Companies to Watch: Real Estate Tech and Proptech

Written By Tech:NYC

As New York bounces back higher than ever after the pandemic, the real estate industry in the city has seen a particular boom:

So it’s no surprise to see NYC real estate and property tech companies follow suit and thrive to the point of becoming unicorns.

While confidence in the sector may be a mixed bag, folks in the industry are optimistic.

“I expect [the fourth quarter] to be robust,” MetaProp co-founder and managing partner Aaron Block told the Commercial Observer in October. “From a new startup creation perspective, we’re seeing folks who are technologists jumping in and building companies. We’re also seeing real estate folks peel off their legacy roles and create tech-driven solutions to problems that they know better than anybody else in the vertical software as a service space. I think that pattern continues at the earliest stages. We’ll see what happens at the later stages as rates continue to evolve, geopolitical uncertainty hopefully clears up a bit, and the U.S. economy becomes more clear, including mortgage rates tied to the Fed.”

And the data is backing up that confidence:

According to marketing and investment firm RawFunds:

  • In 2023, New York-based proptech companies raised over $1.5 billion in VC funding.

  • Properties in NYC using virtual tour technology sell 31% faster and for 9% higher prices on average.

  • 65% of new commercial developments in Manhattan incorporate smart building technology.

  • 78% of NYC-based real estate firms use AI for market analysis and predictive modeling.

We caught up with six founders from the inaugural SEEN 50 list who are innovating in the proptech and real estate space — sustainability, landlord reviews, intelligence platforms, communications platforms, affordable housing, and space rentals — and addressing inequities in the proptech ecosystem.

For this edition of our Companies to Watch series, meet Cadence OneFive, WhoseYourLandlord (WYL), Foretold, Tourus, Liiv, and ChurchSpace.

Cadence OneFive

Bomee Jung

“Buildings exist to protect people from the environment, but the buildings of today aren’t built for the environment of today.”

 

What does your company do? What problem is it working to solve?Cadence OneFive is creating software to accelerate the decarbonization of multifamily buildings. Our platform, Momentum, streamlines the retrofit process by providing efficient workflows and actionable insights to building owners. 

We're solving a critical problem: multifamily buildings are often the worst carbon polluters in cities, using more on-site energy than schools, offices, and hotels. Despite compelling incentives and regulations, owners struggle with retrofits due to a broken renovation process that runs on email attachments and scarce consultants, with no visibility into pricing or performance. 

By enabling rapid planning, execution, and transparent collaboration of decarbonization projects, we're creating a future where everyone enjoys high-quality, affordable housing that is resilient to climate change.

A question we like to ask every founder – Why New York?
New York is the perfect launchpad for Cadence OneFive. First, it's the nation's largest multifamily market, representing nearly a tenth of all US multifamily units. Second, New York City's Local Law 97 is setting the standard for building performance regulations that 40+ other cities are following. Finally, my experience transforming NYCHA's retrofit programs from $18M to $1B+ and Marc's decades of work with New York's leading real estate firms gives us deep relationships and understanding of this market. We're using New York as our proving ground before expanding nationally.

How do you view the tech sector's role in transforming the real estate industry in America?
Buildings exist to protect people from the environment, but the buildings of today aren’t built for the environment of today. To meet the challenges – both of slowing climate change and of protecting occupants from its effects – we need to transform buildings. 

Technology has a crucial role in modernizing real estate, both in terms of business process and in hard-tech solutions. The tech sector needs to create solutions that address the real pain points of building owners and operators, who are often using legacy business processes, while considering the social impact on residents and occupants. 

What is the inspiration behind the name Cadence OneFive?
The 'OneFive' in our name refers to 1.5°C - the pace of climate action needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 'Cadence' represents the rhythm and coordination required to achieve this goal. Together, it embodies our mission to accelerate the pace of just climate action in the built environment.

When/how did you become interested and passionate about the real estate industry / climate?
I first learned about climate change as a high school debater and my first career was as a programmer during the dot-com era. Then, my experience of being in NYC through 9/11 triggered a desire to incorporate work into more of a personal mission, and I came to realize that I care a lot about how people live in cities and about climate change.

But the road to building a built environment climate tech startup was a zig-zaggy one! I worked in affordable housing for almost 20 years, creating and implementing policies and programs for energy efficiency and sustainability, culminating in leading sustainability construction at the New York City Housing Authority, the largest apartment owner in the US. Over six years, I rebooted what had been a small, but successful 25-year energy efficiency program and grew it to a $1B+ initiative, which is still going strong today.

What drives me is the conviction that housing is a human right, and the base of the pyramid for health, wealth, and community.

How does Cadence OneFive decarbonize multifamily buildings?
Momentum streamlines the entire retrofit process, from initial planning through construction completion. We replace manual processes and consulting hours with efficient workflows and data-driven insights. Our platform helps owners evaluate upgrade options quickly, access financing, find qualified contractors, and manage projects effectively. By removing the friction in the retrofit process, we're making it faster and easier for buildings to transition away from fossil fuels.

As a founder, what's your self-care routine to recharge while still being heads down building a company?
I swim at the Y most mornings. The one thing I envy the Bay Area for is their outdoor lap pools!

Time for some New York-themed rapid fire questions – Where’s your favorite place to grab a slice of pizza in New York?
I’m not picky! I’ll eat NYC-style pizza from any local joint.

Where’s your favorite coffee shop in New York?
I was a “street coffee and a donut” type for a long time, but I don’t drink caffeine anymore!

Do you have a favorite spot to escape the noise of the city?
No, I’ve never really had this thought.

What's one piece of advice – that you’ve shared or was shared with you – on building a startup in New York City?
“The work is the work.” 

 

WhoseYourLandlord (WYL)

Ofo Ezeugwu

“New York is the real estate capital of the U.S. and is a beacon for innovation, culture, and policy influence.”

 

What does your company do? What problem is it working to solve?WYL is a property management and conditions insights platform and the creator of the Resident Trust Index — the certification system that evaluates resident experience and property conditions for multifamily housing. 

WYL works with owners, financiers, and government agencies giving them on-the-ground, real-time resident experience, property condition, and impact insights (time to replace old washer/dryer units, flagging unsafe conditions, etc.). WYL leads to a number of benefits, including: improved resident experience and management relations, reduced vacancies and vacancy related costs, and improved property performance.

A question we like to ask every founder – Why New York?
New York is the real estate capital of the U.S. and is a beacon for innovation, culture, and policy influence. I’ve been able to build an incredible community and I’m able to garner consistent access to very important people by being in New York. 

How do you view the tech sector’s role in transforming the real estate industry in America?
There’s no secret that real estate is behind the curve on modern innovations and technology. Because there’s so much value in the asset itself, there’s just not much room for “nice-to-have” products. Can you make the organization more money, save them more money, or save their team members time? When technology does any of the aforementioned, it becomes a must have. Our role is not only to impact the bottom line of financiers and housing providers; but, we’re also in the business of positively impacting the lives of residents all over the city, state, and country. 

Can you explain the Resident Trust Index and why it’s important?WYL’s Resident Trust Index (RTI) is the best way to measure resident experience and property conditions as it provides property managers and owners with a simple, effective, and timely way to identify and address property condition issues before they become a problem.

When/how did you become interested and passionate about the renting / real estate industry?
During my senior year at Temple University, I served as the VP of the student body. In that role, talking to students, I wanted to understand how our administration could best serve them. What came as a surprise to me was that most students identified off-campus housing as their primary issue. They noted the lack of transparency, safety, and quality in property conditions. I wanted to build a platform that helped solve for that, and WYL was born. Everyone deserves a quality living experience regardless of income level. If there’s no peace at home, it adversely affects your mental health, physical health, and more. 

As a founder, what’s your self-care routine to recharge while still being heads down building a company?
I pray early and often. I believe in God and he has powered me through some very intense times on this journey. I have an incredible wife, family, and friends that I hang out with as much as I can. And, I also love the water. So, if I’m unable to get to a beach or to travel, I’ll just sit in the bathtub and use the time to think, process, decompress, or just to let my mind wander. 

Time for some New York-themed rapid fire questions – Where’s your favorite place to grab a slice of pizza in New York?
Recently, I’ve been digging Lea’s in Ditmas Park. If not them, I’d go with Rocco’s in Bedstuy. Sorry, I know, I picked two…. 

Where’s your favorite coffee shop in New York?
Brooklyn Tea. 

Do you have a favorite spot to escape the noise of the city?
Prospect Park. 

What’s one piece of advice – that you’ve shared or was shared with you – on building a startup in New York City?
Develop a tough skin and commit yourself to persistence, discipline, and learning. NYC is abundant and full of opportunities. Your job is to stay in the know, work your tail off, and be open to change and growth. That’s the only way to survive and thrive. Also, take advantage of all the freebies this city has to offer. Free concert series, exclusive events, libraries, all of it. 

 

Foretold

David Cortez

“Startups are an unlikely convergence of timing, team and knowing the problem — the rest is having faith that your team and the investment will achieve your plan.”

 

What does your company do? What problem is it working to solve?We are solving the housing shortage by accelerating decision making for real estate developers and lenders. On the government side, we are reducing bottlenecks in the zoning/planning stages to streamline housing creation. 

A question we like to ask every founder – Why New York?
The founding team is NY born and raised; our relationships, networks, and domain expertise are in NY which is one of the most competitive places to create housing. 

How do you view the tech sector’s role in transforming the real estate sector in America?
Our processes on planning and creating real estate in America are very nebulous, outdated, and emotionally charged. In most places, there are conflicts of interest among stakeholders and decision makers. This makes timelines drawn out and unpredictable. Data brings clarity where there is uncertainty or angst. Tech can minimize the bottlenecks at the planning stages and bring confidence to the investment side while de-risking for everyone.

What role do you see AI playing in the future of real estate?
There is a strong desire for more automation in operational tasks, compliance. Where I see AI making a huge impact is in the early lifecycle of creating real estate at scale. Bringing data to the forefront will help in visualizing opportunities and understanding risk better which will stimulate creation of housing.

When/how did you become interested and passionate about the real estate / proptech industry?
I was working on a project in New Rochelle, NY — my clients worked so hard to create a new asset. Then, a supply wave came along with COVID which created challenges for preserving the revenue of the asset. In the long run, the asset became unstable and was foreclosed which created a ripple effect in that market. When we debriefed on the project, the debt teams asked me what could have made it better? I said they built the wrong thing and we could have seen the supply wave coming by digging deeper into the data. I then realized that there wasn’t a convergence of data, planning, decision making and execution.  

How does Foretold use AI to deliver real estate insights?
Foretold leverages AI to provide data-driven insights by analyzing market trends, consumer preferences, and project-specific metrics. We use predictive modeling to forecast demand, optimize pricing, and identify untapped opportunities for developers and investors. Additionally, AI enables us to segment markets, deliver granular insights tailored to specific projects, and simulate different scenarios, giving stakeholders a competitive edge in decision-making.

As a founder, what’s your self-care routine to recharge while still being heads down building a company?
My routine includes carving out time for early morning exercise, meditation and taking short breaks during workdays to reflect. Outside of Foretold, I am dad to 5 kids under 13 — they help me recharge emotionally and mentally. 

Time for some New York-themed rapid fire questions – Where’s your favorite place to grab a slice of pizza in New York?
Scarr in LES 

Where’s your favorite coffee shop in New York?
Caffe Reggio

Do you have a favorite spot to escape the noise of the city?
The Cloisters

What’s one piece of advice – that you‘ve shared or was shared with you – on building a startup in New York City?
Someone from NYAngels told me to “Keep the faith” – Startups are an unlikely convergence of timing, team and knowing the problem — the rest is having faith that your team and the investment will achieve your plan.

 

Tourus

Lindsay Martinez

“This is how we see technology changing the real estate space — it’s a human-first industry, but tech can take over redundant and admin work to free up time as well as enhance performance.” 

 

What does your company do? What problem is it working to solve?Tourus is the multifamily industry’s first and only mobile app for leasing and property teams, and we help properties run more efficiently from anywhere and provide greater visibility into renter motivations to increase conversion.

A question we like to ask every founder – Why New York?
I’ve lived in New York for over 15 years. Not only is it a major hub for innovation and creativity, but it’s also home!

How do you view the tech sector’s role in transforming the real estate industry in America?
I think we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg, but even now, tech is touching every aspect from leasing to mortgages to decarbonization efforts. We focus on multifamily residential leasing, where tech has made significant inroads in helping properties run more efficiently through automating a lot of manual tasks and I think we’re on our way to seeing increasingly optimized operations that impact the bottom line. However, there have been a lot of point solutions that have come out in the past 5-8 years that we’re seeing companies currently looking to unravel.

How does AI help Tourus streamline renter management?
We utilize both operational and strategic AI to help teams manage inbound leads as well as gain insights into renter preferences and feedback. Leasing agents use it to record notes after tours, which we transcribe and turn into reports with actionable next steps. This is how we see technology changing the real estate space — it’s a human-first industry, but tech can take over redundant and admin work to free up time as well as enhance performance.

Why is it important to streamline renter management?
Streamlining renter management is essential for improving efficiency, enhancing renter satisfaction, and reducing operational costs. By centralizing communication, automating routine tasks, and providing clear visibility into the renter journey, property teams can save time, reduce errors, and focus on higher-value activities. This not only boosts lead conversion and lease renewals but also improves scalability and ensures compliance with regulations. 

Additionally, streamlined systems enhance renter experiences with faster responses and consistent communication while providing actionable insights to optimize operations and drive long-term success.

When/how did you become interested and passionate about the renting / real estate industry?
My grandfather and mom were both in real estate in West Virginia, and after grad school here in Brooklyn, I became a real estate broker. I moved into the tech side because I saw so many inefficiencies I wanted to help solve.

As a founder, what’s your self-care routine to recharge while still being heads down building a company?
Walking – the best investment I made was a walking pad! Also making sure to try to totally decompress at least 1 day a week.

Time for some New York-themed rapid fire questions – Where’s your favorite place to grab a slice of pizza in New York?
New York Pizza Suprema by Penn Station.

Where’s your favorite coffee shop in New York?
Bon Tree in Prospect Heights.

Do you have a favorite spot to escape the noise of the city?
Prospect Park. I’m lucky to live about 5 minutes away and it’s one of my favorite places in the world. There are always new paths to discover and spend some quiet time.

What’s one piece of advice – that you’ve shared or was shared with you – on building a startup in New York City?
Take advantage of the network! Go to events, connect with people, see where you can mutually help each other.

 

Liiv

Devin Abraham

“There’s an unspoken bond here — a community that lifts you up, even as the same streets test your resilience. This is the city that will challenge you, shape you, and celebrate you. The hustle, the grit, the culture — it’s all part of the heartbeat of NYC.” 

 

What does your company do? What problem is it working to solve?
The average wait time for affordable housing exceeds seven years, with housing authorities and municipalities spending over $30 billion annually on homelessness. Much of this inefficiency stems from outdated systems, reliance on manual processes, and administrative errors that hinder effective housing management.

Liiv provides a tailored suite of software solutions for housing authorities, encompassing unbiased rental applications, automated HUD compliance, Section 8 voucher tracking, tenant payment processing, and streamlined administrative workflows.

A question we like to ask every founder – Why New York?
Picture stepping off the train at 6 a.m., the cool, crisp air hitting your face, right before the city awakens, the towering skyscrapers rise above — a testament to human ambition and ingenuity, a man-made beauty that inspires awe with every glance. There’s an unspoken bond here — a community that lifts you up, even as the same streets test your resilience. This is the city that will challenge you, shape you, and celebrate you. The hustle, the grit, the culture — it’s all part of the heartbeat of NYC. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. For us, this isn’t just where we work; it’s where we belong. It’s home.

How do you view the tech sector’s role in transforming the real estate industry in America?
The tech sector is highlighting the inefficiencies in the real estate industry by tackling outdated processes, enhancing accessibility, and enabling smarter systems. By automating workflows and leveraging data-driven insights, technology streamlines operations, improves transparency, and promotes equitable housing. This transformation is especially critical for government systems, where modernization is long overdue, offering the potential to eliminate waste and drive systemic change.

How does Liiv tackle the affordable housing problem in New York?New York State, home to 490,000 subsidized housing units (359,000 in NYC), serves 5% of the U.S. population but holds 10% of its subsidized housing. Inefficiencies persist: 30% of NYCHA tenants are "overhoused," over 1 million rent-stabilized units limit turnover, and waiting lists remain long. NYCHA faces a $791M operating budget gap, rising costs ($760/unit/month), and deteriorating conditions, with 43% of residents reporting major issues. With $60B in capital needs and 30% of developments now cheaper to rebuild than repair, systemic reform is urgently needed to optimize resources and expand access.

Liiv provides the tailored solution to address the inefficiencies in subsidized housing. Our software offers an unbiased rental application system designed to eliminate racial bias and increase occupancy rates, ensuring equal access to housing opportunities. Our co-signing platform further boosts occupancy by helping tenants secure housing faster. Tenant messaging features track task completion times, preventing tenants from being treated like second-class citizens and holding property managers accountable. With application tracking, applicants no longer face years of uncertainty; they can see real-time updates, identify missing documents, and understand their status. Liiv streamlines processes, improves transparency, and ensures fair, efficient housing allocation.

How does Liiv use AI/ML to streamline administrative tasks associated with real estate and renting?
Liiv uses AI and ML to address inequities and inefficiencies in real estate management. Our unbiased rental application system eliminates reliance on credit scores, which have historically disadvantaged people of color and women, by evaluating applicants through more equitable metrics to ensure fair access to housing. Tenant messaging features allow tasks to be tracked and monitored, holding property managers accountable for timely completion, so tenants are treated with dignity and respect. It optimizes occupancy by analyzing tenant data and market trends, enabling proactive leasing strategies. 

Liiv also simplifies co-signing by assessing reliability through AI, helping tenants secure housing more easily. Additionally, our system tracks application statuses in real time, identifying missing documents and highlighting next steps to reduce delays. By integrating AI and ML, Liiv transforms how rental properties are managed, promoting transparency and operational efficiency.

When/how did you become interested and passionate about the renting / real estate industry?
Having worked for NYC's Housing Authority, I saw the systemic challenges in housing access and the impact they have on people's lives. In college, reading Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life by Annette Lareau profoundly shaped my perspective. The book illustrated how where you grow up directly influences your opportunities and life trajectory. This resonated deeply, as I grew up in a neighborhood where a single block determined your school district, tax zone, and access to better resources and opportunities. I realized that these disparities weren't just abstract concepts — they were lived realities for many, including myself. I'm driven to be the solution, to break down these barriers, and to create equitable systems where opportunities aren't dictated by geography but are accessible to everyone.

Acknowledging my privileged background, I'm committed to amplifying voices for the voiceless, particularly children constrained by systemic barriers, and working to create opportunities for those who lack equitable access.

As a founder, what’s your self-care routine to recharge while still being heads down building a company?
As a founder, my self-care routine revolves around grounding practices that help me stay centered. I wake up early, usually before the sun, in a race with myself to get ahead of the day. I start with a prayer, then hit up Parkway Deli for my coffee, squeeze in a workout, and dive into a to-do list that keeps me on track.

I take pride in my beard (since being bald means it’s all I’ve got), so regular trims are a must, along with eyebrow maintenance and a good smoothie to fuel me. My niece Avery brings so much joy during her visits, reminding me that all the hard work I’m putting in now will shape her future—and eventually, my own kids’ futures.

My fiancée lovingly encourages me to slow down and appreciate life’s moments, while my mother reminds me to take time for myself, helping me maintain balance. I also make time to reflect on my journey—honoring the sacrifices my parents made and recalling the dreams of a young boy determined to make an impact.

Time for some New York-themed rapid fire questions – Where’s your favorite place to grab a slice of pizza in New York?
Buffalo Slice + Grandma Slice from Mama Theresa’s in Garden City Park, NY 11040

Where’s your favorite coffee shop in New York?
A Parkway Mix from Parkway Deli in Roslyn, NY, or any local cart in NYC with the iconic blue "We are happy to serve you" cup—true New Yorkers know exactly what I mean.

Do you have a favorite spot to escape the noise of the city?
Mom and Dad's home in Garden City Park is where I grew up. It's my safe place—a place that brings me peace and lets me focus when I need to get my best deep work done.

What’s one piece of advice – that you’ve shared or was shared with you – on building a startup in New York City?
Justin Kang, General Partner at Visible Hands, has always emphasized the importance of building a self-sufficient, profitable company. His advice? Tune out the noise, focus on securing revenue and customers, and prioritize profitability. Once you achieve that, the funding will naturally follow."

 

ChurchSpace

Emmanuel Brown

“By leveraging tech, we can unlock the potential of underutilized assets, repurposing them in ways that are deeply authentic and beneficial to local residents.”

 

What does your company do? What problem is it working to solve?ChurchSpace is transforming the neighborhood economy as the Airbnb for churches, helping to turn underutilized church real estate into on-demand commercial space that anyone can book. 

A question we like to ask every founder – Why New York?
NYC has the most diverse talent and customer base out of any tech city in the US. It’s also the greatest city in the world.

How do you view the tech sector’s role in transforming the real estate industry in America? 
The real estate industry, as a legacy sector, has long been burdened by analog processes and outdated systems. Technology plays a critical role in modernizing this space by streamlining workflows, improving access to data, and fostering transparency. More importantly, it allows real estate to serve communities more equitably, rather than prioritizing profit at the community’s expense.

At ChurchSpace, we believe that strong communities are built from the inside out. By leveraging tech, we can unlock the potential of underutilized assets, repurposing them in ways that are deeply authentic and beneficial to local residents. This approach not only democratizes access to resources but also ensures that real estate becomes a catalyst for growth, equity, and sustainability within the communities it touches.

Why are you focused on church spaces specifically? 
Church real estate is rapidly becoming one of the most underutilized and costly property segments in the U.S., with an estimated $4 trillion tied up in equity. For our founding team, this issue is deeply personal. As children of pastors, we’ve witnessed firsthand how these costs place a tremendous burden on pastors, church leaders, and ministries, often diverting resources from their core missions and negatively affecting their mental health and personal well-being.

We focus on church spaces because they represent an incredible opportunity. Churches are often located on prime real estate and are among the most versatile and accessible properties in nearly every community across the country. By activating these spaces, we can not only help churches sustain their ministries but also serve their communities in new and impactful ways.

When/how did you become interested and passionate about the renting / real estate / church real estate industry? 
My co-founder, Day Edwards, sparked the initial idea — her creativity really set the stage for us to explore this space. However, it was after the pandemic that we realized this idea had the potential to truly make a difference. The challenges churches faced during that time were undeniable: many were struggling financially, some even shutting their doors, as they urgently needed additional income. At the same time, churches were being pushed to adopt new technologies, and communities were left with fewer quality spaces to gather.

This convergence of challenges and opportunities is where our passion for church real estate really took off. We saw a chance to address a critical need while preserving and revitalizing spaces that have always been cornerstones of their communities. 

As a founder, what’s your self-care routine to recharge while still being heads down building a company? 
I’m still getting better at this but here are 3 things that currently help me recharge:

  • A healthy relationship with God and faith through prayer, reading and meditating on the Bible and practicing Biblical Sabbath-rest.

  • Finding ways to be around more people who don’t care that I’m a founder at all. 

  • Serving others in non work-related capacities.

Time for some New York-themed rapid fire questions – Where’s your favorite place to grab a slice of pizza in New York?
Currently, Mama Too – Upper West Side.

Where’s your favorite coffee shop in New York?
Don’t have a favorite but I really enjoy Café Integral in LES. 

Do you have a favorite spot to escape the noise of the city?
Wave Hill or The Cloisters

What’s one piece of advice – that you’ve shared or was shared with you – on building a startup in New York City? 
There’s no shortage of opportunities to network. Don’t burn yourself out by being everywhere and meeting everyone. 

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