Nine Four Insights

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PropTech Today: Same, but Different | Nine Four Ventures

“4 weeks ago, I wrote about how Nine Four is seeing COVID-19 play out across PropTech. On one hand, it doesn’t feel like I wrote it 4 weeks ago (maybe that’s a good thing!), but on the other, it feels like we’re in a similar spot in terms of how everything is feeling.”

Profile of a Founder | The Tech Tribune *Featuring Lucas Haldeman of  Smart Rent

“SmartRent’s capabilities improve the lives of residents and make property manager and owner operations more efficient. Some examples are our self-guided apartment tours that alleviate wasted time during the rental process; the Alloy Fusion all-in-one touchscreen hub and thermostat that automates and schedules climate, lighting, and power; leak sensors that identify issues and emergencies before they become catastrophes. The benefits of installing SmartRent’s platform in a multifamily property are wide reaching.”

Could the much-maligned cubicle be making a comeback? | Inverse *Featuring Branch

“‘It gave office spaces more flexibility and versatility more than traditional walls would’ said Verity Sylvester, co-founder of Branch, a venture-backed office furniture startup whose clients include Tumblr and SquareFoot. ‘Even back then, real estate was getting more expensive.

Tech Leaders Map Out Post-Pandemic Return to Workplace | WSJ

“The use of artificial intelligence and automation will also play a significant role in enabling contact-tracing of infected workers, said James Manyika, chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute, a research arm of consulting firm McKinsey and Co.

“The measures that will need to be in place to allow companies to reopen and people to return to work will further accelerate the digitization we’ve seen happen so rapidly during the pandemic,” Mr. Manyika said.”

Real Estate Will Never Be The Same Post Covid-19. Three Top Developers Explain The New Normal | Forbes

“In future buildings, with the advent of more technology that optimizes remote access and living, we expect to see an increase in designated home offices. In terms of technology, we also anticipate more no-touch interfaces, preventing residents from ever needing to grab door handles or push elevator buttons. From a design perspective, living room-like terraces will also be a mainstay within projects in my opinion, as well as more private elevators. Common areas will also be smaller in the future, I think, and residents will want access to more fresh air and more outdoor space.”

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