In the rapidly evolving world of commercial real estate, few companies are making waves quite like DXD Capital. Led by co-founder and principal Drew Dolan, this innovative firm has cracked the code on self-storage investment by masterfully blending private equity, commercial real estate expertise, and cutting-edge technology.

The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making

What sets DXD Capital apart isn’t just their impressive track record—it’s their revolutionary approach to investment analysis. Operating across 20 states with three offices and a team of 30 professionals, the company has successfully raised $250 million in equity by leveraging what Dolan calls “tech intelligence.”

The numbers speak for themselves: DXD Capital processes an astounding 100,000 investment opportunities to identify the cream of the crop. This isn’t just ambitious—it’s transformative for an industry that has traditionally relied on intuition and experience alone.

“The cool thing about self-storage is there’s lots of data available,” Dolan explains. “We know where all 55,000 facilities are. 35,000 of those publish their rates online, and they’re all month-to-month rates. So you can see how a market’s doing.”

Bold Leadership Drives Extraordinary Growth

When asked about his boldest decision as CEO, Dolan’s response reveals the strategic thinking that has propelled DXD Capital to success. Three years ago, facing the classic startup chicken-and-egg dilemma, he made the gutsy call to “overhire” strategic talent before having the immediate revenue to support it.

“We went out and overhired knowing we didn’t have the fees to get there, but that these people would help us get there,” Dolan reflects. “And you know, it worked out.”

This calculated risk-taking exemplifies the forward-thinking leadership that has become DXD Capital’s hallmark. As Dolan puts it, using a brilliant orchestral analogy: “I don’t know how to play the cello and I don’t know how to play the violin, but I know what a good cello sounds like and I know what a bad violin sounds like.”

Embracing AI While Protecting What Matters

DXD Capital isn’t just talking about artificial intelligence—they’re actively implementing it across their operations. From streamlining job descriptions to developing sophisticated data warehouses, the company has dedicated team members focused solely on AI integration and tool development.

But here’s what’s particularly impressive: they’re doing it responsibly. Dolan’s biggest concern around AI implementation is data security, leading the company to configure their systems to leverage broader web information while keeping their proprietary data completely private.

“We set up ChatGPT to essentially pull information in the wider web but keep our information shared just internally,” Dolan explains, demonstrating the strategic thinking that protects competitive advantages while embracing innovation.

Balancing Technology with Human Connection

Despite their tech-forward approach, DXD Capital hasn’t forgotten the fundamental importance of human relationships in business. Dolan actively encourages his team to get out of the office, visit properties, and build networks outside the company.

“You learn so much more in a 30-minute conversation with the neighbor of the property than you would googling online for six hours,” he emphasizes. This philosophy extends to encouraging conference attendance and industry networking—investments in relationships that pay dividends for decades.

What’s Next: A $200 Million Vision

DXD Capital isn’t resting on their impressive achievements. The company is currently in the process of raising their third fund—a substantial $200 million initiative that represents their continued growth and market confidence.

“We won’t have all $200 million closed by the end of this year, but we’ll have a handful of closings,” Dolan shares. “And you know, that is the fuel. That’s the firewood that creates the fire that allows us to cook the meat. Without that, nothing else happens.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For young entrepreneurs looking to follow in DXD Capital’s footsteps, Dolan’s advice is refreshingly actionable: “You got to put yourself out there.” Whether it’s joining industry associations, volunteering, or simply showing up to meetings, success comes from active engagement rather than passive observation.

“Had I not shown up, you know, all these other things wouldn’t have happened,” Dolan reflects on his own journey. “If you’re stuck behind a computer, if you’re not meeting, connecting with people, you can’t expect your career to go anywhere because it’s not going to happen without you.”

The Future of Real Estate Investment

DXD Capital represents more than just a successful company—it’s a glimpse into the future of real estate investment. By combining data analytics, artificial intelligence, strategic risk-taking, and genuine human relationships, they’ve created a blueprint for success in an increasingly complex market.

As Dolan continues to share insights through his weekly blog on real estate economics and self-storage trends, one thing is clear: DXD Capital isn’t just participating in the evolution of commercial real estate—they’re leading it.

Want to learn more about DXD Capital’s innovative approach to self-storage investment? Visit dxd.capital and sign up for Drew Dolan’s weekly newsletter featuring insights on real estate economics and industry trends.