The Portugal-based company Litehaus pursues a technology-driven approach to the digitalization of private house construction. Founded in 2024 by Simi and Thibault Launay, the idea arose from their own experiences with a home project that was characterized by construction delays, budget overruns and a lack of coordination. Since then, the company has been developing a digital platform that combines the planning, execution and handover of construction projects in one system – supplemented by additive manufacturing in the construction process.
The core of the business model is a software-supported “operating system” for construction projects that allows clients with no prior knowledge of construction technology to visualize their project, calculate costs and control various trades via a central interface. Litehaus works in the background with a network of architectural firms, construction companies and designers, which is coordinated via the platform. The aim is to create transparency regarding schedules and costs while reducing process risks such as delays or supplements.
Rodney Appiah, Managing Partner of Cornerstone VC says: “Portugal’s housing shortage has triggered a crisis, driving up the cost of living as home ownership becomes increasingly unaffordable. When I met Thibault and Simi, I was impressed by their vision: to make the process of building a house as simple as buying one. Litehaus combines transparency, sustainability and trust in a sector that urgently needs to change. We are excited to support this mission!”
A key technical element is the use of 3D printing for the construction of components. Automated printing systems are used to additively manufacture structural elements such as walls directly on the construction site. This “asset-light” strategy allows Litehaus to operate without its own construction vehicle fleets or material warehouses, while at the same time increasing scalability and sustainability.
“We don’t build houses – we build the ecosystem and infrastructure that make building houses scalable,” adds Thibault Launay, co-founder of Litehaus.
Co-founder Simi Launay says: “I’ve always wanted to build businesses that change people’s lives. Making affordable housing available at scale isn’t just a market opportunity – it’s one of the most significant ways to create a real and lasting impact.”
With a fresh pre-seed investment of EUR 1.5 million from Explorer Investments and Cornerstone VC, among others, the company intends to further develop its platform and expand its operational base. The first projects have already been implemented: Two single-family homes have been completed and a further fifteen are in the pipeline. With a construction volume of over 296 million euros in prospect, Litehaus is focusing on the combination of digitalization, modular construction and additive manufacturing as an answer to the housing shortage – initially in Portugal and Spain, but also in other markets in the future.
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