At SRA Ventures, we believe that business is not just about numbers. It’s about people. Ideas are important, and capital is essential, but relationships are everything.
That belief was recently reinforced as we ventured into the operational real estate space with the acquisition of Boxxs Self Storage. This deal didn’t begin with a pitch deck, a data room, or a boardroom meeting. It originated over curry.
The early conversations were neither scheduled nor scripted. They did not aim at closing a deal. Instead, they focused on shared ideas, identifying market gaps, and challenging each other’s assumptions. Although there was no agenda, what followed became one of the most strategic investments we’ve made to date.
Operational real estate, where value is derived from the asset and its management, is a natural evolution for us. At SRA, we are attracted to models that integrate physical infrastructure with recurring income, and Boxxs met every requirement. However, what truly mattered were the individuals behind the business and the trusted voices who guided us throughout the process.
One of those voices was Steven Jansch of Esto Legal, whose advice helped clarify key points. Steven wasn’t acting as legal counsel in the traditional sense. He was a sounding board—a commercially-minded advisor who understands entrepreneurs and the nuance that never appears on a term sheet. You can read Esto Legal’s take on the deal here.
This acquisition serves as a reminder that real business often takes place in unexpected locations. Relationships develop over years, not weeks. Moreover, the most valuable conversations may occur not in the boardroom, but over dinner, with naan and a cold drink on the table.
As we continue to grow in the operational real estate space, we will keep doing what has always worked best for us: staying curious, working with people we trust, and being open to where the next conversation leads.
