The Built Environment Bulletin with James Kirimy, DoorFeed

Welcome to ‘The Built Environment Bulletin’, with Tabitha Francis, our Q&A focused on the PropTech and Built Environment space.

Our Q&A series is an opportunity for our Head of PropTech, Tabitha Francis, to discuss all things Built Environment, Start-ups, and Career with different founders from across the region. Each week we will ask Built Environment innovators burning questions and quiz them about their products. We hope you find it insightful and enjoy getting to know the founders as much as we have.

This week we have been in touch with James Kirimy, Founder and CEO of DoorFeed.

DoorFeed unlocks access to the Single-Family Rental market. Traditional methods of capital deployment in the residential sector are expensive, exposed to risk and can take a number of years to generate income. DoorFeed allows investors to access the largely ignored Single Family Rental Market, and deploy capital with speed, scale and precision across Europe.

How did you find yourself in the Built Environment sector?  

My journey into the Built Environment sector has been a mix of diverse experiences. While working at Uber in the UK, I delved into investing in buy-to-let properties in France, realizing the potential of real estate investments even from a distance. This initial foray led me to transition to a prop tech firm in the UK, specializing in short-term rentals. Managing a portfolio of 15,000 units in London fueled my passion for leveraging technology and data to scale operations efficiently. 

What was the mission when you set out to create the business and what is unique about your business vs competitors? 

The genesis of our business stemmed from a personal pain point: the lack of transparency and data in real estate investing. I embarked on a mission to solve this problem, leading to the development of a tech-first, data-driven platform. Unlike competitors, our focus on technology as the core of our solution sets us apart, ensuring a personalized approach to addressing industry challenges. 

What are some of the challenges you have faced within the Built Environment sector given the macro-climate? 

The macro environment has posed several challenges for the Built Environment sector. Shifts in market dynamics, such as rising construction costs and changing investment strategies, have impacted stakeholders across the board. However, amidst these challenges, the demand for residential real estate remains strong, presenting opportunities for innovative solutions to address supply shortages and adapt to evolving needs. 

Congratulations on your recent funding! What advice would you give to other startups seeking capital in this challenging landscape? 

Thank you! Navigating the fundraising landscape requires perseverance and strategic communication. Building strong relationships with investors and maintaining transparency about both successes and challenges can enhance credibility. Additionally, prioritizing the treatment of existing investors as valued partners can foster trust and pave the way for future opportunities. 

With capital secured, what does the road ahead look like for your company? 

The future holds exciting prospects for our company. We plan to allocate funds towards further enhancing our technology platform, expanding our operational footprint, particularly in France, and preparing for geographical expansion. Our focus remains on innovation and agility as we strive to meet the evolving needs of the market. 

What are your predictions for the rest of 2024? 

While 2024 may not herald significant market shifts, it presents an opportunity for steady growth and consolidation within the PropTech space. As the industry acknowledges the potential for technological disruption, we anticipate a gradual but noticeable uptrend in innovation and adoption. While challenges persist, the underlying trends indicate promising opportunities for forward-thinking companies to thrive.