JumpStart Invests in DIY Real Estate Solutions

JumpStart Inc., the Northeast Ohio venture development organization that accelerates the growth of innovative early-stage businesses and ideas, announced an investment commitment of $400,000 in DIY Real Estate Solutions (DIY), a Cleveland-based software developer that offers a complete management solution to the residential rental property management market.

CLEVELAND, Oct. 21 JumpStart Inc., the Northeast Ohio venture development organization that accelerates the growth of innovative early-stage businesses and ideas, announced an investment commitment of $400,000 in DIY Real Estate Solutions (DIY), a Cleveland-based software developer that offers a complete management solution to the residential rental property management market.

The DIY software is a comprehensive web-based management solution for rental property managers and their renters that includes property management tools, such as an accounting system, a marketing portal, and a resident portal. Of the 33 million residential rental properties within the United States, DIY is targeting small and midsized property managers who often lack affordable access to the integrated tools available to their larger competitors. DIY charges a monthly subscription fee (in keeping with traditional Software as a Service (SaaS) models) and generates additional revenue through transaction fees for related services such as tenant screening, debt collection and electronic rent payments. The company has developed several marketing and distribution relationships and partnerships with ancillary service providers, including TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, National Apartment Associations, Lifestyles Unlimited and Landlord Academy, and already has over 100 customers.

Behind the DIY product is a management team with more than 84 years of combined experience in developing and marketing software solutions in the property management market. The co-founding team includes Chairman of the Board Robert Lasser, Chief Executive Officer Steve Lloyd, and Chief Technology Officer Donald Katt.

JumpStart Entrepreneur-in-Residence Lee Poseidon, who will be working with DIY, is impressed with the company’s position in the market and prospects. “The combination of the team’s industry expertise, their understanding of the needs within the $1.67 billion residential rental property management market, and their established relationships with industry associations, puts DIY out in front. They are among the first to introduce a SaaS model to this market, which gives them a significant first-mover advantage,” Poseidon said.

“We are excited to be part of the JumpStart portfolio of companies, especially to have access to a broad range of talented individuals who are experienced in accelerating the growth of early-stage businesses,” said Steve Lloyd. “We see this relationship as a game changer in that it brings together a depth of skill and knowledge from two organizations for the benefit of the property management marketplace.”