Founder Feature: Automating Architecture

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Photo: Kai Chen/Chen Media

Published by Oslo Business Region, 16 May 2025

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The Serendipitous Start of laiout: Born from Quarantine

The story of how Wouter met his co-founders is anything but ordinary. In 2021, Wouter's move to Oslo to participate in a start-up incubator program came with an unexpected twist: a mandatory 10-day quarantine. "I had to pay for my own imprisonment," he quips. It was within the confines of a quarantine hotel that he met Cristiano Correti, who was also quarantining for the same program. Despite the restrictions, they quickly became friends, spending hours discussing startup ideas while adhering to strict Covid-19 protocols, maintaining a two-meter distance, and even signing a waiver promising to uphold these rules.

"We had to sign a waiver that we promised to stay 2 metres apart and that we would come back to the hotel after 1 hour," Wouter recalls.

These unusual circumstances and daily walks became the unlikely birthplace of laiout. They later joined forces with Isak Buhl-Mortensen, and laiout was founded.

Wouter fondly describes the founding team as one of stereotypes "a Dutch business guy, an Italian architect, and a Norwegian techie". Correti's architectural expertise laid the foundation, Wouter contributes the business acumen, and Buhl-Mortensen spearheads the tech development.

laiout's Impact and Growth: Automating Design

laiout is making waves in the architectural world by automating floor plan design, a process that traditionally involves weeks of back-and-forth. By streamlining this process into a single, engaging session, laiout significantly enhances efficiency and collaboration. The company's reach extends globally, serving customers in 35 countries.

laiout has experienced substantial growth, now employing 15 people. The company is strategically transitioning from a product-led approach to one with a stronger emphasis on sales. While embracing a "remote-first" culture, laiout maintains a presence in Norway, with six employees based there, including five in the Oslo region. Interestingly, two employees even relocated from Germany to join the company.

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Funding and Future Plans: Backed by Proptech Leaders

laiout's journey has been supported by significant backing from prominent proptech investors in Europe, including Pi Labs, Amavi, Axeleo, TRK Group, and various angel investors. The company is currently focused on solidifying its position in its core vertical while also exploring opportunities in adjacent areas.

Having spent the past 3 years in R&D mode, building a cutting edge algorithm, and are now garnering great feedback from industry giants all over the world. “This is just the product they have been looking for”, Wouter says, stating the positive feedback is a great boost of confidence for the team.

“ It shows us that this is a global industry problem, and it gives us a lot of strength to know that our solution is delivering on its promise ”

They have even reached new markets without proactively trying. Wouter recalls that without making “any conscious effort,” they all of a sudden noticed a lot of traction from China. Turns out there was a quite popular WeChat room for architects that had found their product and had translated their website to mandarin. “We landed our first Chinese customer from that,” Wouter recalls with a smile.

Oslo: An Outdoorsy Entrepreneur's Haven

Wouter's connection with Oslo goes beyond business. He describes it as "probably the best city for outdoorsy people" and jokes that most Norwegians say he is “more Norwegian than they are”. He appreciates the city's easy access to nature and embraces the lifestyle:

“It activated what I always had in me. Even on weekdays, after long days of work I sometimes just grab a bike and find the nearest lake and camp there for the night, waking up early to be behind my computer again by 9.”