Chicago real estate-centered accelerator announces inaugural class

Moderne Ventures, a Chicago-based early-stage venture fund that focuses on tech startups in the real estate space, announced the launch of its Accelerator Class today. Members include Chicago startups UrbanBound, Growth Geeks and Purchasing Platform, along with 5 other startups from across the country.

makes web-based relocation management software that helps companies aid employees who are moving for their jobs — whether they’re new hires or old timers moving to new markets. The company already has over $13 million in funding from investors including Grotech Ventures, Moderne Ventures and StarVest Partners.

is an e-commerce platform that strives to be a one-stop shop for real estate operators. Founded in 2012, its marketplace contains over 20,000 products, ranging from large appliances to break room supplies and printer ink.

helps companies outsource marketing tasks to freelancers who work on a gig-by-gig basis, letting real estate managers focus on keeping properties running smoothly. Growth Geeks was a member of Chicago Techstars’ class of 2015.

The real estate sector and its peripherals constitute more than 20 percent of the United States gross domestic product. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in The Loop, Moderne Ventures strives to drive innovation in this multi-trillion dollar marketplace that with a few notable exceptions has been neglected by the tech industry.

Non-Chicago members of the class include:

Better: an online platform for mortgages.

FieldLens, which streamlines construction site communications.

ImageSurge, whose platform turns storefront windows into e-commerce interfaces.

New Story: a fundraising platform for construction of homes for homeless families.

TaskEasy: a home and yard services procurement platform.

Image via Shutterstock.

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