Tech Nest: The Proptech Podcast - podcast cover

Tech Nest: The Proptech Podcast

Nate Smoyertechnest.io
Tech Nest is the proptech podcast where we discover all the latest in proptech by interviewing the innovators and leaders from startup that are challenging the way we buy, sell, and invest in real estate. When you listen to Tech Nest, you'll get in-depth interviews and discussions each week, focused on uncovering trends in proptech and how startups are transforming the real estate landscape. Don't miss an episode, subscribe today!
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Episodes

Tech Nest Final Episode—Thank you!

I never intended to publish over 200 podcast episodes. I truly thought I'd do 30 or 40—at most—and then move on to something else. However, the constant support I received across the entire industry motivated me to keep going. I love this industry and intend on going nowhere anytime soon. But the time has come to set the podcast aside and focus more energy into something else. I want to continue sharing my work so that others can benefit, but I'm also interested in saying yes to other opportunit...

Dec 10, 202418 minSeason 20Ep. 242

Blueprint Conference Conversations Part 4

In this special episode, you'll get to listen in on conversations I had while attending Blueprint Conference, 2024. Here's the list of guests in this Part 4 of my Blueprint Conversations series. Brad Pilgrim, Co-founder and CEO, Parity https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradpilgrim/ https://www.paritygo.com/ Vikas Gupta, CEO, Azibo https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikas-a-gupta/ https://azibo.com Matt Ellis, CEO, Measurabl https://www.linkedin.com/in/measurabl/ https://www.measurabl.com/...

Dec 10, 202426 minSeason 20Ep. 241

Blueprint Conference Conversations Part 3

In this special episode, you'll get to listen in on conversations I had while attending Blueprint Conference, 2024. Here's the list of guests in this Part 3 of my Blueprint Conversations series. Pierre Calzadilla, Co-founder & COO at Upfront https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrecalzadilla https://myupfront.com Mukund Venkatakrishnan, Co-founder & CEO at Upfront https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukund-venkatakrishnan-466636a5 https://myupfront.com Amber Kahr, Co-founder & COO at Billions http...

Nov 26, 202437 minSeason 20Ep. 240

Rental Listings Marketplace 3.0 with Anthemos Georgiades, CEO at Zumper

In this conversation I'm joined by Zumper Co-founder and CEO, Anthemos Georgiades. We discuss the evolving landscape of the rental market, highlighting the record supply of rental units in 2024 and the implications for renters and property management companies. I was excited to discuss the latest partnership between Zumper and Airbnb, exploring how this collaboration reflects the convergence of long-term and short-term rental markets. Anthemos has been in the trenches of this industry for quite ...

Nov 14, 202430 minSeason 20Ep. 239

Advancing EV Charging Amenities for Multifamily with Nicholas Johnson, Founder and CEO of Orange Charger

In this conversation, I talk with Nicholas Johnson, Founder and CEO of Orange Charger, about the challenges and opportunities in the EV charging industry, particularly for multifamily homes. He describes the importance of user experience, connectivity, and the role of software in managing energy consumption. We also get into the evolving landscape of property management as it relates to EV charging infrastructure and the future of energy management solutions. More about Nicholas and Orange Charg...

Nov 13, 202449 minSeason 20Ep. 238

Creating an Excellent Guest Experience with Peter Gudmundsson, CEO of BeHome247

Peter Gudmundsson, CEO of BeHome 247, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the short-term rental and vacation rental industry. He emphasizes the importance of delivering a consistently excellent guest experience and the need for brand consistency. Gudmundsson also addresses the impact of local zoning regulations on the industry and the role of technology in improving operations and guest satisfaction. He highlights the value of a unified operations platform that integrates various syste...

Nov 12, 202441 minSeason 20Ep. 237

Blueprint Conference Conversations Part 2

In this special episode, you'll get to listen in on conversations I had while attending Blueprint Conference, 2024. Here's the list of guests in this Part 2 of my Blueprint Conversations series. Kenon Chen, EVP of Strategy and Growth at Clear Capital https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenon-chen-72201b4/ https://www.clearcapital.com/ John Rogers, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at CoreLogic https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rogers-a4053a38/ https://www.corelogic.com/ Brandon Peterson, CEO of Geokey h...

Nov 11, 202430 minSeason 20Ep. 236

The Next Iteration in Property Management for Self-Managing Landlords with Dana Dunford, Co-founder and CEO of Hemlane

In this episode, Dana Dunford, Co-founder and CEO of Hemlane, joins the show to discuss the evolving landscape of property management for self-managing real estate investors. Hemlane is a venture-backed platform that simplifies rental property management by offering tools for inspections, repairs, tenant coordination, and more, all in one place. Dana shares how Hemlane differentiates itself from traditional property management by blending human oversight with technology, catering to a market whe...

Oct 24, 202444 minSeason 20Ep. 235

Bringing All Systems Together in Property Management with Jason Griffith, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Synco

In this epsidoe, I talk with Jason Griffith, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Synco, to explore how they simplify communication for property management teams. With the overload of emails and messages, Synco offers a real-time messaging platform to streamline collaboration and organize conversations. It lets users control inbox notifications and easily include external parties like contractors. Synco offers include real-time translation for seamless multilingual communication and integration with propert...

Oct 14, 202445 minSeason 20Ep. 234

3D Printed Homes With Recycled Materials with Gene Eidelman, Co-founder of Azure Printed Homes

Gene Eidelman, Co-founder of Azure, discusses how they are using 3D printing technology to create and build prefab homes. They use recycled polymers and fiberglass instead of traditional materials, making their homes faster to build and more affordable. We also get into the national housing shortage, affordability crisis, and reducing environmental impacts. Gene explains their construction process, which involves 3D printing modules and finishing them in the factory. He also discusses the challe...

Oct 11, 202436 minSeason 20Ep. 233

Modern Modular Platform for Real Estate Operations with Andrew Becker, CEO and Co-founder of Billions

In this episode, I chat with Andrew Becker, CEO and Co-founder of Billions, a real estate operations platform built for high-volume teams. We explore how Billions automates data tracking and enhances team efficiency, especially in today’s challenging market. Andrew shares his journey from the Air Force to building a successful real estate team and dives into why modular tech and AI are game-changers for the industry. We also discuss his podcast, "Team Lead Talks," where he interviews top real es...

Oct 08, 202447 minSeason 19Ep. 232

Blueprint Conference Conversations, Part 1 with Bo Lais, Heather Harmon, and Kevin Shtofman

More about each guest in this special episode: Bo Lais, Founder and CEO at Lula Bo Lais is a serial entrepreneur and current CEO/Founder of Lula, a proptech company focused on reinventing maintenance for property managers and investors. Rental property maintenance technology and software powered by a network of vetted contractors. Connect with Bo Check out Lula Heather Harmon, Founder, Investor, and Advisor Heather Harmon was prior the Head of Opendoor Finance where she led department operations...

Oct 01, 202441 minSeason 20Ep. 231

Building for Tighter-Knit Communities with Phil Levin, Founder and CEO of Live Near Friends

In this episode, Phil Levin, Founder and CEO of Live Near Friends, shares insights on the importance of proximity in shaping our lives and the potential for multiplayer mode housing. He discusses the benefits of living near friends and family, how transportation influences city design, and the rise of cul-de-sac communities. Phil also touches on the role of ADUs in fostering closer-knit neighborhoods, the loneliness epidemic, and the health impacts of community living. The conversation highlight...

Sep 25, 202441 minSeason 19Ep. 230

Reshaping Turnover Services in Multifamily with Greg Sack, Partner and CMO of Pinch

Greg Sack, partner and CMO of Pinch, discusses how Pinch is reshaping the multifamily industry's approach to turnover and common area cleaning. Pinch offers centralized solutions for property management companies, bridging the gap and providing efficient cleaning services. The conversation covers topics such as the challenges of finding cleaners, the need for a B2B avenue in the cleaning industry, the role of technology in scaling the business, and the potential for consolidation in the industry...

Sep 10, 202442 minSeason 19Ep. 229

The Impact of Pest Control in Property Management and Tenant Experience with Landon Cooley, Co-founder and CEO of Pest Share

In this episode, I chat with Landon Cooley, CEO and Co-founder of Pest Share, about the crucial yet often overlooked role of pest control in property management. Landon highlights the challenges of dealing with specialty pests like bed bugs and cockroaches, which can cause major issues in multi-family settings. Pest Share offers a solution by providing tenants with direct, on-demand access to pest control services, bypassing the need for property manager involvement. This not only improves the r...

Sep 03, 202446 minSeason 19Ep. 228

Data-Driven Decision-Making in Real Estate with Jason Lewris, Co-founder at Parcl Labs

In this episode, I chat with Jason Lewis, co-founder of Parcel Labs, about the evolving landscape of real estate data. We dive into the power of real-time housing data, how it's becoming more transparent, and the impact it's having on the market. Jason shares insights on how Parcel Labs is leading the charge by providing unparalleled access to housing information, making it easier for developers and operators to make informed decisions. If you're curious about the future of real estate data and ...

Aug 16, 202441 minSeason 19Ep. 227

Where is Proptech Headed from the Triple Win Podcast with Andrew Smallwood, VP of Revenue at Second Nature

This episode is a bit different. I recorded this as an episode for the Triple Win Podcast with Andrew Smallwood, VP of Revenue at Second Nature. So today, I'll be playing the role of guest and Andrew is host. Enjoy this fun discussion on where proptech is headed. -- From the Triple Win Podcast: Few things have changed the property management industry more in the last five years than a growing proptech industry, but that industry continues to go through changes of its own. Nate Smoyer, host of th...

Aug 16, 202439 minSeason 19Ep. 226

Navigating M&A in the Proptech Industry with Ben Lerner, Managing Director of Lerner Associates

Join me as I chat with Ben Lerner, Managing Director of Lerner Associates, about M&A in the proptech industry. Ben shares his unique insights from his background in tech and real estate, focusing on the importance of licenses and the evolving dynamics of user licensing. We discuss the differences between M&A and venture capital markets, highlighting the active M&A scene despite tougher capital raising. Ben advises founders to prioritize metrics, build relationships with potential acq...

Aug 07, 202452 minSeason 19Ep. 225

A New Era in Lending with Kirill Bensonoff, Co-founder and CEO of New Silver

Kirill Bensonoff, CEO and Co-founder of New Silver, a fintech company that provides loans for fix and flip projects, joins Tech Nest to discuss the current state of the real estate market, the challenges faced by investors, and how New Silver differentiates itself from other lenders. Kirill explains how their technology, including a pricing engine, streamlines the loan process and offers convenience to borrowers. He also discusses their unique approach to sourcing capital, including their partne...

Aug 06, 202434 minSeason 19Ep. 224

The Evolution of Tenant Screening with Steve Carroll, Co-founder and CEO of Findigs

Steve Carroll, CEO and co-founder of Fine Diggs, discusses the issue of rental fraud and its impact on the rental application process. He highlights that 25% of all evictions are attributable to rental application fraud and explains how fraudsters use stolen or fraudulent information to lease properties and wait out the eviction process. Carroll emphasizes the need for comprehensive identity verification and a more holistic approach to underwriting that considers factors like income and behavior...

Jul 30, 202447 minSeason 19Ep. 223

Prioritizing Data Security and Addressing Biases in AI Algorithms with Lindsay Liu, Co-founder and CEO of Super

Lindsay Liu, Co-founder and CEO of Super, discusses the challenges property managers face with busy work and inefficient communication. Property managers spend a significant amount of time on tasks like email and phone calls, which can be automated and streamlined. Super aims to centralize communications and automate tasks for property managers, allowing them to focus on more important work. The use of AI in property management can boost productivity and provide scalable assistance to property m...

Jul 25, 202438 minSeason 19Ep. 222

Demystifying Real Estate Auctions with Steven Jacobs, President at Ten-X

In this episode of Tech Nest, I explore commercial real estate auctions with Stephen Jacobs, President of Ten-X. Stephen shares his journey leading Ten-X (which is a really cool story, BTW) and debunks myths about auctions, explaining their strategic advantages beyond just distressed properties. Learn how Ten-X leverages data and technology to streamline the auction process, ensuring faster and more certain sales. Stephen also discusses the evolving role of brokers and current market trends, pro...

Jul 24, 202439 minSeason 19Ep. 221

A Fresh Approach to Fractional Homeownership with Frank Rohde, Founder and CEO of Ownify

Here's a fun one for y'all. Frank Rohde, Founder and CEO of Ownify, a company working to revolutionize homeownership through fractional ownership joins the show. Frank shares insights into Ownify's innovative model that helps first-time homebuyers with good income and credit but limited savings gradually build equity in their homes. You'll hear about Frank's diverse background, including his roles at FICO and Nomis, and how these experiences helped shape Ownify. He explains the dual nature of Ow...

Jul 16, 202440 minSeason 19Ep. 220

Innovative Solutions for Risk Assessment and Loss Control in Insurance with Valkyrie Holmes, Founder and CEO of Faura

In this episode we dig into the side of real estate that seems to be the big, sleeping topic: insurance. Valkyrie Holmes, Founder and CEO of Faura, discusses the impact of natural disasters on insurance, the challenges faced by insurance companies, and the innovative solutions offered by Faura. The conversation covers risk assessment, loss control solutions, the impact of climate change, and the future of insurance tech. More about Valkyrie and Faura Faura provides loss control solutions for ins...

Jul 11, 202438 minSeason 18Ep. 219

Assumable Loan Opportunities in Residential Real Estate with Raunaq Singh, CEO and Founder of Roam

We've got a solid interview for y'all this week. Raunaq Singh, Founder and CEO of Roam, comes on the show to discuss their platform for purchasing homes using assumable low-rate mortgages. Raunaq digs into the history of assumable mortgages, the potential size of the market, and the challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers. Raunaq also explains how Roam is working with agents, and is addressing misconceptions about assumable mortgages. We discuss the potential impact on real estate tr...

Jul 09, 202440 minSeason 18Ep. 218

Uncovering Hidden Inventory in Real Estate with Amanda Orson, Founder and CEO of Galleon

Have we all been ignoring opportunities to uncover inventory? Amanda Orson, Founder and CEO of Galleon, reveals the hidden potential in the real estate marketplace by exposing inventory not visible on the MLS. She shares insights on industry challenges and opportunities, and how technological advances are revolutionizing real estate transactions. Amanda discusses why the traditional 3% buyer's agent fee may soon be obsolete and the need for a pragmatic industry outlook. That's not to say buyer's...

Jul 02, 202434 minSeason 18Ep. 217

Churn Prevention in Property Management with Lior Abramovich, Co-founder and CEO of Blanket

I'm super excited for this episode's guest, Lior Abramovich, co-founder and CEO of Blanket. Blanket is a property retention platform, designed to help property managers reduce churn and better inform owners. Discover how Blanket launched to immediate acclaim and rapidly assembled a team driven by a shared mission. Lior outlines the dual aspects of their service: an owner investment dashboard that offers real-time metrics, educational tools, and AI-driven insights, alongside a marketplace exclusi...

Jun 27, 202446 minSeason 18Ep. 216

The Future of Venture Capital in Proptech with Nima Wedlake, Managing Director at Thomvest Ventures

He's back! Nima Wedlake, Managing Director at ThomVest Ventures, about the current state of Proptech and the themes he is tracking for 2024. We focused on an essay Nima penned, covering several topics including control point software, AI's impact on construction productivity, and the rise of home services businesses. Nima discusses the challenges and opportunities in scaling tech-enabled service businesses and the potential of AI in the construction industry. The conversation also touches on the...

Jun 25, 202445 minSeason 18Ep. 215

Modern Deal Coordination for Agents with Vijay Gopalswamy, Founder and CEO of Trackxi

This episode is focused on tech providing the means to execute the basics, at a high level, for real estate agents, teams, and brokerages. Vijay Gopalswamy, founder and CEO of Traxy, a deal-tracking tool for real estate professionals, shares his story of why he started Trackxi due to a void in the market for a great transaction coordinating platform. Vijay got into real estate as an agent, so he's very familiar with the pain of transaction coordination and that led him to create a solution. Vija...

Jun 21, 202432 minSeason 18Ep. 214

Greener, Smarter Buildings with Jean-Simon Venne, CTO and Co-founder at BrainBox AI

More about BrainBox AI and Jean-Simon Founded in 2017, BrainBox AI was created to address two critical issues currently facing the built environment: carbon emissions and energy consumption. As innovators in the decarbonization movement, BrainBox AI’s game-changing HVAC technology leverages AI to make buildings smarter, greener, and more efficient. Through strategic global relationships, BrainBox AI elevates real estate clients across various sectors from office buildings and hotels to commercia...

Jun 19, 202436 minSeason 18Ep. 213
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