We connect leaders and expertise to spark change and unlock growth across the global student living sector.

We exist to shape a better future across the student living journey. Built around our unique family of market-leading businesses – each with significant potential to scale – we span the entire global student living economy.

Drawing on the energy and optimism of the students we serve, we combine entrepreneurial spirit with unmatched experience and intelligence to make the most of every opportunity.

Higher education. Greater potential.

Why is dot the global leader in student living?

Student living has always been our world.

Going to university offers many young people their first taste of living independently. We go to university as much for the student experience as for the education. And while education may be universal, the best experiences are not.

Students know that. Investors know that too. The global student living sector may be rife with business opportunities, but not everyone can make the most of them.

We can. dot.

From the day dot.

In 1991, Nicholas Porter recognized a growing demand for student accommodation and envisioned a brighter future. Today, that future is Dot.

Over the past 30 years, we have forged new paths. The global student living sector has evolved significantly, and we have been there from the start, leading the way. In that time, we have been proud to work with some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, institutional capital partners and private family offices. We greatly value these relationships and with their support, we have grown in our journey of positive investment. And it’s only just beginning.

Realise your ambitions. dot.

“I love student living; it’s come so far in 30 years and I’m so excited to see where we’ll be in 30 more. We’ve been at the very centre of this, leading the evolution. Becoming Dot embraces our past and future growth.”
Nicholas Porter, CEO, dot.

What makes us unique?

The people at the heart of our business have invaluable expertise and are truly passionate. Together, we engage, collaborate, challenge and share ideas locally and globally. Our team takes pride in winning. We strive for success through our entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.

We promote an environment of openness, honesty and authenticity to always do the right thing across our businesses. Ultimately, we are all motivated by making a tangible difference to the lives of individuals.

Nicholas Porter

Chief Executive Officer

Nick is a pioneer and creator of firsts for the industry. He has an entrepreneurial, innovative mindset and is recognized as a sector specialist. For Nick, it’s all about people. The students Dot serves, the global teams Dot builds, the world-class relationships Dot creates and the difference Dot makes every day in people’s lives. For over 30 years Nick has been a pioneer in the student living sector, and he is excited by how much there is still to do.

Joe Manasseri

Chief Operating Officer

Joe ensures that Dot continues to grow effectively and efficiently. He has extensive experience in business performance and operations in the real estate sector, including as Managing Director - Global Asset Management for GE Capital Real Estate. Joe is skilled in all major collateral types including both debt and equity structures across international markets.

Steve Grant

Chief Corporate Development Officer

Steve is committed to delivering Dot's global growth strategy, leveraging over 20 years of leadership in PBSA. As a highly experienced and respected industry leader, his previous roles as CEO of Kinetic Capital and GSA, have equipped him with a unique insight and skill set to execute complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. Earlier in his career at Unite plc, Steve was instrumental in establishing PBSA as an institutional grade asset class.

Nick Collins

Chief Legal Officer

Nick is dedicated to continuing Dot’s growth and mission to create and operate well-designed communities that positively enhance the student experience. Nick has more than 30 years of legal experience, including at Nabarro and CMS, across the student living sector. He strives to deliver solutions to new challenges and positively impact the sector. He is passionate about working within a collaborative and diverse team.

Helene Williamson

Global People Director

Helene is a dedicated leader driving our organisation's growth by creating, developing, and implementing market leading human resource strategies. Leveraging her data-driven approach, she focuses on enhancing group culture, leadership development, team engagement, and organisational performance. With previous roles as Global People and Culture Director at AllSaints and Head of Talent at New Look, Helene's expertise will be instrumental in ensuring our group's continued success.

Our team

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