Cover Technologies

About Cover Technologies

Cover Technologies, founded in 2014 by Alexis Rivas and Jemuel Joseph, operates in the construction technology sector, focusing on designing, manufacturing, and installing custom accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as backyard homes. The founders, who met while studying architecture, aim to address inefficiencies in the traditional project delivery process they observed during their careers. Rivas's background in various architectural firms and Joseph's journey from Ethiopia to the U.S., fueled by a curiosity for technology, shaped the company's approach to reimagining home construction.

The company's business model is an end-to-end solution that includes design, permitting, manufacturing, and installation. As of early 2024, Cover's operations are geographically concentrated in Los Angeles. The business makes money by selling its ADUs directly to homeowners, with prices for its standard models, the S1 and S2, starting at $354,000 and $487,000, respectively, as of March 2024. The company's initial process involved a $500 site visit and a $20,000 deposit to handle permitting, both refundable under certain conditions.

Cover utilizes a panelized building system, where components are manufactured in their Los Angeles factory and then assembled on-site, a process designed to be quicker and more scalable than traditional construction. This method allows for a high degree of customization for clients, who can use the company's proprietary software to generate 3D models and virtual walkthroughs of their designs. The homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows, built-in storage, premium appliances, and integrated lighting. A key selling point is the reduction in construction time; the company has streamlined its on-site installation from 120 days to 30 days with a smaller crew.

Since its inception, the company has raised a total of $73.3 million to $75 million through several funding rounds. A significant Series B round in October 2021, led by Gigafund, raised $60 million. Other notable investors include Founders Fund, Valor Equity Partners, General Catalyst, and Lennar Corporation. While the company's long-term vision includes expanding to primary homes and other building types, as of June 2023, it had completed a few dozen projects. The company's strategy is to perfect its high-end product and manufacturing process before scaling to lower costs and expand its market reach.