PropTech
Stream
A program helping high-potential PropTech
startups transform how real estate is designed,
built, used, and experienced.
startups transform how real estate is designed,
built, used, and experienced.
In partnership with 
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The traditional concept of "home" is rapidly evolving.
An unprecedented combination of factors is changing how and where we live. Climate regulation is driving Net Zero construction, rising energy prices are forcing optimization, interest rates are stifling affordability, and 5G and work-from-home trends are accelerating connectivity in housing requirements. Homes need to be more than just places to eat and sleep; they need to be spaces where people can work, connect, experience, learn, and thrive, all sustainably. Fortunately, the tools and technologies to support this transition are now accessible and ready to be leveraged.
To address these changes, our PropTech Stream will focus on sustainability, affordability, adaptivity, and connectivity. By 2100, we need to build 2 billion better homes.
Breaking new ground
Created in partnership with GroundBreak Ventures, the DMZ’s PropTech stream is a specialized stream alongside the Incubator helping startups solving real estate problems to fast-track their growth over the course of 18 months.
With access to customers, capital, coaching, and a community of industry experts and peers, startups receive the tools, resources and exposure needed to scale their teams and drive global impact through technology.
What you get
This is a competitive stream within the DMZ’s Incubator that provides startup services in exchange for equity. If accepted into the PropTech stream, you will receive:
What we look for
The DMZ's PropTech stream targets high-potential startups. Eligible companies should have:
- A tech-enabled product solving a compelling problem in the housing industry
- At least one full-time founder dedicated to the program, and one in-house technical lead
- An MVP that has some form of market validation
- The ability to become a venture-backable business in a growing market
- A driven, coachable and collaborative leadership team
Who we are
Emily Smiley
Director, Partnerships & Investor Relations
Scott Kaplanis
Managing Partner, GroundBreak Ventures
Tyler Ashby
Principal, GroundBreak Ventures
Sherif El Tawil
Senior Director, Programs & Global OperationsPartners
We back exceptional entrepreneurs that are changing the way we live and work. GroundBreak Ventures™ is a venture capital firm specializing in real estate and property technology. We invest as early as the pre-seed stage, and provide both the capital and the domain expertise necessary to support the growth of our entrepreneurs, and the businesses they work tirelessly to build.
Our firm is based in Toronto and supported by Hopewell®, a multifaceted real estate organization with operations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and the U.S. Over its nearly 40- year history, Hopewell® has built extensive industry networks and deep expertise in residential and commercial development, homebuilding, property management and logistics, including last mile. The company has embraced innovation; a willingness to adopt new technology is a key differentiator in its approach to business.