MetaProp NYC and Columbia University launch proptech programme
In partnership with Columbia University, proptech accelerator MetaProp NYC has launched an eight-week pre-accelerator programme for proptech entrepreneurs to develop ideas and develop product strategies in exchange for equity. Hosted at the university, the pre-accelerator will connect entrepreneurs with mentors, sources of pre-seed investment capital and a community of peers who face similar challenges. Last year's MetaProp NYC accelerator class included start-ups in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning space, as well as a lease-flipping marketplace and a company that enables landlords to host group fitness classes in under-utilised spaces. 

A startup accelerator that focuses on real estate technology is now accepting applicants for its class of 2017, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Called MetaProp NYC, the Manhattan-based accelerator has just launched the eight-week long MetaProp Pre-Accelerator program for the proptech sector in collaboration with Columbia University’s Columbia Center for Urban Real Estate. MetaProp NYC is taking applications for the program until April 30.

Pre-accelerators are aimed at entrepreneurs who haven't yet gotten their ideas off the ground. MetaProp said this means those in the "idea" stage and also future product launchers who're readying to join a full accelerator program for startups.

“This is a unique opportunity for early stage, pre-seed PropTech ventures to access extraordinary talent and resources from Columbia and beyond, as well as advice and mentoring from MetaProp NYC, the foremost authority in real estate technology acceleration,” said Aaron Block, MetaProp NYC’s Founding Partner and Managing Director in a statement. “MetaProp NYC is honored to partner with Columbia in this pioneering startup program for aspiring PropTech entrepreneurs. The eight-week program will be hosted at Columbia University and will culminate in a final presentation to a panel of industry experts.”

The pre-accelerator will connect fresh proptech entrepreneurs inside and outside of the Columbia University community with a number of resources that include:

Introduction to the proptech community and likely sources of pre-seed investment capital

Curated introductions and education sessions in deep technology, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, data management and GIS

Education on entrepreneurship, real estate, business, marketing and public relations

Community of fellow entrepreneurs facing similar challenges

Problem-solution strategies

Preparation for full accelerator programs

“We at the Center for Urban Real Estate, working with Columbia Entrepreneurship, are thrilled to partner with MetaProp in this endeavor,” said Dr. Patrice Derrington, Holliday Professor of Real Estate, Director of CURE, GSAPP, Columbia University in a statement.

“The pre-accelerator represents an extraordinary opportunity for early stage founders with a focus on advancing technology applied to the built world and emerging from Columbia University’s rich technology ecosystem, to work on [proptech] startup ideas and to receive high-level mentorship and training from the [proptech] and Columbia networks.

MetaProp NYC’s 2016 accelerator class included a lease-flipping marketplace, startups innovating in the HVAC space and a company that helps turn landlords into fitness class hosts. The accelerator program provides funding and mentorship in exchange for equity.