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Minority Entrepreneurs in Proptech to Receive Professional Mentorship

• NEO’s chief growth officer, Kenya Burrell-VanWormer, along with Katherine Winston, head of marketing at Plunk, have combined their efforts to develop a program specifically designed for minority entrepreneurs in proptech.
• This initiative seeks to balance out demographics within the sphere of proptech, which is notably dominated by the “pasty pale pool boys” (middle-aged white men).
• The program will focus on providing in-depth professional mentorship, ranging from business strategy guidance to practical tech skills tutoring.
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The Objective: More Minority Representation in the Proptech Industry

• Aiming to bridge the gap between cultural backgrounds and skill sets, the duo seeks to extend the reach of proptech, bringing innovation and fresh perspectives to the industry.
• Burrell-VanWormer and Winston are also knocking on the doors of proptech firms, attempting to encourage investment in the program to further support emerging minority entrepreneurs.
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Underrepresented Groups Gain Strength in Business and Real Estate

• The program reflects a growing trend within business and real estate sectors: they’re finally starting to recognize the potential within underrepresented groups – putting both diversity and inclusivity on the blueprint.
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Outcomes Predicted: Stronger Proptech Cluster with Varied Expertise

• According to the dynamic duo, the mentorship program should result in a more sturdy proptech cluster, boasting a range of varied skill sets and experiences.
• Although early in its development, the program is already generating high interest levels and is creating a stir in the proptech sector.

The Witty Chip-in

Now, let’s get real. Dropping the ‘tech’ suffix to things doesn’t instantly make them more appealing except probably making it more difficult for the boomers to understand. But hey, the advent of ‘proptech’ might just be the smooth curve in the rollercoaster ride of real estate. It’s like hitting power-up in Tetris where blocks turn into skyscrapers, and multi-million dollar deals become power snacks.

Bravo to our superheroes, Burrell-VanWormer and Winston, who have decided to shine the ‘proptech’ signal in the sky, calling all marginalized avengers to the (virtual) HQ. There, they’ll buckle up their tech-straps and transform from mere mortals into these tech wizards who’ll use their powers to navigate the real estate market like they did fantasy sports leagues.

Sure, the proptech bar at the moment might seem more like a ‘guys-only’ club where the occasional woman and person of color might feel like they’ve accidentally walked into a terrible snowstorm. But, if this initiative manages to stick the landing, pretty soon, we’re looking at a vibrant, diverse Avengers-like team rocking the proptech stage with various superpowers – from constructing algorithm-powered blueprints to sealing inter-galactic real estate deals. And that’s an industry worth investing your popcorns into. (No kidding, the shows could be binge-worthy!) They’ll be the living testament, proving it doesn’t take a pasty pale pool boy to paddle the proptech pool!

Original article: https://www.inman.com/2024/01/15/equity-angels-launches-to-diversify-proptech-innovation/