Kevin JohnsonBoxabl, based in Las Vegas, is a housing construction technology company. The firm was founded in 2017 by Paolo Tiramani, Galiano Tiramani, and Kyle Denman. They initially supplied accessory dwelling units (ADUs) before expanding into the casitas sector. Casitas are prefabricated, self-contained, and transportable homes with walls, a floor, and a roof.
In Sep 2020, Boxabl received its first order for 156 casitas worth over $9 million. The company opened its second factory in 2022 and partnered with homebuilder DR Horton on an investment and resource-sharing deal. In Oct 2023, Boxabl received commitments for over $3.2 million in new funding under the SEC’s Regulation Crowdfunding. It plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities by building its fourth factory – Boxzilla. [1]
Boxabl manufactures its casitas in an automotive assembly-like process with original designs covered by over 75 patent filings. The company has raised over $150 million from the public. In Sep 2023, Boxabl launched an investment opportunity with up to 100% in new bonus shares. The company invested $20 million in custom advanced automation in Sep 2023 to build its Generation 2.0 homes. As of Oct 2023, Boxabl had 170,000 people on its casitas waitlist. However, the firm faces stiff competition from Blokable, Connect Homes, FullStack Modular, Crate, Dvele, indieDwell, Plant Prefab, and Mighty Buildings. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of Boxabl’s top competitors and alternatives:
1. Blokable
Year founded: 2016
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington
Blokable is a multifamily real estate developer. The company uses a proprietary modular building system with cutting-edge technology and engineering to build homes cheaper, faster, and better than conventional construction firms. In Mar 2023, Blokable announced a Reg D investment opportunity for accredited investors to invest directly in its business. [3]
The main advantage of Blokable is its modular development platform, which generates up to 30 times more profits than product sales models adopted followed by modular construction. The company is building a new factory that can produce modular units for over 2,000 apartments yearly worth over $1 billion. In Apr 2023, Blokable secured $5.5 million in funding. The firm has invested over $30 million in R&D and prototyping within six years to help address the housing crisis. Blokable is the top Boxabl competitor and alternative. [4]
2. Connect Homes
Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Los Angeles, California
Connect Homes is an industry-leading prefab housing provider. With its patented steel-frame modular system, the company can build architect-designed houses, semi-custom homes, multi-unit communities, and shelters quickly and affordably. Since its founding, the firm has delivered 122 homes of 800 modules and built 37 ADUs in California.
Connect Homes designs, manufactures, delivers, and installs each unit it sells across the US. In Oct 2023, Connect Homes announced plans to open its second factory in Mesa, Arizona. The new facility will create over 90 jobs for the local economy and manufacture up to 5,000 square feet of housing weekly. Connect Homes is a formidable competitor for Boxabl. [5]
3. FullStack Modular
Year founded: 2016
Headquarter: Hamden, Connecticut
FullStack Modular is a leading supplier of prefabricated modules. The company’s modular production process reduces construction costs by up to 20% and development time by up to 50%. In Oct 2023, FullStack Modular moved its headquarters from Brooklyn to Hamden, Connecticut, and established a factory in Portland, Oregon. [6]
FullStack Modular partnered with Baytur Construction in Nov 2022 on a hospitality and urban tourism initiative to increase Saudi Arabia’s capacity by over 70,000 hotel rooms. In 2022, Starwood selected FullStack Modular to produce modules for its 143-room Treehouse Hotel in California. The firm started manufacturing 200 units for Treehouse in Feb 2023 at its Portland plant. FullStack Modular is one of Boxabl’s fastest-growing competitors. [7]
4. Crate Modular
Year founded: 2018
Headquarter: Carson, California
Crate Modular is a leading prefab modular producer. The company specializes in multifamily homes, supportive housing, and educational buildings. In 2023, Crate Modular completed the McDaniel House 47-unit development in Koreatown. The project was funded partly by a $1.2 billion bond measure focused on creating 10,000 affordable houses. [8]
Crate’s approach shortens the development cycle, reduces waste, and guarantees durability. In May 2023, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation acquired a majority stake in Crate Modular. Crate will run its business independently and produce housing units for AHF’s planned Renaissance Center. This acquisition increases Crate’s competitive advantage over Boxabl. [9]
5. Dvele
Year founded: 2016
Headquarter: San Diego, California
Dvele is a real estate company offering prefabricated homes. The company adopted AI in 2021 to build prefab homes with integrated AI-power programs. In Jun 2022, Dvele raised $15 million in a Series A funding round.
Dvele is a leading prefab home producer specializing in modern and luxury modular houses. Devele uses state-of-the-art technology to design and build prefabricated housing. In Jun 2023, Dvele invested $80 million to establish a new plant in Butte, Montana. The firm has built over 270 homes in the US and Canada. Dvele is a formidable competitor for Boxabl. [10]
6. IndieDwell
Year founded: 2016
Headquarter: Boise, Idaho
IndieDwell is a modular home builder serving the US housing market. The company operates three factories in Boise, Pueblo, and Imperial Valley. In Jan 2023, indieDwell laid off about 45 workers. The firm temporarily shut down its Pueblo production facility in Apr 2023 due to cash flow issues, leaving 55 employees jobless. [11]
IndieDwell is an affordable housing manufacturer. In Oct 2023, the company opened its new 105,000-square-foot production facility in Imperial Valley. The factory will create 200 jobs for the local economy and manufacture affordable modular homes to help address the US housing crisis. IndieDwell is a budget-friendly alternative to Boxabl. [12]
7. Plant Prefab
Year founded: 2016
Headquarter: Rialto, California
Plant Prefab is a construction tech company offering prefabricated and modular components. The firm uses advanced digital modeling and best-in-class manufacturing solutions to deliver housing and hospitality projects in half the time of on-site constructors. In Dec 2022, Plant Prefab raised $42 million in funding. [13]
Plant Prefab plans to leverage its latest funding and a new factory to deliver around 800 units with 900,000 square feet yearly. In Nov 2023, designer Yves Béhar collaborated with Plant Prefab on a prefabricated housing design for the Summit Festival in Los Angeles. The company produces around 40 homes yearly. Plant Prefab is one of Boxabl’s top competitors. [14]
8. Mighty Buildings
Year founded: 2017
Headquarter: Oakland, California
Mighty Buildings is a startup building tech for prefabricated and environmentally friendly homes. The company was founded to provide a platform leveraging 3D printing to automate time-consuming tasks in the construction industry. As of Sep 2023, Mighty Buildings had a pipeline of projects in the US, Caribbean, and Middle East.
Mighty Buildings initially sold prefab homes directly to customers. However, the startup shifted its strategy in 2021 to provide whole communities of prefab homes to developers. In Sep 2023, Mighty Buildings secured $52 million in a funding round. The company has raised $150 million since its founding. Mighty Buildings is the best alternative to Boxabl for 3D-printed homes. [15]
9. Factory OS
Year founded: 2017
Headquarter: Vallejo, California
Factory OS is a construction company specializing in modular components. The firm builds homes off-site in modular units and assembles them at the customer’s location. In 2023, Factory OS had over 500 employees.
Factory OS uses tech-driven construction approaches to design and build small prefab units faster and cheaper than conventional constructors. As of Oct 2023, Factory OS’s facility in Vallejo had supplied units across California. San Francisco City Dept can select Factory OS to build temporary shelters for about 4,400 people living on the streets. Factory OS is one of Boxabl’s top competitors. [16]
10. Method Homes
Year founded: 2007
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington
Method Homes is an award-winning prefab home builder that tailors its pre-builts to customers’ preferences. In 2023, Method Homes had around 40 employees.
Method Homes is a higher-end modular home builder. Experienced crafters create each component of the units to guarantee high quality and align with the budget. In Q3 2023, the company recorded a 10% increase in incoming business. Method Homes is one of the best alternatives to Boxabl. [17]
11. Veev
Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: Hayward, California
Veev is a tech-enabled homebuilder. The company started as a real estate developer and switched to prefabrication capabilities in 2017. In March 2022, Veev became a unicorn with over $1 billion in valuation after raising $400 million in a Series D round. [18]
Veev designs and builds homes using digital fabrication solutions like 3D and Computer Numerical Control machines. The firm focused on ADUs before expanding into homebuilding. In Nov 2023, Calcalist reported that Veev was on the verge of shutting down after its capital-raising initiative was canceled. This development came a year after Veev reached unicorn status. Uncertainties about the future undercut Veev’s competitive advantage over Boxabl. [19]
12. Cover
Year founded: 2017
Headquarter: Los Angeles, California
Cover is a tech-driven modular home company modeled after Elon Musk’s Tesla. The firm manufactures complete wall, floor, and roof panels in its factory, transports them to the customer, and assembles them on-site. In Oct 2021, Cover closed a $60 million Series B.
Cover is known for its prefab backyard homes. However, the firm plans to expand its multilevel and multifamily offerings. The company uses robotics and software to build its housing components in its Los Angeles facility. Each wall section is pre-configured for insulation, structure, waterproofing, and electrical, allowing quick assembly. Cover is one of the best alternatives to Boxabl. [20]
13. Abodu
Year founded: 2018
Headquarter: Redwood City, California
Abodu is a backyard home manufacturer. The startup builds and sells detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), offering separate living spaces on the same property as the main house. In Aug 2022, Abodu opened an office in downtown Seattle and increased its Seattle-based workforce. [21]
Abodu has delivered over 100 homes in 35 California cities. The company Abodu offers backyard studios, one-bedroom models, and two-bedroom units ranging from $228,800 to $389,000. However, customers can pay in monthly installments. For example, Abodu’s $228,800 DADU will cost $1,680/month. Abodu is one of the best alternatives to Boxabl for prefab backyard homes. [22]
14. HOMMA
Year founded: 2016
Headquarter: Palo Alto, California
HOMMA is a community-centered, tech-driven housing company. As of Apr 2023, the firm had completed three projects – HOMMA ZERO, HOMMA HAUS Waterside, and HOMMA HAUS Mount Tabor. HOMMA HAUS Mount Tabor in Oregon was America’s first pre-configured, multifamily smart townhome community.
HOMMA and Boxabl offer modular homes. However, HOMMA also develops proprietary home technology and blends it with modern architecture and high-quality materials to create harmonious living spaces. In Apr 2023, HOMMA partnered with Diamond Realty to build ubiquitous smart homes with built-in intelligence. The firm recently announced HOMMA HAUS Woodstock with 30 apartments, its second project in Portland, Oregon. HOMMA is an innovative competitor for Boxabl. [23]
15. Baya Build
Year founded: 2015
Headquarter: New York City, New York
Baya Build is a building technology company. The firm provides modern, sophisticated homes that are eco-conscious and 5X faster to build than traditional construction. In June 2022, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development invited Baya to showcase the first-of-its-kind building solution on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall.
Baya and Boxabl are construction tech companies. However, Baya focuses on affordability, while Boxabl prioritizes speed. Baya serves low-income families, developers, and consumers looking to build multi-million dollar homes at a fraction of the cost. Its technology can also be applied in large projects, including multifamily housing, hospitality, medical clinics, community buildings, and shelters. Baya Build is one of the best alternatives to Boxabl. [24]
References & more information
- Boxabl (2023, Oct 1). Boxabl received commitments for $3.2+ million in new funding under the SEC’s Regulation Crowdfunding, fully subscribing in 9 hours. PRNewswire
- Boxabl (2023, Sep 12). Boxabl launches investment opportunity offering up to 100% in new bonus shares. PRNewswire
- Blokable Staff (2023, Mar 3). Blokable announces Reg D offering for accredited investors. Blokable.com
- Blokable (2023, Apr 5). Blokable closes $5.5M in financing led by Cercano Management and Kapor Capital. Blokable.com
- Connect Homes (2023, Oct 19). Connect Homes Announce New Factory in Mesa, Arizona. Business Insider
- Modular Editor (2023, Oct 31). FullStack Modular’s Bicoastal Moves Are Making Waves. Modular.org
- Caulfield, J. (2022, Nov 22). FullStack Modular is preparing to begin work on its first California project. BDC Network
- Eng, R. (2023, Mar 5). Modular housing could help tackle LA’s affordable housing crisis. Spectrum News
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (2023, Jul 15). AHF Expands Commitment to Tackling Homelessness. Yahoo Finance
- PS Editor (2023, Jun 16). Modular home manufacturer invests $80 million to build a plant in Montana. Plant Services
- Harmon, T. (2023, Apr 12). 55 Pueblo workers sidelined as affordable home builder deals with cash flow issues. The Pueblo Chieftain
- Aguilera, J. (2023, Oct 10).. KYMA
- Weber, H. (2022, Dec 2). Plant Prefab nabs $42M to crank out ‘extremely sustainable’ custom homes. TechCrunch
- Redaction Team (2023, Aug 3). LivingHomes: Versatile, customized prefabricated homes for everyone. Idealista
- Wiggers, K. (2023, Sep 12). Mighty Buildings raises $52M to construct 3D-printed prefab homes. TechCrunch
- Arroyo, N. (2023, Oct 8). Potential factory rehab programs raise hopes for more SF homeless housing. San Francisco Chronicles
- Niasse, A. (2023, Nov 7). Prefabricated home shipments are on the rise in a pricey property market. Reuters
- Azevedo, M. (2022, Mar 1). Real estate developer turned prefab home builder Veev closes on $400M in fresh funding. TechCrunch
- Azevedo, M. (2023, Nov 27). Veev is reportedly shutting down after reaching unicorn status last year. TechCrunch
- Hendricks, S. (2023, Sep 6). This prefab construction company wants to make buying a home as simple as buying a car. Free-Think
- Bek, N. (2022, Aug 30). Backyard home manufacturer Abodu is launching in Seattle. Geekwire
- Neubauer, K. (2023, Feb 25). See inside the minimalist homes dotting California backyards that start at $1,680/month. Business Insider
- HOMMA Group, Inc. (2023, Apr 4). HOMMA Group Partners with Mitsubishi Corporation’s subsidiary PRNewswire
- Business Copywriters (2023, Jun 7). Baya Build Launches Revolutionary Housing Solution that is Sustainable, Easy to Build, and Most Importantly Affordable. EIN News
- Connie Loizos (2021, Oct 28). Cover has raised a $60 million Series B | TechCrunch.
- Featured image by Binyamin Mellish
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