How did association get in so early? It did a small investment and an exclusive partnership with DocuSign to offer its software for digital signatures to member Realtors, according to securities filings. It's quite a home run for Constance Freedman, founder of Chicago venture fund Moderne Ventures.
"Today’s interview is with Constance Freedman, the founder and managing partner of Moderne Ventures, an early stage investment fund focused on technology companies innovating in and around real estate, mortgage, finance, insurance and home services.
Through her venture capital investments, Freedman is leading and forming the future of the real estate tech industry.
Ever wish someone else would pre-qualify your buyers and sellers? How about on-demand lawn care for that last-minute showing?
Does your client insist on a five-day closing? In the new world of technology, this — and more –is becoming possible.
Freedman covers the exciting new innovations in artificial intelligence, smart homes and how to spot a great investment." Read More
"Moderne Ventures, a new early stage venture fund that focuses on real estate tech startups, announced the first full class to its accelerator program Wednesday.
Based in Chicago, Moderne Ventures launched last year and aims to fund companies in real estate, mortgage, finance, insurance, and home services. The fund was started by Constance Freedman, who formerly ran the National Association of Realtors' venture fund and accelerator.
The Moderne Accelerator consists of eight companies ranging from seed-stage to companies with more than $20 million in funding. The accelerator, which meets roughly once a month over the seven-month program, aims to provide startups with guidance and expertise, mentorship, and help them expand their customer base. The accelerator members include..." Read More
From Accelerator news to award nominations, October, November and December have been filled with milestones. A few highlights:
In October, Chicago Inno’s 50 on Fire announced the finalists for its list of visionary individuals and companies disrupting and innovating Chicago’s top industries. Moderne Ventures was honored to be among them.
On November 17, Moderne Ventures announced the first two companies to be accepted into the Moderne Accelerator, which provides resources and guidance to help launch technology companies in to the tech marketplace. This included Growth Geeks, a marketplace that connects businesses to freelance marketing talent, and UrbanBound, a service that helps companies provide new hires with relocation assistance.
In December, Constance Freedman was named one of the Inman 101, a selection of what the award calls “rebels, CEOs, power brokers, misfits, deal-makers, newbies and innovators whose ideas and actions will influence the way homes are bought and sold.”
December 15 saw the deadline for applications to the Moderne Accelerator. This means that in just one short month, the full class of participants will be announced at Inman Connect, real estate’s premier technology conference. The conference takes place in New York City on January 26–29.
"However, since these relationships can develop into much more, it’s extremely important to choose them wisely. As Constance Freedman pointed out, you need to 'find those advisors and mentors who are a target customer or group that you’re targeting for your product or service.' Finding advisors who are subject matter experts is critical, as are finding those who can fill in gaps or strengthen your weak spots, but ultimately, finding links to customers is the different between an unsuccessful company and a successful one. If your advisor is a customer or part of a customer company, you can open up crucial sales channels." Read More
