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Surviving the PropTech Winter with Zach Aarons of MetaProp

March 20, 2025

Thursday, March 20, 2025

On Tap Today

  • Decoding Real Estate Podcast: PropTech investor and advisor Zach Aarons discusses recent challenges and future opportunities in the industry.

  • Mixed-use webinar: At 1:00 PM ET today, join JLL and Kastle experts to explore data-driven strategies for boosting profits and tenant synergy. Sign up

  • Connectivity webinar: Tips for optimizing your office with smart tech and seamless connectivity for a smooth return-to-work. Sign up

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Decoding Real Estate Podcast

Few people know PropTech like Zach Aarons. As co-founder and general partner of MetaProp, Aarons has worked closely with more than 75 early-stage PropTech startups in which he has invested. The past few years haven’t been easy for some of these companies, given the struggles of certain property types, like office, and the industry's challenges with high interest rates. He recently joined Propmodo’s Decoding Real Estate podcast for a candid conversation about these difficulties and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Aarons recalls that when times were good in PropTech, they were really good. “Everyone was like, ‘PropTech is taking over the world’ in 2018,” he said. “It was the best year of my life. I was getting invited to the hottest parties. I was on NBC. I was the coolest guy in the world.” But then, a series of failed IPOs shifted market sentiment away from investing in “overvalued” PropTech companies.

While funding for PropTech startups has declined, Aarons notes that it hasn’t been all bad news—many of his portfolio companies have continued to grow. With commercial real estate looking more stable than it has in recent years, he predicts that the startups that have survived this downturn may finally be on the verge of fulfilling their goal of disrupting the industry.

Overheard

Top Headlines

Webinars

Combining Residential and Commercial Spaces in Modern Developments

When executed effectively, mixed-use developments seamlessly integrate residential and commercial spaces, creating a highly sought-after asset class. Whether you're a developer shaping the next urban hotspot or a property owner optimizing asset value, this webinar offers essential insights into the evolving mixed-use real estate landscape.

REGISTER: https://propmodo.com/combining-residential-and-commercial-spaces-in-modern-developments/

Your Building's Tech Stack is Key to a Happy Return to Office

As companies return to the office, they are upgrading layouts, amenities, and technology to boost productivity and engagement. Optimized office tech is crucial, supporting seamless connectivity and smart systems. Without it, even well-designed spaces may lack the flexibility and convenience today’s workforce expects.

REGISTER: https://propmodo.com/your-buildings-tech-stack-is-key-to-a-happy-return-to-office/

Popular Articles

Schneider Electric’s Paris HQ Turns Occupancy Data Into Energy Savings

Schneider Electric transformed its Paris headquarters, Le Hive, into a living testbed for energy efficiency. By installing 3,500 sensors and smart systems, they cut energy use by 50%, carbon emissions by 44%, and costs by 38%. The upgrades paid for themselves in five years, proving sustainable retrofits work.

READ ONLINE: https://propmodo.com/schneider-electrics-paris-hq-turns-occupancy-data-into-energy-savings/

Phygital Horizons: Spatial Computing Meets Real Estate

Spatial computing is reshaping reality, blurring physical and digital boundaries. Experiences feel real, even if fabricated. As perception becomes personalized, who controls reality? Real estate shifts from fixed structures to dynamic, digital overlays. The future isn’t buildings—it’s curated, immersive experiences that redefine what “real” means.

READ ONLINE: https://propmodo.com/phygital-horizons-spatial-computing-meets-real-estate/

Occupancy Data’s Impact on Every Corner of a Building

Modern offices need to adapt to how people use them, and occupancy data is key. Badge scans, desk sensors, and WiFi tracking each have limits, but newer solutions like Occuspace offer real-time, anonymous insights. This data helps optimize space, energy use, and long-term planning for smarter buildings.

READ ONLINE: https://propmodo.com/occupancy-datas-impact-on-every-corner-of-a-building/

Flexibility Will Save the Office in an Uncertain World

Offices face an uncertain future amid remote and hybrid work, but Ford’s transformation of Detroit’s Book Depository into an innovation hub for Newlab shows that flexibility, modular design, and collaboration are key to remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving world.

REAd online: https://propmodo.com/flexibility-will-save-the-office-in-an-uncertain-world/

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Propmodo Daily is written and edited by Franco Faraudo with contributions from readers like you and the Propmodo team.

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