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,…

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…

Every successful journey has a story of an instrumental connection or insight that changed the trajectory. One relationship can—and does—change everything for a founder. Meeting the person who opens the door to a meeting with your first customer. The one who worked with your future…

Collectively, GEM Diamond is a diverse community of proptech innovators spanning every role, sector, and geography. This is the 5th year publishing our “State of the GEM” and we spend hours compiling and double checking this data. We are big believers in transparency, and sharing the overall…

Last year’s GEM Proptech Getaway saw 22 innovators descend on Central Oregon, and it was one of the highlights of the year for the GEM Diamond community. We’re excited to make it even better in 2025. As such, we’re excited to announce the dates for…

In 2023, the basics ruled the day: Profits rule and negative unit economics drool. Business sustainability was also a theme in 2024’s trends of interest (with wins). Following the Wild Wild West that we saw last year… As we all know, the rise of the machines is coming—in the home, maintaining…

In a wild wild year of proptech, the topic that dwarfed them all was the commission lawsuits and the NAR settlement. To miss it would be akin to tossing a horseshoe in a wide corral; unless you fling it straight into the sky, you’re guaranteed…