BESIX Group is proud to announce that BESIX Invest, its investment arm, has acquired a minority stake in Bao Living, a Belgian company based in Antwerp. Established in 2018, the company has developed the SAM (Smart Adaptable Module), a patented modular furniture system that integrates all necessary utilities for kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms, including electricity, water supply, ventilation and heating. SAM is not only functional and aesthetic, but also fully circular, meaning it can be completely dismantled and reused.
This acquisition is fully in line with BESIX Group’s commitment to actively contribute to the decarbonisation of the construction sector. As a significant player in the industry, BESIX Group aims to reduce its carbon footprint and assist clients in lowering theirs through innovative solutions.
Bao Living is the newest addition to our diversified investment portfolio, which is managed by BESIX Technology. In recent years, BESIX Group has directly invested in seven start-ups: BuildUp, aug·e, Neanex, CIRCL, Conneqtr, Square Sense, and Litobox. These investments showcase BESIX’s commitment to innovation across various sectors, from off-site construction and energy management to digital contracting and asset information management.
This new partnership will allow Bao Living to carry out a number of ambitious projects. These include investing in the development of configuration software that allows architects and contractors to calculate prices in real time and determine the most optimal layout of SAM modules. In addition, Bao Living is expanding its circular model. To improve transparency further, in line with European legislation on sustainable construction, a digital materials passport providing detailed information on the composition and carbon footprint of each module will also be introduced. Finally, Bao Living will accelerate its growth in the Netherlands and further strengthen its market position.
Thomas Vandenbergh, General Manager of BESIX Technology: "We are excited to acquire a stake in Bao Living, an innovative start-up that has already demonstrated remarkable efficiency and with a track record of very satisfied clients. Their Smart Adaptable Modules (SAM) are tackling major trends such as a better use of smaller living spaces, reducing the environmental footprint of our industry through circularity, and optimising time management on the construction site. We believe that the collaboration with BESIX will allow Bao Living to unlock significant growth opportunities, both through geographical diversification and digitalization. Together, we are poised to lead the way in transforming the future of construction while enhancing our environmental impact on existing and new buildings."
Benjamin Eysermans, Co-founder and CEO of Bao Living: “SAM not only saves space and is price-competitive, but also provides an answer to the urgent need to build more sustainably. We feel honoured by this investment from a leading construction company and real estate developer like BESIX, which not only confirms our approach, but will also allow us to accelerate the further development our technology and increase our impact on the market.”
About BESIX
BESIX is a leading Belgian group, based in Brussels and operating in 25 countries and on 5 continents, in the construction, real estate development and concessions sectors. Active since 1909, its iconic achievements include Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, buildings of the European Parliament in Brussels as well as the Grand Egyptian Museum, on the Giza pyramids plateau.
The Group's engineering department enables BESIX to carry out complex and unique projects, particularly in terms of technical and environmental aspects.
About Bao Living
Bao Living is a Belgian company dedicated to developing innovative, modular and sustainable building solutions that make building more affordable. Founded in 2018, the company works with leading developers in Belgium and the Netherlands. With SAM, Bao Living offers a unique solution for a more sustainable and efficient construction industry. For more information, visit www.baoliving.com.