Cutting-edge green tech firm is big plus in San Jose real estate deal
SAN JOSE - A green-tech company with a new approach to batteries was a big factor behind a real estate entrepreneur’s decision to buy a San Jose office building where the energy firm operates.
A group headed up by South Bay real estate executive Shri Chawla paid $13.5 million to buy a building at 110 Baytech Parkway in North San Jose, documents filed on June 1 with the Santa Clara County Recorder’s Office show.
“I really believe in the building’s tenant, Lyten,” Chawla said in an interview with this news organization. “I think Lyten will be doing great things.”
Lyten occupies two sites in that area of San Jose. One is the just-bought 110 Baytech building and the other is at 145 Baytech Parkway.
“This company has an amazing approach to the battery industry,” Chawla said. Chawla is an electrical engineer by training and a former semiconductor industry executive.
San Jose-based Lyten believes its batteries can provide a lightweight, low-cost, green and energy-efficient choice for an array of industries, including electric vehicles, electric aircraft and mobile devices.
In 2023, the company launched a pilot production line for lithium-sulfur batteries in San Jose. Lyten said lithium-sulfur batteries could result in less expensive electric and mobile products.
The seller in the property deal was an affiliate of Money360, which in 2024 foreclosed on a $16.3 million loan it had provided for the office building. The lender’s foreclosure proceeding valued the building at $14.4 million.
These metrics suggest the Chawla Ventures group bought the building at 6 percent below the foreclosure value.
SVN | Capital West Partners managing director Robin Santiago, a commercial real estate executive, arranged the deal. The research and office building is about 58,000 square feet.
Chawla said the property he now owns is more than a structure where a tenant can operate. He also wants to be a landlord who does more than collect rent every month.
“I see real estate not only as buildings but as platforms where innovation companies can grow,” Chawla said.
Chawla added that he wants to play a role in Silicon Valley’s emerging industries. He said that his real estate philosophy emphasizes long-term ownership, disciplined financial planning and strategic tenant relationships.
“My goal is to own and support properties that serve the future of Silicon Valley, including technology, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, science, and entrepreneurship,” Chawla said.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 5:18 AM.