Dec 18, 2024
The PropTech industry is experiencing a groundbreaking transformation, reshaping how the world interacts with real estate. At the heart of this revolution is the MetaProp Accelerator at Columbia University, a program that has established itself as a cornerstone of innovation in the PropTech ecosystem.
In late 2023, I transitioned into a new, exciting role as MetaProp's Director of Portfolio Management, which allowed me to contribute to our Accelerator as the Program Director. My journey at MetaProp started in 2016 as an MBA intern, where I helped welcome our second Accelerator cohort. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the value creation our program has provided founders and was thrilled to lead our 2024 cohort through Demo Day at PwC’s HQ in Manhattan this past June (see highlights below). A true full-circle moment.
Since 2015, the MetaProp team has worked with exceptional partners and people, including Columbia University, NYCEDC, REBNY, Tech:NYC, C-suite mentors, and guest speakers. These contributors have made our growth-oriented PropTech Accelerator possible and elevated its success to new heights. Founders frequently relocate to NYC or travel throughout the program from major markets like San Francisco, LA, Dallas, Toronto, and even Stockholm, Sweden, a testament to each startup's dedication to the program. Industry leaders like Blackstone, CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Related, PwC, Convene, and WeWork have hosted Demo Days and Pilot Days.
As the MetaProp team reviews hundreds of applications from impressive entrepreneurs worldwide for our milestone 10th Accelerator cohort, it feels like the right time to reflect on what the team has built and appreciate how we got here.
MetaProp Co-Founder and General Partner Zach Aarons recently sat down with Fifth Wall CEO and CIO Brendan Wallace to discuss the inception of the MetaProp Accelerator (watch it here from Fifth Wall). Brendan Wallace gracefully summarized the MetaProp Accelerator program's value proposition as "an exercise in product marketing that speaks to the idiosyncrasies of the real estate sales process". One of Zach's quotes resonated with me:
We started with the idea that we didn’t want to be a generalist Accelerator… where we knew there was a gap was when we saw entrepreneurs who had objectively great products, but they were just struggling to sell it. They just couldn’t properly pitch it… they didn’t know how to speak the right real estate parlance… and they didn’t know the correct people to approach.
Zach Aarons
By the Numbers
Cohort 1 
Cohort 2 
Cohort 3 
Cohort 4 
Cohort 5 
Cohort 6 
Cohort 7 
Cohort 8 
Cohort 9
Over the past decade, the MetaProp Accelerator has achieved several milestones, highlighting the impact the program on the real estate industry.
- 3 programs executed
- Flagship 22-week Accelerator program
- Pre-Accelerator: capable founder with an idea on a whiteboard
- MetaProp Bridge: Europe-based startups expanding their footprint to the United States
- 2000 applications reviewed
- From 40 countries and 6 continents
- 9 cohorts selected
- 55 startups graduated
- $200M in total funding raised
- 6 exits to industry players such as Realtor.com and Alarm.com
- 7+ media publications providing coverage
- 300+ jobs created
The Secret Sauce
Our flagship 22-week program provides startups with up to $250,000 in financing, however, the value extends far beyond funding. The program is designed to drive business growth, streamline market entry, and provide unparalleled opportunities for collaboration. Key program benefits include:
- Access to industry experts: Curated introductions to real estate leaders helping startups gain critical insights, connections, and product feedback. The prestigious RE200 mentor network provides advice from sector specialists.
- Tailored strategic support: From executive pitch coaching to sessions with MetaProp’s Partners with 20+ years of experience in real estate, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, this is where a lot of the magic is created.
- Workspace and resources: Free office space at the PropTech Place innovation hub in Midtown Manhattan that provides startups with a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration and growth. Two of our 2024 Accelerator startups are actively working out of the space.
- Exclusive opportunities: Founders participate in events such as Pilot Days, Investor Lunches, and Demo Days, which offer visibility to potential customers, venture capitalists, and technology leaders.
- Peer learning: MetaProp leverages its portfolio of 110+ active companies to connect Accelerator startups with other PropTech founders to share industry notes, problem solve, and explore synergies.
These resources are complemented by MetaProp’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community, focusing on our core values of diversity, affordability, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
A Proven Track Record
Success stories have emerged from the MetaProp Accelerator that showcase its value. Avail, Bowery, and Doorport exemplify how we empower and equip PropTech startups with the tools to scale, innovate, and create tangible value in the real estate industry.
- Avail: This DIY landlord technology solution, part of our first 2015 cohort, simplifies renting for landlords and tenants alike. We watched Avail transition from an early product-market-fit to a scaled-up growth company. The company was acquired by Realtor.com in 2020, underscoring the commercial viability of the Accelerator alumni.
- Avail’s CEO Ryan Coon recently joined me for a short webinar titled "From Accelerator to Acquisition".
- Bowery: A cloud-based appraisal platform developed in our 2016 cohort has raised $70+ million to date, becoming a vital tool for appraisers in the commercial real estate industry. It’s been eight years since Bowery graduated from our Accelerator, and to this day, our team still connects with Co-CEO John Meadows.
- Doorport: Transformed traditional apartment intercoms into smart, secure access systems, offering an affordable and tech-driven alternative for building access. Doorport began its journey in our Pre-Accelerator program, followed by its participation in our flagship 22-week Accelerator before ultimately being acquired by Alarm.com in 2020.
Through tailored mentorship, funding, and strategic partnerships, the MetaProp Accelerator has enabled these companies to achieve successful exits and lasting industry impact.
A Higher Calling
Our Managing Partner, Aaron Block, often says that one of our goals at MetaProp is to leave the world a little better than we found it. If we can leverage technology to create a more affordable, sustainable, accessible, and resilient paradigm for people who utilize space, then I’m confident that we can achieve that goal. The PropTech sector has certainly matured since 2015, but one thing that’s stayed consistent is the MetaProp team isn’t afraid to roll up our sleeves and work with exciting entrepreneurs who will help continue pushing our industry forward.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
As we look forward to the 2025 cohort of the MetaProp Accelerator at Columbia University, we invite ambitious entrepreneurs to join us. Applications for the 2025 cohort are open through December 31st, 2024.
Watch now:
