Your home repair headaches just got an AI upgrade

Why VCs are chomping at the bit to help you fix your HVAC

June 10, 2025

A small glimpse into my first ever home purchase. As you can see, I had much more on my hands than just a silly little HVAC system.

The starting point for most of these newsletters should come as no surprise to you - it’s usually something I see in the headlines that relates to patterns I have been observing on a regular basis.

Last week it was about the follies of over-extending yourself as a fund or startup just to accomplish arbitrary goals.

This week, it’s about something I like to call “HVAC AI.”

The WSJ highlighted how San Francisco-based startup Netic is bringing generative AI to the skilled trades—think plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs. The company just raised $20M from big hitting VCs like Greylock and Founders Fund to help home-services businesses automate client outreach, book appointments, and optimize technician deployment. While the tech will not replace human labor, it can predict service needs, escalate emergencies, and integrate seamlessly with existing CRM tools.

With private equity backing and growing demand, AI is quietly revolutionizing blue-collar ops, one air conditioner at a time.

Naturally, I feel this more to this story that’s not being highlighted.

So this is what this week’s issue is devoted to.

I hope you enjoy.

🏚 What VCs Get Wrong About the Trades

As a VC, I see a lot of trends come and go.

Neobanks were all the rage in 2021.

Now, AI is having its moment in the sun. In Q1 alone, more than half of global venture dollars went towards AI and machine learning startups

No surprise here - VCs have been investing heavily into AI.

But there’s an area that I’m specifically paying more attention to, the area I dubbed “HVAC AI” earlier in this issue.

It tends to be led by… a certain kind of VC. They typically like to use language like “investing picks and shovels” because theyr’e not a regular, VC, they’re a cool VC. They don’t invest in high-flying ideas, they’re grounded in an (alleged) lived experience.

Their branding tends to look like this:

This is definitely the branding of “not like the other VCs” VC.

Sometimes they’ll even have a tractor (you know, for those whom subtlety is a nuisance):

Not like other VCs because they have seen a tractor before.

Or try to “invent” some type of framework:

Such differentation. Much wow.

As you can see, it’s all very on the nose.

Much of the current innovation is focused on scheduling automation. Unfortunately, these solutions appear to be created by investors who have never actually dealt with fixing an HVAC system or gotten multiple repair estimates from electricians.

I've written before about women being an overlooked demographic—from sports to financial services. This gap is particularly evident in home maintenance. Women now make up the majority of first-time homebuyers, in spite of the fact that they: earn less than their male counterparts.

As someone proudly in this demographic with two gut renovations under my belt, I can tell you from extensive experience: finding qualified tradespeople is harder than finding a needle in a haystack. The experience mirrors walking into an auto shop—complete with unclear pricing and general dismissiveness.

Scheduling isn't the main problem. It's actually the easiest part. Here's what I believe is missing from the investable landscape and where I'd like to see innovation:

1️⃣ Standardized pricing sheets for services would be a solid starting point. Homeowners often face wildly different estimates for the same job—one plumber quotes $300, another $1,200—with no clear reason why. A clear baseline for common repairs would build trust, streamline decision-making, and help quality providers stand out.

2️⃣Holistic project monitoring. A platform where you can track repair timelines and get real-time updates. Delays happen, but it's better to know about them immediately rather than having to make repeated calls. Additionally, builders using unified communication platforms report a 20% reduction in project delays from improved field-office coordination—confirming that real-time updates really do keep things on track

3️⃣ Integrated warranty management and automated servicing. New systems often come with warranties, and you'll likely continue working with the same HVAC company at a discounted rate. Imagine if this became more like routine dental care—regular check-ups and proactive maintenance.

5️⃣Proactive engagement at point of sale. All systems have finite lifespans. Whether you're buying a home that needs a complete rehab, like I did, or one with a few good years left in its systems, the ideal time to engage someone is before anything breaks. What if you could input your home's specs—age, materials, location, dates of last repair—and receive tailored recommendations based on your home's potential needs?

Your turn⬇

Do you agree that scheduling is the main pain point for legacy industries?Are there other aspects I have not highlighted that you want solutions for? Arethere any companies building in these areas that you’d like me to know about?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

🎙 Content Recap

🎧 I had a very special conversation with Drew Barvir, the co-founder and CEO of the mental health startup Sonar for Money Memories. Drew’s remarkable story of loss and perseverance is one that we can all take inspiration from. Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

✒ I reiterated my view on the importance of SPVs in the venture landscape in Forbes. As newsletter subscribers, this is obviously old news to you as you read it here first last week!

📍 Where I’ll Be / Where I Want to Be

If you are attending any of these upcoming events, let me know. I would love to find time to connect:

  • June 10: I’m hosting my own networking event for founders and investors in Los Angeles. Sign up here to attend and / or share with a friend!

  • June 11: I’m participating in a virtual panel on term sheets for founders. If you’ve ever wanted to know the nitty gritty of raising money, don’t miss this session. Sign up here.

  • June 25 - 27: I’ll be back in San Francisco for the Wharton Global Forum. I’m planning a small event on June 25th - email me for details if you will be in the area.

  • August TBD: I’m cooking up an excited women’s digital health collaboration with AllThingsFemtech. More to come!

  • 29 September - 2 October: I’ve registered for Sibos’ Frankfurt conference. It’s still a few months away and I’d like to get started on partnerships, so message me for collaboration opportunities.

Other events I wish I were going to in the coming weeks:

💼 Job Openings

The job market is tough, and since I interact with lots of people looking for opportunities, I figured I’d start sharing relevant opportunities.

Here’s a few from Bright’s portfolio (this is the fund I currently work at). Message me if you know anyone who you think would be a great fit.

If you have any relevant openings you’d like to share, send me a note and I will feature it in an upcoming edition.

🔗 Other Interesting Reads & Listens

📌Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka was the most viewed French Open final in 20 years: Everyone watches women’s sports, Amelie Mauresmo. Put women on night matches at the French Open. Between Gauff and Alcaraz’s victories this weekend, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so satisfied with a sporting outcome.

Last but not least - I’m looking for newsletter sponsors. If you’re interested in partnering, message me and I will send a media kit.

If you liked this newsletter, please share with a friend.

Till next week
💛 Ilona

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