News
Orlando, Fla. (August 18, 2025) – Launched in 2023, Foundry Commercial’s Investment Management (FIM) platform has quickly become a key strategic initiative within the company’s long-term growth plan. Led by Executive Managing Director Austin Maddux, a seasoned leader in real estate investment, acquisitions, and portfolio strategy with deep institutional and local market insight, the platform emerged as a natural evolution of Foundry’s Development & Investments and Services business lines into a vertically integrated investment management business. FIM platform’s rapid growth has been made possible by Foundry’s strong, interconnected ecosystem and its proven track record in growth markets.
FIM serves as a differentiated investment platform rooted in local expertise and operational insight. Investing exclusively in high-growth markets like Texas and the Southeast, where senior investment professionals live and operate, FIM targets the inefficient “missing middle” – assets too large for individual buyers but too small for large institutions. Its strategy benefits from Foundry’s vast operating data and market reach: more than 77 million square feet leased and managed, over 100 investments transacted totaling $5 billion, and a robust senior living business with 5,000+ units under management.
Two key investment theses illustrate the platform’s conviction-driven approach. The first is focused on redeveloping obsolete office buildings into small and mid-bay infill industrial assets. The second is in acquiring senior housing properties below replacement cost and elevating operations through Foundry-owned senior living operators. Deep integration within Foundry’s operating teams drives FIM’s real-time execution and market responsiveness.
Since launch, FIM has strategically grown its team with seasoned professionals to support its expansion and deepen its capabilities. Vanessa Sea, Managing Director, brings extensive experience in institutional fundraising and consultant relations; she leads all facets of client capital strategy, including business development, investor relations, and consultant outreach. Her background includes senior leadership roles at Mudrick Capital, where she oversaw Global Consultant Relations and North American Distribution, and PanAgora, where she led consultant relations globally. Beau Olson, Senior Vice President, oversees capital raising efforts in Florida, focusing on high-net-worth individuals, family offices, faith-based groups, and select institutional investors. He previously held fundraising and investor relations roles at Della Parola, a hedge fund and family office platform in Winter Park, Florida. Matthew McIntosh, Managing Director, leads asset management for the platform, leveraging his experience at PGIM Real Estate and a deep background managing portfolios across all major property types throughout the Southeast. The growing team is further supported by three dedicated analysts based in Boca Raton, who partner with senior team members to bolster research, fund management, and investor communications functions.
“Our team reflects the caliber of the platform we’re building – experienced, collaborative, and committed to creating long-term value,” said Maddux. “We’ve been intentional about bringing in professionals who not only have strong track records and institutional expertise, but who also align with our culture of transparency, agility, and accountability. With leaders like Vanessa, Beau, and Matthew driving key functions of the platform, we’re well-positioned to serve our investors with insight, integrity, and a hands-on approach that sets us apart.”
Considered emerging-stage by some, FIM has already executed deals and built momentum, expanding from existing Foundry relationships to new investors connected through its growing team. FIM is scaling its reach to a broader audience of professional buyers seeking experienced managers focused on value and risk discipline.
“Our approach has always been about purposeful, disciplined growth – growth that reflects a clear understanding of who we are and where we add value. FIM is built on that same foundation: practical, accountable, and focused on delivering results,” said Paul Ellis, CEO of Foundry Commercial.
“From day one, we were intentional about building FIM in a way that complements – not competes with – our institutional platform. By maintaining our commitment to institutional joint ventures while expanding into the ‘missing middle’ through FIM, we’ve created two integrated, high-performing platforms that work in unison. It’s a balance few firms can execute effectively,” said Pryse Elam, Chief Investment Officer of Foundry Commercial.
To learn more about Foundry’s Investment Management platform, visit www.foundrycommercial.com/investment-management.