform automate workflows, OccupancyAI provides predictive insights, and tenant apps enable mobile keycards, desk reservations, and ESG reporting, driving operational efficiency, hybrid work support, and sustainability in properties.[1][2]

With headquarters in Chicago and around 31 employees, Cohesion reports $3.3M in revenue and holds a Smart System Verified Platinum rating from UL Solutions, positioning it as a leader in proptech for data-driven, resilient buildings.[1][3]

Origin Story

Cohesion emerged in 2018 as a spin-off from a mechanical engineering firm following a pivotal breakfast meeting between CEO Thru Shivakumar and Raj Gupta, Executive Chairman of ESD.[6] This discussion highlighted the need for technology bridging tenant apps and legacy building systems, inspiring a platform for flexible, responsive buildings.[6] The founding team, including Shivakumar (CEO/Chief Sales Officer), Andy Wibbels (Director of Marketing), Khoi Do (VP Client Relations), and Chad Flores (VP Product)—with Raj Gupta and Steven Koch on the board—brought expertise in sales, marketing, real estate, and product development.[5][6]

Early traction came from addressing shifting CRE priorities like hybrid work and sustainability, evolving into a comprehensive smart building suite that has made Cohesion the go-to for enterprise optimization.[1][6]

Core Differentiators

• AI-Powered Integration Platform: Unifies disparate systems (IoT, cloud, big data) with tools like Savvy for workflow automation and OccupancyAI for real-time predictive analytics on space, energy, and performance—unique in delivering holistic insights.[1][2]
• End-to-End Building Solutions: Covers security (mobile access, digital wallets), maintenance (work orders, air quality monitoring), occupant experience (apps for reservations, communications), and sustainability (ESG reporting), simplifying operations for CRE portfolios.[2][5]
• Proven Certifications and Tech Stack: First to earn UL Solutions Smart System Verified Platinum; leverages advanced tech like Kubernetes, Kafka, Neo4j, Azure, and machine learning for scalable, secure performance.[2][3]
• Advisory and Human-Centric Focus: Combines software with consulting to guide smart initiatives, emphasizing tenant engagement and resilience, backed by a collaborative culture of curiosity, quality, and partnership.[1][6]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Cohesion rides the proptech wave fueled by AI, IoT, and post-pandemic demands for hybrid workspaces, sustainability, and operational resilience in commercial real estate.[1][2][6] Timing aligns with market forces like rising ESG pressures, workforce automation, and data analytics needs, where fragmented legacy systems hinder efficiency—Cohesion's unified platform optimizes costs, boosts tenant satisfaction, and unlocks building value.[5][6] It influences the ecosystem by partnering with giants like JLL and CBRE, setting standards for intelligent buildings, and advancing green tech through energy insights, helping CRE adapt to climate and remote work trends.[2][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Cohesion is poised for expansion by deepening AI innovations like Savvy and OccupancyAI amid accelerating proptech adoption and sustainability mandates.[2] Trends in edge computing, predictive maintenance, and carbon tracking will shape its trajectory, potentially scaling revenue through global enterprise deals and further integrations.[1][6] Its influence may evolve from niche integrator to ecosystem leader, empowering smarter, greener buildings that tie back to its founding vision of responsive, data-driven spaces.[6]