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Chambr, ARKI, Convierge, Goby Homes, Pairgap and Reeku are the latest companies selected for advisory services by Equity Angels, a woman-founded and -led organization focused on equitable access to financial and entrepreneurial resources.
The latest Catalyst Program cohort was shared exclusively with Inman.
The organization said its latest class is “developing AI-powered solutions designed to supercharge the productivity and profitability of architects, engineers, single and multifamily owners, real estate brokers, agents and teams.”
ARKI was co-founded by architect Natalia Bakaeva and Mehdi Karamnejad, an engineer. The company applies predictive intelligence and rapid data analysis to AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) design workflows to cut project times, improve quality and better link stakeholders.
Alikiah Barclay was inspired by work travel to launch Reeku, an initiative that creates value for tenants and landlords out of underused apartments. PairGap unlocks homeownership for the next generation of buyers through shared ownership, data-driven matching and structured legal agreements, according to Equity Angels. It was founded by Nikki Merkerson.
Goby Homes is looking to better entwine the consumer in the real estate transaction with its software solution that promises to “connect all parties involved, provide secure document management and ensure efficiency.” Its founder, Terrence Nickelson, is an agent and software engineer.
Chambr’s mission is to help people be better at sales. Its founders Alex Poe and Gabriela Constantinescu created a roleplay-based system using dynamic scenarios generated by artificial intelligence.
A New York City real estate leader for 20 years, Luciane Serifovic hails from Brazil and is now the founder of AI-driven proptech, Convierge. The application empowers buyers and agents to collaborate on home search and vendor management throughout the transaction.
Equity Angels was founded in 2024 by Kenya Burrell-VanWormer and Katherine “Kat” Winston, each of whom has a diverse tenure in real estate leadership, technology and entrepreneurship.
“By supporting these promising founders through our Catalyst Program, we’re architecting a more equitable and technologically advanced ecosystem for the real estate industry,” said Burrell-VanWormer in a statement. “And our commitment and impact are amplified by the invaluable support of advisors, mentors and partners like Blueprint, which will feature our cohort at the largest gathering for built world innovators and investors this September.”
The power of tailored startup accelerators to fuel significant growth is underscored by a Wharton study, according to Equity Angels. One finding in particular was that participants in such programs consistently outperform their peers in key metrics like fundraising, growth, revenue and job creation.
“The data is clear: Well-structured and specialized accelerators are a catalyst for rapid growth and measurable innovation,” said Winston. “Our recently released Impact Report further demonstrates the efficacy of this approach within our own proptech-focused program, and this new cohort is poised to build on that momentum.”
Equity Angels will be working with Blueprint Vegas to showcase its cohort and programs. The annual real estate industry event, which brings together technology leaders, companies and innovators, was acquired by Inman in 2024.
Equity Angels’ inaugural cohort consisted of four companies that raised a total of $3 million and created 11 jobs. The startup collective was made up of agent and broker financial services firm Upfront, home furnishing visualization solution Home Studio AI, recruiting and retention company Maverick Systems, and Billions, a startup that strives to improve operations for high-performing teams.
