June 12, 2018 – The lights dimmed over a buzz of voices at the Light Box Theatre for the Future of Real Estate Summit (FoRE). About 300 tech investors, startups, entrepreneurs, executives of real estate and construction companies gathered to discuss technology’s effects and accomplishments in the development of real estate today. With the sponsorship of Engel and Völkers, Mercantil, JQ Group of Companies, Miami Association of Realtors, and the Miami Herald, LAB Ventures was able to produce an event complete with pitch sessions, panel discussions, and keynote speeches.
Professionals led conversations exploring the profound impact of real estate technology, construction development and design, big data and artificial intelligence. They provided insight on the latest trends and successes of technological and digital investments, how to create a seamless experience for consumers, as well as reducing expenses and increasing efficiency in the market today. People rely on technology to meet their every day demands. And embracing technology is an essential means for the advancement of real estate. The goal to deliver what companies like Uber and Instagram have done with technology would revolutionize and culturally shift our experiences and approach to living.
According to CEO of Doorbell Communications, Benjamin Pleat, “Real estate technology is one of the few industries still in its renaissance.”
Tech startups had the opportunity to pitch their companies at FoRE in front of judges Maria Seredina, Head of M&A Zillow, Roy Abrams, CEO of RealConnex, Richard Swerdlow, founder of Condo.com, David Atkins, founder of Digital DNA Infusion, and Harlan Milkove, managing partner of Foundational. LAB Ventures chose finalists such as My Rent Hero, Home61, VeryApt, Brickly for their innovative approach to real estate technology. The winner was Zonar a software app developed by Gridics, which displays real time site-specific and interactive 3D zoning laws. They were awarded an exhibitor table at CREtech’s December 6th event in New York and $20,000 worth of other prizes.
The evolving real estate industry is empowering entrepreneurs to invest in tools that will add value to the quality of our everyday life. Keynote speaker, Brad Hargreaves said, “A stronger community brings better returns.” Further implementation of real estate tech would allow buyers to have better experiences with online video tours, smart homes, and package delivery systems. It would reduce inefficient and unnecessary tasks for agents, and increase productivity for construction companies via mobile applications, 3D printing, and virtual reality helping create a strong foundation for successful development in communities.
By: Cindy Matheus
About The LAB Miami and LAB Ventures
Located in the heart of the vibrant Wynwood Arts District, the LAB is Miami’s original coworking space. Since 2012, Miami’s brightest and most forward-thinking entrepreneurial minds have converged here to share their ideas, learn from one another, and build amazing companies. In 2017, The LAB launched LAB Ventures to build new technology businesses in partnership with established corporations, and to help build bridges between large companies and the South Florida startup community. For more information, please visit https://www.LABVentures.com