JLL Spark accelerates growth capabilities for proptech portfolio with strategic new hire

SAN FRANCISCO, May 2, 2019 – JLL Spark, an independent division of JLL (NYSE: JLL) that operates a $100 million global venture fund to invest in proptech companies transforming commercial real estate, today announced Eric Wittman has joined as chief growth officer. The newly created role of chief growth officer is focused on helping proptech startups grow through JLL distribution channels and feedback loops.

“With Wittman on board, we are doubling down on our commitment to partner with proptech entrepreneurs, helping them tap into the resources of JLL business lines and succeed in rapidly growing their companies,” said Mihir Shah, co-CEO of JLL Spark. “As a seasoned business leader, product executive and investor, Wittman is uniquely suited to support the growth and scale of our portfolio companies while we also create value for JLL clients.”

Wittman brings a strong track record of leading, managing and advising high-growth technology companies. Prior to joining JLL Spark, Wittman was the chief operating officer at Figma, where he was responsible for hiring the business leadership team, launching the company's first paid product offering, growing the business from zero to over 3,000 customers, and raising a $25 million Series B round. His previous experience includes general manager at Atlassian, CEO of Songbird, and senior positions with Adobe Inc.

“The JLL Spark growth team has been a great asset to our company. In fact, I can directly attribute more than 1,000 sensor sales to opportunities driven by JLL Spark,” said Dan Ryan, CEO and co-founder at Vergesense. “I am thrilled to work with Wittman in his new role. He has already proven to be a fantastic value-add, delivering practical advice and insight based on his years of experience growing and scaling technology companies.”

Wittman will build on the success of JLL Spark’s dedicated global growth team, led by Andrea Jang in the Americas, Tanguy Quéro in EMEA and Anuj Nangpal in APAC. Since the beginning of the year, the team has created more than 100 opportunities, benefiting portfolio companies as well as the core JLL business and clients. The growth team acts as a strategic advisor preparing portfolio companies for opportunities with the JLL network and vice-versa.

"We are witnessing incredible growth opportunities within proptech today. Now is the perfect time to transform commercial real estate leveraging new digital products," said Wittman. "JLL Spark is unique in that we have an incredible team of both seasoned investors and operators. When you couple our team with the expansive JLL network, we can offer counsel, capital and customers unlike any other firm. We also bring a new strategic dimension to JLL’s client relationships that helps them evaluate and adopt proptech faster."

JLL Spark, which launched in 2017, invests in startups leveraging technology to improve everything from real estate development and management to leasing and investing, while enhancing the experience of those who occupy it. To learn more about JLL Spark and its innovative portfolio companies, please visit www.jllspark.com.