Influencers In Technology

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD TEAM Colliers International Neighborhood Team launched a platform less than three years ago, utilizing curated, evolving technology to improve the lives of building owners and occupiers. Offering a package of technology products and services, the Neighborhood application allows tenants to seamlessly access their management teams, leverage building services and capitalize on lifestyle conveniences – all within one place. The software additionally provides operators with 24/7 cybersecurity protection for IT and IoT infrastructures, limiting financial risk for increasingly-connected buildings. Addressing specific industry factors, the Neighborhood team forms partnerships to offer appropriate solutions, such as augmented reality rights management, food services and a hiring service for retail tenants to simplify the recruiting process by matching brands with job seekers.

Throughout its course, several of the platform’s cybersecurity evaluations have alerted owners to weaknesses in their systems; protecting them from breaches and long-term ramifications. Additionally, the app builds community by engaging tenants with local businesses and restaurants, and also assists in lowering the unemployment rates. To better match property owners’ needs, the team offers the program’s services as a la carte offerings or as a complete package. The team has generated a technology-forward platform that educates clients and adds tangible value to assets through a constantly-evolving program. The team regularly considers new technologies and evaluates new partnership opportunities to improve practices, address new services, increase tenant satisfaction and operate more efficiently. A collection of professionals with diverse backgrounds, the Neighborhood team has become highly-regarded in the industry due to their innovation and ability to predict and address desires.

MYND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Co-founders of Mynd Property Management, Doug Brien, CEO, and Colin Wiel, CTO and chairman, are disrupting the residential real estate sector with innovative technology and on-the-ground experts. Through the property management firm, the executive team enables a fully-digital leasing experience for renters, while empowering remote investing within the multifamily and single-family rental markets. The two are currently building out the company’s newest product, INVESTimate by Mynd, as an online marketplace and home-valuation tool that utilizes AI and machine-learning. In addition to serving as the company’s chief fundraisers, the pair spearheaded the firm’s merger with property management company, RentVest; effectively doubling Mynd’s rental properties under management. Providing a unique value to employees, the team also launched a fund that allows all Mynd professionals to sensibly invest in real estate and obtain healthy returns. Previously, the pair founded the single-family rental firm, Waypoint Homes, during the recession in 2008. Opportunistically recognizing the benefits of long-term investing, the team acquired properties at a discount and grew its portfolio to 17,000 homes totaling more than $3 billion, before taking the company public as Starwood Waypoint. Prior to Brien’s real estate career, he played in the NFL for 12 years and received a Super Bowl championship ring as a San Francisco 49er. Wiel began his career as an aeronautics engineer at Boeing, where he holds multiple AI patents for his work. Both professionals have earned prominent recognitions throughout their careers and are strong advocates for giving back to the community; demonstrated by donating personal funds and hosting annual events to support local projects and programs.

SHADOW VENTURES With the ambitious goal to institutionalize seed-stage investing, built-space expert, K.P. Reddy founded Shadow Ventures two years ago. Implementing strategic investments in leading industry start-ups, the firm relies on extensive technical capabilities to execute market research and validate both problems and solutions in the space. Transforming the market by identifying and growing technology companies, the investment firm additionally connects corporate enterprises with promising technology and new venture experiences through its global innovation platform, Shadow Labs. Through its platform, the Shadow Ventures team hosts programming workshops to provide start-ups with personalized coaching, exposure to capital and necessary resources to scale. Offering access to the latest technologies, the platform provides corporations with the ability to disrupt their space.

Thus far, the team has connected more than 40 start-ups with industry leaders to advance innovation. Additionally, the team hosts its highly-curated annual Shadow Summit, where executives gain knowledge and plan future innovation. The 2019 conference hosted 200 executive-level attendees representing six countries, and featured prominent speakers across 26 sessions. Within the past three years, the diverse Shadow Ventures team, led by CEO, Reddy, has established itself as a key player in the industry through its carefully curated pipeline of investors and opportunities. A pioneer in the ability to source, grow and exit seed-stage start-ups, the team leverages its ecosystem, combining a community-based approach with proprietary technology. The team plans to duplicate its efforts within construction, design and real estate tech, by launching Shadow Labs for healthcare, digital entertainment and retail within the next six months.

ORGANIZATIONS

APTO A leading tech enterprise founded in 2012 by Tanner McGraw, Apto provides “purpose-driven software” for brokers to perform at their maximum level of productivity and efficiency. Accommodating the specific workflows of commercial real estate, Apto offers a cloud-based platform that manages properties, contacts, listings and deals, to help brokers find, track, win and execute transactions, from any device. Benefiting its users with the ability to organize, store and share data among team members, Apto has successfully launched two products. Apto Maps allows brokers to view their entire property inventory, narrow results with a custom radius, filter properties to meet specific criteria, visually select assets and create new call lists. Apto Property Sites allows brokers to create custom property listing websites through improved integration and auto-populated results, with broker communications and email marketing tracked in Apto. Remaining at the forefront of technology while recognizing that no application works best alone, the firm integrates its software with other widely-used applications, such as Outlook and Constant Contact, to share data and ensure efficiency throughout the industry. Striving to support brokers’ unique workflows, Apto regularly solicits feedback from its nearly 10,000 users through onsite office visits. According to a 2018 survey, customers estimated saving an average of six hours per week using the platform, and additionally estimated up to a 610% return on investment from their Apto subscription fee. Recognized by numerous media outlets as one of the fastest-growing private companies based on revenue growth, Apto has additionally been acknowledged for its innovative technology and workplace culture.

BOXWOOD MEANS LLC In viewing the vast amount of commercial real estate appraisal firms in the US, Boxwood Means LLC stands out by approaching its business mission from a technology perspective. Founded 16 years ago by principals, Randy Fuchs and Michaell Taylor, the firm’s agility and versatility has allowed it to adapt to industry changes and sustain its growing base of 250 clients. Within the past three years, however, the firm has emerged as a leading property valuation provider within the small-balance commercial loan market; achieving sizable revenue growth and profitability while substantially growing its staff. Leveraging its unique blend of in-house appraisers and harnessing its scalable, technology-intensive platform, Boxwood’s FieldSmart Evaluations and FieldSmart Restricted Appraisals provide a streamlined process to originating and underwriting small loans.

Delivering vast benefits to bank and nonbank lenders, such as collateral valuations, rapid turn times and discounted fees, Boxwood receives client reports of reduced execution risks, increased competitiveness and cut lending costs. While regularly training and integrating production teams to keep up with the growing pace of the business, the firm employs continuous platform innovations to produce tangible, daily results for clients. By automating all key processes, such as order tracking, property inspections, valuation analysis and report delivery, Boxwood has scaled its operations for a massive volume of small-balance collateral valuations. In addition to contributing its market research to various media outlets, Boxwood promotes employee involvement by partaking in monthly charitable giving; donating a percentage of income to ten nonprofit organizations.

BUILDING ENGINES Playing an integral role in advancing technology throughout the industry, with more than 20 years in the space, Building Engines leverages its cutting-edge cloud-based software, featuring AI and automated chatbot communication, to reimagine property management and tenant services. Offering comprehensive features through its robust platform, such as work orders, tenant and vendor portals, scheduling, incident tracking, visitor registration, preventive maintenance, inspections, property websites and broadcast messaging, the company empowers landlords, investors, brokers and managers to better understand the full potential of their buildings. Connecting all individuals and processes across portfolio operations, the unified platform automates workflow and captures all activity related to tenant service, asset maintenance and operational risk management. By reducing costs, providing measurable gains and creating identifiable brands, Building Engines’ software drives critical operations to sustain more than 750 organizations. Growing its revenue by 110% since 2015, the company currently supports nearly 25,000 properties, spanning 2.4 billion square feet throughout North America. The company recently launched the industry’s first chatbot, Bengie, as an automated messaging tool for improved communications among tenants. The company additionally educates the market by bringing together top industry minds to share insights on its technology-focused podcast and at its annual conference. Building Engines, led by CEO, Tim Curran, has effectively evolved operations from error-prone processes to digital and data-driven practices. Providing customers with the confidence to make smart decisions and continually discovering new ways to improve work, Building Engines sets the pace for innovation within commercial real estate technology.

CHARM CITY CONCIERGE Redefining the workplace experience for the last 25 years, Charm City Concierge provides virtual and onsite services for residential communities, office buildings, mixed-use properties and corporations. Streamlining operations and allowing landlords and companies to truly understand their clients, the firm’s software unlocks untapped value in building amenities; providing data to reveal how and when tenants use specific spaces. Creating greater tenant retention, higher lease rates and lower vacancy rates for more profitable commercial spaces, the firm’s technology additionally impacts sustainability by providing incentives for building managers to comprehend energy usage and reduce consumption. President and founder, Christina Urquhart leads her team to execute the technology behind the firm’s app, Simpli. Further connecting professionals in the workplace, the platform combines proprietary technology with tenant services to curate meaningful experiences. The firm forms partnerships with organizations to provide top of the line experiences and conveniences to clients, such as lunchtime fitness classes, company outings, on-site food and drink services and more. The app’s 2019 launch has successfully delivered a 10% revenue growth and a 15% increase in square footage managed by the firm. Charm City Concierge assists in meeting the growing need for socially-activated buildings by providing a deep level of insight, backed by industry knowledge and research. Offering customized enhancements for heightened tenant engagement, the firm reimagines the workplace for professionals to maintain productivity, wellness and work-life balance. Currently servicing more than 300 buildings, spanning more than 45 million square feet, the firm has been recognized for outstanding corporate culture, workplace evolution and eco-friendly amenities.

CITIZENM citizenM is redefining luxury hospitality for a new generation of global travelers. Valuing personal choice, modern design and friendly technology, the firm creates upscale guest experiences and offerings where travelers control everything themselves. A trailblazer for smart hotels and a leader in merging consumer tools and hospitality technology, citizenM was one of the first companies to place technology at the center of its hotel business model. Implementing innovations for improved efficiency, the company’s software allows guests to rapidly self-check-in via kiosks, use smartphones as room keys and personally operate their iPad-controlled guestrooms for lighting, music, entertainment, alarms, curtains and more; with preset modes for parties, romance and relaxing. The company additionally employs cutting-edge Proptech tools for property management and virtual building construction and design for its international development and investment projects. Its prefabricated modular construction approach, driven by a computational engine, allows for flexibility, shortens project timeframes, decreases supply chain costs and reduces waste and carbon emissions. In efforts to cater to worldly people, the company constantly introduces transformative concepts and improves on its helpful technology and its consistent, identifiable design. Operating nearly 4,000 rooms worldwide, citizenM acts as the owner, investor, developer and operator for its portfolio. The company is actively expanding its global portfolio, with ten more locations currently slated to open by 2022. citizenM continuously leverages a variety of technologies to streamline processes, enable advanced manufacturing settings and employ quality control, while staying on the pulse of today’s travelers’ needs.

CREXI CREXi, led by CEO, Michael DiGiorgio, has disrupted traditional online marketing channels to become a renowned industry leader in less than five years. Providing marketplace listings, broker plans, market intelligence and more, the platform has altered the landscape for how brokers market and track deals. Offering speed and transparency to industry members, the open platform serves as one of the fastest-growing marketplaces in the industry; used by more than 300,000 professionals per month. As more sellers realize the benefits of online marketing, such as the vast audience reach, the technology platform continues to expand. The firm’s software offers marketing services, including creating, sending and tracking campaigns, directly from the platform. Providing additional access to in-depth listing data and management tools, CREXi leverages collaboration for professionals to effectively communicate with buyers and brokers, while delivering real-time activity and actionable insights on properties. Managing the workflows of both buyers and sellers internationally, CREXi creates a simplified market to transact and source deals. The company continues to add services to its innovative suite of products for increased productivity that benefits brokers’ profits. The firm is continuously recognized for its high level of customer service, its willingness to apply feedback directly to its offerings and its respectfulness towards clients; driving customer retention. Dedicated to making an impact throughout the field, CREXi has managed to become a renowned industry player in a short amount of time within the space.

CROWDSTREET In a space previously reserved for extremely wealthy and well-connected individuals, CrowdStreet granted millions of accredited investors access to the industry. Operating one of the largest and most diverse online marketplaces for direct equity investments, CrowdStreet automates and simplifies the deal-finding process, streamlines the investment process and builds transparent relationships between investors and sponsors with a modern digital experience. Through software that is specifically built for investing, the platform’s integrated tools help reduce capital costs and scale operations. A leader in online equity capital fundraising, the firm provides necessary information for each investment opportunity, such as business plans, market analysis documentation and background checks, for investors to make informed decisions. Allowing investors to upload documents, transfer funds, review, compare and directly invest in deals, the portal’s investor dashboard showcases a diversification chart, dynamic reports and investment summaries. The platform additionally alters the way sponsors and developers raise capital, by providing private portals to view offerings, explore investor profiles, automate processes and increase deal flow with integrated communication tools. Creating a seamless user experience, one sponsor was able to raise $25 million in offers within three hours, as the platform’s fastest fundraise ever. With more than 71,000 registered investors, CrowdStreet has raised more than $850 million from individual investors, with $12.5 billion in property value transacting through the marketplace, since inception in 2014. Utilizing an established, sustainable business model, CrowdStreet continues to prove that online syndication is an efficient, viable alternative to institutional sources of capital.

LIGHTBOX With the goal to provide an array of solutions to real estate professionals, LightBox successfully impacts all points of workflow and decision-making within the industry through its integrated offerings. With the knowledge and expertise to understand the needs and pain points of the industry, LightBox helps solve issues regarding workflow efficiency, due diligence and regulatory compliance, to ensure positive outcomes for clients. Delivering tangible value, the firm profitably identifies opportunities to integrate complementary services, and combines proven brands with core business capabilities. The firm’s collection of brands include EDR, a leading provider of environmental due diligence information; RIMS and Collateral360, workflow software solutions for appraisals, due diligence and compliance usage; Digital Map Products, a location intelligence and mapping platform that supports the industry with more than five billion server hits per month; and Real Capital Markets, a global marketplace for buying and selling commercial real estate, with a total transactional consideration of more than $2.4 trillion. Through the integration of its brands, LightBox has become a leading solutions provider; facilitating the decision-making process for 50,000 brokers, 65,000 investors, 1,100 banks and lenders, 2,000 appraisal firms and 5,000 environmental consulting and engineering firms. The firm continually provides transformational change to every stage of the decision-making process, from investment origination and sale procurement to lending evaluation and appraisal processing. Dedicated to connecting the market to the correct data, analytics and technology, the firm empowers clients with transparency and efficiency, and helps customers measurably increase milestone events through more successful, predictable workflow.

MARCUS & MILLICHAP Marcus & Millichap’s implemented technology platform has progressed the firm into the next generation of industry brokerage services. While admitting that technology tools will never substitute service delivery through dedicated agents, the firm’s technology strives to enhance relationships by freeing up agents’ time, generating consistency and bolstering collaboration at the firm to close more transactions. Committed to maximizing value for clients, the firm’s internal system, MNet, has grown to include numerous layered applications. Cultivating new business, MNet Search allows agents to access properties across the nation with highly customizable research parameters and an alert system to push new listings based on specific client needs. MNet Offering rapidly develops professional property marketing packages with underwriting details and data for each property. MNet Marketing supports the firm’s efforts through consistent education, media and research, while providing agents with material to leverage themselves in the space. MNet Pipeline organizes transaction material for agents, from initial contact through close; preventing any information from falling through the cracks. Collectively, the applications improve operations for the firm’s agents through increased efficiency and effectiveness. As a result of the implemented technology, the firm is able to execute more deals, without the addition of new agents. Leveraging MNet’s extensive data across all departments, the firm continually explores and enhances machine-learning tools to expand capabilities in new avenues. Together, chief administrative officer, Gregory LaBerge and chief information officer, Ken Sayward, work to oversee and maintain Marcus & Millichap’s technology operations; growing the firm’s legacy within the field.

OKAPI AI Founded in Israel to initially focus on AI within the manufacturing and logistics industries, Okapi’s co-founders, CEO, Iris Tsidon and chief revenue officer, Maya Gal, recognized that their machine-learning platform could provide incredible value to the commercial real estate industry. Overcoming challenges to adapt industries, expand countries and alter data for seamless integration, the pair created a reliable solution within its engine, to collect and understand all data streams using a universal language. Within just three years, Okapi has become an industry leader; improving property operations for some of North America’s largest landlords. The platform analyzes disparate property-related data in real-time, to give owners and management staff predictive, actionable insights, which in-turn bolsters leasing activity, reduces expenses and increases net operating income across portfolios. Automatically identifying trends and anomalies, the platform gains insight into property performance, including potential operational issues. The software can examine weather conditions and flag likely impending tenant discomfort issues for property managers to take action. The technology additionally analyzes market data and local rent rates for leasing agents to pinpoint strategies for vacant apartments and office space. Within 90 days of employment, one landlord reported radical improvements, such as an 82% reduction in response time and an 87% reduction in completion time, due to the platform’s personalized smartphone notifications. Helping property owners improve tenant experience and pinpoint revenue-producing opportunities, the firm is representing the future of data analysis by employing an easy-to-use solution that requires virtually no training from building staff.

OPEN PATH SECURITY INC. Originally launched to offer convenience and security to consumers by eliminating the need for easily lost, stolen or duplicated keys, Openpath Security Inc. created a first-of-its-kind system. The company provides cloud-based mobile access control solutions, such as remote lock services, instant first-responder communication and parking garage access, to address today’s biggest security issues and to improve tenant experience. Creating more intuitive, safe environments as a leader in Proptech, Openpath Security has been awarded five patents since its founding. By examining vulnerabilities within traditional access control systems, the firm delivers end-to-end encryption to greatly reduce risk and address emergency preparedness. Streamlining both cybersecurity and physical security for added protection, the firm provides an array of software capabilities to future-proof any building. Its patented Triple Unlock technology delivers 99.9% unlock reliability for secure, fast entry into authorized doors; performing more than one million unlocks each week, after launching only a year ago.

The firm’s tailgating solution offers video surveillance platforms and people-counting sensor platforms to combat unauthorized entrants on properties. The AI software detects and controls doorway entries, sounds alerts, delivers visual verification, locates unauthorized persons and provides preventative measure analytics. The firm also offers a mobile lockdown solution as a modern approach to better respond, track and monitor emergency situations. Utilizing Bluetooth, WiFi and LTE signals, the solution customizes technology for any physical space to safeguard all environments. It can additionally alert first responders of an incident and provide real-time video feed from all cameras in the lockdown zone, in order to view happenings and respond accordingly.

PREMISE SAAS INC. Premise Saas Inc. is powering the drive towards smart buildings, for operational automation and unparalleled tenant experience. In efforts to revolutionize technology deployment within the industry, Premise enables clients to apply an agile approach to optimize processes via small, low-risk services. Delivering short-term return on investments, the firm leverages advanced IoT functionality and utilizes its patent-pending platform technology to help clients weave themselves into full digital operations. Its innovative technology layers multiple sources of data in order to comprehend activity on each floor plate of a building. Combining occupancy sensor data, water valve sensor data, traffic patterns and elevator usage data, the firm provides a visualization of each floor’s happenings to inform high-level decision making. Providing clients access to their own data to build them into successful firms, Premise offers a portfolio of digitized services, such as vendor management, tenant certification tracking and preventative maintenance. Utilizing AI chatbot technology and building detection services, the firm’s software triggers notifications to tenants of issues, such as leaks, while simultaneously generating work orders and alerting building operations. While rapidly deploying technology as a series of micro-services, Premise continues to build its large network of processes while transforming operational functions for building professionals. Strategically using its platform to digitize all processes, the firm unlocks data and collaborates with vendors, as a comprehensive internal and external digital ecosystem. Increasing employee productivity and generating significant returns on investment, the firm sets clients on strategic paths to manage and accelerate innovation.

PRODEAL Identifying a significant need in the industry for easy-to-adopt, useful tools, technology company, ProDeal aimed to fill the demand. Providing industry stakeholders with a simple, yet powerful tool to streamline and scale businesses, ProDeal has transformed from a stealth mode software company in 2016, to an industry leader working with prominent firms. As the only transaction management platform specifically built for real estate finance, ProDeal streamlines due diligence tracking and deal closing through its digital product, by combining communications, data storage and workflow. Providing industry professionals with innovative security and automation for commercial real estate operations, ProDeal has handled more than $35 billion in transaction volume, with more than 650 organizations using its platform. Quickly positioning itself as an active contributor to the industry, ProDeal’s team of technology, finance and legal experts continue to build digital products that prove to have a lasting impact on the market. Optimizing clients’ time and money, the firm provides insight and intelligence to ensure seamless transactions, from sourcing to securitization. The firm strives to replace email chains, conference calls and data-rooms for professionals, by gathering stakeholders, managing checklists, reducing traffic and securely distributing documents through its workflow management platform. Its leadership team regularly contributes to the industry through various associations and as conference speakers. CFO, Patrick Janson serves as the chair of technology on the Young Mortgage Bankers Association and as the co-organizer of NYRETs.

RABBET Recognizing the long, tedious documentation process in facilitating cash-flow from lenders to developers to contractors, Rabbet aims to eliminate the unnecessary burden and costs of the draw request process. Focusing solely on the commercial real estate development and finance fields, Rabbet delivers efficiency to the construction finance process through its intelligent loan management software. Utilizing machine-learning to decrease administrative requests and reduce the disbursing of funds, Rabbet provides users with a centralized view of all project information. Allowing developers to manage invoices, update project budgets and package draw requests, the firm’s software additionally enables lenders to verify documentation, ensure loan term compliance and approve draw requests. While reducing room for errors, the firm’s platform results in faster, more accurate construction payment processes, for equity partners, lenders and developers to benefit from a single source of disbursements. Recognized in the industry for its innovative technology, as well as its workplace environment, the firm champions the payment process and in-turn impacts the economy. In 2019, Rabbet raised an $8 million Series A funding, and currently has more than $4 billion in actively managed construction projects on its platform. Rabbet CEO, Will Mitchell led the firm to additionally launch the Foundation Board, in order to facilitate discussions with prominent real estate developers concerning trends and opportunities within the industry. The firm also serves as an active participant in notable industry organizations and conducts research reports to start conversations within the space, concerning the relationships among equity partners, lenders and developers.

REALTYMOGUL As one of the first pioneers in real estate crowdfunding in 2012, RealtyMogul introduced an entirely new way for individual investors to gain exposure to investments. Founded by CEO, Jilliene Helman, RealtyMogul was instrumental in bringing online crowdfunding to mainstream investors, allowing accredited and non-accredited investors to invest. Regulated by an independent broker-dealer, the firm was one of the first industry crowdfunding companies to seek out FINRA registration. Priding itself on investor protection, the firm’s website content is diligently reviewed by licensed FINRA team members to ensure regulation compliance, provide peace of mind to investors and confirm viability as new competitors emerge. The RealtyMogul team thoroughly vets, un-derwrites and manages each deal throughout the full lifecycle, and additionally physically visits each property it intends to invest in. Through proprietary technology, the firm has built a highly-automated investment process on its platform to efficiently verify investor information, collect investor funds, electronically share compliance reports and close deals on time. RealtyMogul continues to serve as a leader in the space with a variety of offerings for investors, including private placement opportunities for JV equity investments, 1031 exchanges, funds and two separate REITs. Since inception, RealtyMogul and its affiliates have raised nearly $500 million in online capital, with a current portfolio valued at more than $2 billion. With more than 185,000 registered users, the growing platform has returned more than $120 million in capital and distributions to investors. As an informative, user-friendly website for investors, the platform continues to revolutionize the industry with new technology, features and opportunities.

REONOMY Considering the infinite moving parts to the industry, from asset classes and markets to companies and professionals, properties may be represented in countless ways, while much associated data, insights and resources remain disconnected, inaccessible or inaccurate. Working to integrate disparate datasets, Reonomy provides a single, uniform method to identify properties and connect accuracy and distribution. Offering a scalable, customizable platform for all industry professionals, Reonomy uses proprietary algorithms and machine-learning to standardize property data and create a universal language.

Empowering greater efficiency, actionable insights and increased connectivity across all systems, Reonomy discovers and provides up-to-date, accurate data within the marketplace. Founded in 2013, the firm, led by CEO and co-founder, Rich Sarkis, has experienced exponential growth within the past year. Since 2018, Reonomy has tripled in employee headcount, from 30 professionals nearly 100 and additionally raised $46 million in venture capital in 2018 alone. The firm also recently added nearly two dozen notable data partners and firms to its network, such as CBRE, WeWork, Avison Young and Cushman & Wakefield. While enabling collaborative workflows and alleviating discrepancies, the growing business works to continuously launch new products and improve functionality, by adapting to market needs to serve its diverse client base of brokers, lenders, appraisers, investors and developers, as well as roofing, tax and solar professionals. Its expert research and development team additionally delivers product offerings that serve clients beyond the industry, by decreasing fossil fuel consumption and mitigating energy waste.

VTS CEO, Nick Romito and chief strategy officer, Ryan Masiello set out to alter the industry commonality of disconnected data and gut-instinct decisions, by co-founding VTS. Investing their life savings to grow the first-of-its-kind technology platform, the pair elevated processes by centralizing leasing activity and marketing practices. With an impressive roster of clients, boasting global leaders such as Blackstone, JLL and CBRE, VTS currently manages more than 11 billion square feet of office, retail and industrial assets on its platform. Transforming how modern landlords work, the operating system allows for the ability to drive new strategies, automate approval processes, track leasing activity and collaborate with property managers, third-party brokers, finance teams and tenants. Through VTS, landlords are able to convert leads to leases 41% faster and brokers are able to manage their deal pipeline from their mobile device to get tenants placed faster. Further benefiting users, VTS allows industry professionals to compare their performances, for critical demand metrics and actionable insights. The firm launched VTS 3 in 2019, as a next generation platform to offer business intelligence, automated alerts, comprehendible reports and supply and demand analysis. Following a recent software acquisition, which doubled the platform’s retail square footage, and a recent $90 million Series D funding, as possibly the largest venture financing in commercial real estate software, the privately-held start-up is now valued at more than $1 billion and is set to launch the industry’s first and only end-to-end transactional marketplace. With more than 35,000 users across 38 countries, the company continues to bring industry professionals into the tech-enabled era.