GEM members have spoken — and we’re proud to recognize Heather Harmon as our inaugural GEM of the Year. This award honors the member who most consistently embodies the GEM ethos:• Be Present• Support the Community• Show Curiosity• Harness Authenticity• Do the WorkHeather exemplifies these values every day….
Building companies is hard. Heck, life is hard. Even if you’re not leading a company. We’ve all done it. You get caught up in the day to day, checking one thing after the next off your endless task list. Selling your next customer on your…
GEM remains a highly intentional community of proptech builders, operators, investors, and advisors—spanning roles, sectors, and geographies across the Built World. Looking back on 2025, there is much to be proud of. Despite continued macro uncertainty across real estate and venture, the community stayed active,…
In my twenty years in real estate technology, I’ve watched the industry shift through waves of advancing technology, regulatory change, evolving tenant expectations and new market pressures. Today, one challenge stands out from the rest for tech leaders in our industry: navigating the increasingly complex…
I’m not sure how to reflect on 2025, other than to say we’ve seen this before: lawsuits, discount brokerage plays, rough fundraising waters, M&A, and AI upheaval. David Bluhm’s 2025 “more of the same” prediction was spot on. Here’s a snapshot of the most notable industry dynamics that…
In 2023, fundamentals mattered again. Profits ruled. Bad unit economics didn’t. 2024 was chaotic—capital pulled back while experimentation ran hot. 2025 was the year AI stopped being optional. Now it’s 2026. The machines didn’t just rise—they moved in. This isn’t adoption. It’s saturation. AI is in every product roadmap,…
It’s been 591 days since our Geek Estate 4.0 release. I’m excited to say, that Geek Estate 5.0 is here. Special thanks to Darian Woolley for tackling all the design updates Jessica Wright and I asked for, Jeff Ognita for the base 4.0 design work (and some parts of 5.0), plus…
For years, GEM members have asked for a way to invest in companies in the GEM network. And seldom does a day go by when I don’t talk to a founder looking for investment. Finally…we’ve found a way to serve both sides of the market…
[Editor’s note: This is a cheeky and comical version of our Proptech Earnings Radar for Q3 2025. It’s is written entirely with AI using Gemini. If you want the serious version, head over to the original article on Crystal, or join GEM.] Gather ’round, fellow…
Congratulations to Christian Calusa and the NEO (New Estate Only) team for winning the 2025 NAR Tech & Innovation Pitch Battle! The event took place in Houston during NXT this past weekend. The result…a wave of social media exposure and a $15,000 check from Second…
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