# KODE Labs: Smart Buildings And AI

> KODE Labs co-founder Etrit Demaj explains how cloud-based smart buildings and AI are transforming real estate with zero client churn.
- Title: KODE Labs: Smart Buildings And AI · Pulse 2.0 | Shortify
- Summary: KODE Labs co-founder Etrit Demaj explains how cloud-based smart buildings and AI are transforming real estate with zero client churn. KODE Labs uses AI to…
- Keywords: kode labs, smart buildings, cloud computing, real estate, building management, energy efficiency, client churn, portfolio analytics, machine learning, startups, business, KODE
- Source: Pulse 2.0 — https://pulse2.com/kode-labs-profile-etrit-demaj-interview
- Author: Amit Chowdhry
- Published: 2026-10-23T17:58:54+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: kode labs, smart buildings, ai, cloud computing, real estate, building management, energy efficiency, client churn, portfolio analytics, machine learning, startups, business
## KODE Labs Background
KODE Labs develops a cloud-native, vendor-agnostic operating system for smart buildings and real estate portfolios.
## Etrit Demaj's Background
Demaj came to the U.S. from Kosovo in 1999 at age 10, a refugee with nothing but hope.
## KODE Labs Founding
KODE Labs was founded in Detroit in October 2017, combining KO for Kosovo and DE for Detroit.
## Why KODE OS Exists
Buildings generate massive data but it’s locked in proprietary systems, fragmented across vendors, and unusable.
## KODE OS Solution
KODE OS connects building management systems, IoT devices, energy systems, and analytics into one unified platform.
## KODE OS Features
KODE OS includes centralized BMS control, fault detection, digital commissioning, portfolio analytics, and AI assistance.
## KODE OS Data Layer
KODE OS creates a trusted data layer by standardizing, contextualizing, and validating building data.
## KODE OS AI
KODE OS uses AI for equipment diagnostics, commissioning, and real-time building optimization.
## KODE OS Clients
KODE Labs has zero client churn since day one across government, commercial real estate, and financial services.
## KODE OS Milestones
KODE Labs secured a $38 million funding round in April 2024 and a U.S. government contract for 150 federal buildings.
## KODE OS Impact
KODE OS delivers up to 30% energy and carbon reduction with payback under a year and ROI under six months.
## KODE OS Competitive Edge
KODE Labs differentiates through software-first approach, enterprise scale, channel partners, and zero client churn.
## KODE OS Market Size
The smart building market will grow from $100 billion today to $800 billion by 2034.
## KODE OS Future Goals
KODE Labs aims to build buildings that detect problems, optimize in real time, and eventually run themselves.
## KODE Labs Origin Story
Demaj and his brother Edi fled Kosovo in 1999, arriving in Detroit with nothing but hope.
## KODE Labs Impact
KODE Labs helps immigrants from Kosovo build tech that runs the Empire State Building and federal buildings.
## Key takeaway

KODE Labs uses AI to manage buildings and portfolios with 30% energy savings and zero client churn.