The Lens: Measurabl + Hatch Data

Hey gamechangers!

Welcome to The Lens, a monthly-ish recurring series where I unpack the strategy and context behind the news in as few bullet points as possible.  For past editions, check out Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, Vol. 4, Vol. 5, Vol. 6, and Vol. 7.

For Volume 8, let's talk about Measurabl's acquisition of Hatch Data.

Enjoy!

What happened?

Measurabl, a software and service provider focused on ESG data and reporting, acquired energy management & analytics software and service provider Hatch Data

Why?

Obviously the bigger picture here is that decarbonization is becoming a core business issue in commercial real estate. We've covered that a lot in the last, so let's talk about 'Why?' from a product perspective...

This is all about the decarbonization journey we discussed in The Lens: Volume 6. The first major step in decarbonization is getting data, reporting, and benchmarking. Measurabl has that covered.

But when a building owner wants to start doing projects and taking actions to reduce their operational carbon emissions, that's where their journey on the Measurabl platform ends. They can come back next year when it's time to do annual reporting again.

Conveniently, that stopping point is exactly where a platform like Hatch Data can take the baton and run with it.

Inside Hatch, you can collect data from any meter and all your HVAC equipment, then use it to identify opportunities for energy savings, then engage with the right stakeholders around those opportunities, then use FDD to verify proper implementation, and then measure savings once implementation is complete. Once the two tools are combined, it'll span the full journey.

Crucially, Hatch also brings two levels of granularity that Measurabl lacks:

• Before, Measurabl's customers only received monthly updates to their building's performance. Sometimes, those updates were 60+days old. It's hard to optimize performance with such a long feedback loop. Hatch can shorten it.
• Before, Measurabl struggled with engaging site-level stakeholders—the folks who run the buildings. They're the ones that actually drive projects to reduce emissions... without them it's just a dashboard with numbers on it. It's not a slam dunk, but Hatch brings tools that help increase engagement and connect site-level players with portfolio-level sustainability folks.

In other words, Hatch brings action to Measurabl's customers.

For Hatch's current clients that don't use already use Measurabl, the acquisition adds a level of target setting and reporting rigor to Hatch's existing utility bill analytics capabilities.

Context

• These firms focus exclusively on commercial real estate. However, these concepts and product patterns still apply more broadly.
• There's no word on when the two software products will be combined, but if they are combined, this will be one of the few software companies that spans almost the whole decarbonization journey. Another one that comes close: Envizi. And Bractlet is edging closer.
• As we discussed last time, what's missing still is a full suite of capabilities for Program Management. Hatch has some of that toolset covered, but I'm hoping the team can develop out more there.
• I'd also like to see this suite of capabilities more closely integrated in with core business activities. Otherwise, decarbonization remains in a silo and engagement with site staff is an uphill battle. That said, Hatch has integrations with work order software like Building Engines and Angus, and Measurabl has integrations with real estate management software like Yardi and Realpage.

That’s all for The Lens this month!

If you want more on this topic, Joe Aamidor and I will discuss his thoughts on this and more in the next edition of M&A Roundup - our ongoing series on mergers and acquisitions in our industry. If you missed the first one, where we talked about IBM's acquisition of Envizi, check it out here.

Thanks for reading,

—James

P.S. These are obviously just my opinions that I always welcome feedback on. Three questions for ya:

• Did you like this? If not, let me know by hitting reply or leaving a comment on Nexus Connect.
• Where am I wrong?
• What news should I turn The Lens on next month?

P.P.S. Thanks to members Joe Aamidor and Zach Robin for offering feedback on the first draft of this piece.

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