The corporation is making a name for itself by touting an environmentally-friendly method of constructing buildings, as well as an original material that is marketed as greener than concrete.
Gregor Robertson, Vancouver's former mayor, has joined the group as its executive vice-president of strategy and partnerships.
"It's been fantastic being an entrepreneur again, trying to continue to make a big difference on climate, affordable housing, job creation, with a B.C. startup," Robertson told The Chief. "It's been an amazing ride so far and we're just getting started. It's been a nice change from the world of politics."
He said he still works with mayors globally on climate change initiatives, but said he's taking a break from politics and government.
Robertson told The Chief that a number of high-profile British Columbians have invested in Nexii.
"We have a really broad base of investors concentrated here in B.C. but good investment across North America," said Robertson.
He gave some examples of high-profile investors who've backed the company.
Bill McNabb, former chairman and CEO of Vanguard, joined Nexii's board but is also an investor, Robertson said.
Ryan Holmes, the co-founder and chairman of Hootsuite, is another person throwing money behind the cause, and Lotus Capital, a Vancouver real estate investment group, is also supporting the corporation.
Nexii's $620 million valuation was calculated by New York-based Duff & Phelps, Robertson said.
"They're seen as one of the top firms globally to get a valuation from, so we have a lot of confidence, and, obviously, our investors have that same confidence,"he said.
Nexii is hoping to employ about 150 people in town once it builds a construction plant in Squamish, and is seeking to fill 35 positions right now, Robertson said.
Over a dozen have already been hired.
At the moment, there are about 120 people working for the company between Squamish, Vancouver and Moose Jaw, Sask.
The company's most high-profile recent accomplishment has been constructing a Starbucks in Abbotsford.
The company also has relationships with A&W and Popeyes, and Robertson said Nexii will be pursuing future projects with them, too.
"We know we're well-positioned with breakthrough materials and a building system that accelerates the construction process and ultimately saves money."
