EVG backs the platform unifying building owners, technology vendors, and service providers as smart buildings moves from hype to infrastructure
- Jul 13
- 4 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
Denver, CO — Nexus Labs, the events, media, and community platform for the Connected Buildings industry, today announced a strategic investment from Events Venture Group (EVG), the braintrust of world-class event founders and operators backing the next generation of category-defining live experiences.
The investment will fuel audience growth, dedicated sales resources, and the continued expansion of Nexus Labs' integrated product portfolio — spanning its annual flagship conference NexusCon, virtual conference series NexusCast, and subscription intelligence product Nexus Pro — as the company scales.
Founded by James Dice and Rosy Khalife, Nexus Labs has become the trusted, vendor-neutral platform connecting building owners, technology vendors, and service providers navigating the transition to Connected Buildings. With 10,000+ subscribers grown entirely through organic acquisition, 170+ enterprise building owner organizations including Tishman Speyer, Hines, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart, and 60+ technology sponsors, Nexus Labs has built the trusted, vendor-neutral platform the Connected Buildings industry has needed for decades.
"Smart buildings has never had a shortage of hype. What it's always lacked is a place where practitioners could cut through it—ask hard questions, share what actually works, and accelerate adoption without the sales pitch attached. That's what Nexus Labs has been from day one, and it's why this community exists,” said James Dice, Co-Founder of Nexus Labs.
"I came into this space from the sponsor side—I lived the frustration of trying to reach building owners through events that weren't built for them. The owners weren't showing up, and when they did, they weren't engaged. We flip that entirely. We built it for the practitioners first, and that's exactly why sponsors get the access they've been paying for everywhere else and never getting," said Rosy Khalife, Co-Founder of Nexus Labs.
The investment reflects EVG's continued focus on backing founder-led platform businesses at category-defining moments in high-growth industries—not just events, but ecosystems.
"We're thrilled to partner with James and Rosy as they build the category-defining platform for Connected Buildings. At EVG, we invest in founders who are building ecosystems, not just events," said Marilú Páez, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Events Venture Group. "Nexus Labs has earned the trust of an entire industry by putting practitioners first and creating lasting value for every stakeholder in the Connected Buildings community. That conviction was shared across EVG, with 19 of our members participating in this investment—the largest syndication in our organization's history and a tremendous vote of confidence in Nexus Labs across EVG's broad base of experienced event operators."
"One of the things that resonated most with me was hearing that Nexus Labs joined EVG for access to industry professionals. That's exactly why I became an EVG member as well. The opportunity to invest is exciting, but what really sets EVG apart is the opportunity to help founders build great companies. I'm excited to support Rosy and James however I can, and I can't wait to watch Nexus Labs become wickedly successful," said Eric Udler, President, All Show Services and EVG Member
"We are thrilled to partner with Nexus Labs as the company enters its next stage of growth," said Nancy Splaine, Consultant and EVG Member.. "James and Rosy have built a trusted platform that serves one of commercial real estate's fastest-growing sectors with a portfolio of products designed to educate, connect, and accelerate the Connected Buildings ecosystem. With EVG's investment, Nexus Labs is well positioned to expand its offerings, reach new audiences, and continue strengthening its role as the industry's leading resource."
"EVG isn't just capital — it's experienced partners who have built and scaled businesses exactly like this one, coming in right as we start to scale. We've proven the model. Now, together we build the category," added Dice.
The announcement comes as Nexus Labs prepares for NexusCon 2026, its annual flagship conference, taking place October 6–8 in downtown Detroit. NexusCon will be held at The Department at Hudson’s—the event venue at Hudson’s Detroit, Bedrock's marquee mixed-use development in the heart of downtown—with attendees getting rare access to tours across Bedrock's broader Detroit portfolio. Bedrock will participate throughout the program with a keynote and case studies from their own portfolio to the stage alongside practitioners from across the country.
More than 100 enterprise building owner organizations are expected to attend, making NexusCon 2026 the #1 Connected Buildings event in North America.
"The Connected Buildings event for North America shouldn't exist in a vacuum—it should be embedded in a city that's actually living this transition. Detroit and Bedrock give us that. Our attendees won't just be in sessions together. They'll be walking buildings that are capitalizing on the exact same opportunities they’ll be pursuing back home." added Dice.
About Nexus Labs
Nexus Labs is the platform for the Connected Buildings ecosystem — events, news, playbooks, community, and industry intelligence connecting building owners, technology vendors, and service providers around the new way of operating commercial buildings. With 10,000+ subscribers, 170+ enterprise owner organizations, and a vendor-neutral, education-first model, Nexus Labs is building the category-defining platform for one of commercial real estate's most critical transitions. Learn more at www.nexuslabs.online.
About Events Venture Group (EVG)
Events Venture Group (EVG) is a not-for-profit community committed to accelerating event entrepreneurs by connecting them with strategic funding, expert mentorship, and an enthusiastic club of members who are passionate about exploring and investing in early-stage events on an individual basis. Join our collaborative community of world-class founders, serial entrepreneurs, and top-flight event operators shaping the next generation of event entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.eventsventuregroup.com.
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