Calling all innovators! On March 13, Realtor.com and National Association of Realtors Tech & Innovation will team up at SXSW to launch the first PropTech Startup Showdown, a competition designed to identify and elevate the next generation of real estate technology innovators.
SXSW (South by Southwest) is an annual series of festivals and conferences in Austin, Texas, celebrating the convergence of technology, music, film and culture. The competition is a call to action for founders who are ready to get in front of industry power players, gain unmatched visibility and show the SXSW community how their technology can transform the way real estate works. Applications are due by January 23rd.
“Today, technology is transforming the industry faster than ever, and many meaningful breakthroughs are coming from early-stage founders,” said Mickey Neuberger, chief consumer and marketing officer, Realtor.com. “We are excited to bring this event to SXSW, in partnership with the National Association of Realtors to create a platform for these visionary entrepreneurs to share fresh ideas and ultimately help more people find their home. Realtor.com pioneered online real estate 30 years ago and that spirit of innovation remains in our DNA.”
To be held at the Realtor.com® office in East Austin, the event will showcase six finalists whose early- and growth-stage startups are shaping the future of residential and commercial real estate, fintech, contech, property management, data and AI and agent tools. Finalists will give rapid-fire presentations and get real-time feedback. The Showdown offers a rare opportunity for founders to capture the attention of leading voices across National Association of Realtors Tech & Innovation, Realtor.com, Second Century Ventures, investors, real estate professionals and the broader SXSW audience.
The competition’s Grand Prize includes a $5,000 cash prize awarded by National Association of Realtors, a meeting with Second Century Ventures (SCV)’s managing partners, amplified exposure across Realtor.com and partner channels and optional VIP intros and visibility with industry leaders. An Audience Choice Award will also recognize one startup chosen by event attendees.
“NAR has long supported innovation that helps REALTORS® better serve homebuyers, sellers, and consumers,” said Dan Weisman, Director of Innovation Strategy, National Association of Realtors. “NAR Tech & Innovation is excited to partner with Realtor.com to spotlight the creativity, energy, and forward-thinking solutions emerging from the proptech community, especially at such a globally recognized stage as SXSW.”
Finalists will also benefit from visibility across Realtor.com®, NAR Tech & Innovation, Second Century Ventures, and partner channels, as well as potential VIP introductions with industry leaders.
