Shravan Parsi on Bringing Scientific Thinking to Real Estate

Meet Shravan Parsi, the founder and CEO of American Ventures, a multifamily and commercial real estate investment firm specializing in the development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and operation of value-add and core assets.

American Ventures partners with private equity firms, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and accredited investors with high-quality real estate opportunities across the U.S.

In this conversation with Inc. Magazine, Shravan shares how his background in pharmaceutical science shaped a data-driven approach to real estate investing, combining analytical precision with strategic market insight to drive success in the multifamily and commercial sectors.

Inc.: You started in pharmaceutical sciences. How does that experience influence your approach to real estate?

Shravan Parsi: In pharmaceutical research, everything depends on accuracy and repeatable results. You learn to separate signals from noise to identify what matters and discard what does not. That mindset translates directly to real estate. Every market has noise, and every investment comes with variables. The discipline to analyze data before acting is what gives us an edge.

Inc.: What inspired you to leave the lab and enter the investment world?

Parsi: I have always been curious about how systems work, whether it is biology or economics. Real estate offered a chance to apply scientific logic to human behavior. It is not just numbers; it is psychology, design, and decision science rolled into one. Founding American Ventures allowed me to merge analysis and entrepreneurship.

Inc.: Your book The Science of the Deal talks about using technology to guide investment. How does that work in practice?

Parsi: We treat technology as the microscope of modern investing. Our team uses predictive analytics, AI, and digital dashboards to monitor rent growth, migration, and occupancy in real time. That helps us identify undervalued assets before others do. But data does not make decisions, people do. Technology amplifies human insight; it does not replace it.

Inc.: You have described your strategy as “evidence-based real estate.” What does that mean?

Parsi: Every acquisition starts as an experiment. We define the problem, test assumptions, measure results, and refining the model. It is a continuous improvement loop. Our analysts use data for underwriting and benchmarking, but final calls always involve human judgment. That mix of science and experience is how we maintain consistency and agility as we scale.

Inc.: How do you maintain quality and integrity while growing so quickly?

Parsi: Scaling is not about size; it is about precision. We have built internal systems that link acquisitions, asset management, and investor relations through shared dashboards and key performance indicators. Everyone sees the same data. That transparency keeps our decisions aligned and builds trust with investors. Our model is built on clarity and accountability.

Inc.: What major trends will shape real estate over the next decade

Parsi:

1. Smart Capital. Investors want transparent, data-backed frameworks. Firms that do not use technology will fall behind.

2. Demographic Realignment. Population shifts and hybrid work models are reshaping where value lies. Secondary cities with affordability and quality of life will outperform.

3. Climate and Sustainability. ESG is not optional anymore. Properties that meet energy and resilience standards will earn premium valuations.

Inc.: You often say, “Real estate is about people.” Can you expand on that?

Parsi: Data reveals trends, but people create value. Numbers tell you where the market is moving, but it is human behavior that drives outcomes. We focus on investments that improve communities through design, management, and sustainability. A property is only successful if it strengthens the neighborhood around it.

Inc.: What is next for American Ventures?

Parsi: We are evolving into a science-led investment platform that combines technology, analytics, and purpose. We are expanding nationally and refining our tech stack to make better decisions faster. Our goal is to institutionalize curiosity to build systems that keep learning even as the company scales.

Inc.: You are also known for community and leadership involvement. Why is that important to you?

Parsi: Business success should create social value. I serve on the board of Pratham USA’s Austin chapter, supporting education for underprivileged kids, and as a trustee of the Austin Hindu Temple. I have also been part of YPO, EO, and Tiger 21 networks that focus on leadership and lifelong learning. We are temporary stewards of both capital and community. Our impact should outlast our careers.

Inc.: What advice do you give young entrepreneurs and investors?

Parsi: Stay disciplined and transparent. The same qualities that make a good scientist—curiosity, humility, and consistency make a great business leader. Always test your assumptions, keep learning, and remember that data is a tool, not a crutch. Real progress happens when evidence meets empathy.