Why We Invested in Permitable

Permits can be the single least predictable line in a home build or renovation project. Crews sit idle. Lenders get nervous. Clients call asking "any update?" and home builders sometimes are forced to answer "no idea." We've heard construction teams compare it to shipping a package before tracking numbers existed. You send it off and hope.

Having experienced the challenges of permitting across multiple building types and jurisdictions, we are excited to partner with Chris and the team at Permitable on leveraging technology to improve the permitting process. Here are some reasons why:

Team
When we first met Chris, we were impressed with his ability to logically lay out the market, the problem they are solving, and how Permitable fits in. His organized and thoughtful approach was apparent. As we met with Chase and Zach, we liked how the founding team complemented each other with a good balance of operations, technology, and sales leadership, with a keen focus on their ideal customer.

Market
With our personal experiences going through permitting with ATV Buckhead, South Downtown, and Killearn Club in Florida, we have seen the challenges and felt the pain in the process. Permitting is a necessity and delays in permitting prolong getting the building running and generating revenue to cover the construction loans for builders.

Furthermore, we liked how the team has a big vision of automation, execution, and intelligence, but also a laser focus on higher-end homebuilders to start.

Product
We were impressed with the product itself. Across hundreds of permits and a dozen jurisdictions, they are seeing customers get higher first-pass approvals and quicker turnaround times. Many of their customers have switched to running 100% of their permits through Permitable's service. In speaking with permit offices, the team has also gotten strong reviews on making the process easier for them as well. We are excited about what they can continue to build to help all those involved in the permitting process see value.

"The best companies we see solve a problem that's painful, frequent, and expensive, and permitting is all three. When builders can plan around a permit instead of waiting on one, everything downstream moves." said A.T. Gimbel, Partner at Atlanta Ventures.

Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, and growth needs somewhere to go. More homes, more neighbors, more places for families to put down roots. We're proud to back companies that make it easier to build here, and prouder still when they're headquartered here, hiring here, and are contributing to making Atlanta a great place to live and work.