AppWork Secures Series A Funding to Modernize Maintenance Operations
AppWork, a software platform created to streamline maintenance operations for property managers, has secured a $13 million Series A investment. Led by Resolve Growth Partners, the investment will help accelerate product innovation and deepen AppWork’s customer success capabilities to support its growing base of managers and operators.
“Maintenance is one of the most critical drivers of resident experience and operational success, yet it remains underserved by legacy solutions, said Sean Landsberg, co-founder and CEO of AppWork, which was launched in 2022. “We started AppWork to give maintenance teams the software they actually enjoy using. With Resolve as our partner, we’re positioned to double down on our vision, scale faster, innovate deeper, and bring modern tools to even more operators across the country.”
The Series A investment follows a period of strong momentum for the firm, with over 300% year-over-year growth. As part of the investment, Jit Sinha, co-founder and partner at Resolve, will join AppWork’s board of directors. appworkco.com
Fetch Launches Smarter Storage Solution for Renters
Fetch, a leader in off-site package management and delivery service, has launched a new amenity that will benefit renters and property managers. Fetch Storage provides an on-demand, off-site storage solution for renters who need extra space for seasonal gear, bulky items, and extra belongings.
“Storage has always been a pain point for renters and property managers alike,” said CEO Michael Patton. “Traditional options don’t fit modern renters’ needs—so we created a smarter, more convenient alternative. No heavy lifting required.”
Built on Fetch’s existing logistics network, the new solution delivers storage bins to a renter’s door, picks them up, and holds in a secure off-site facility until needed. Plans start at just $10 a month. fetchpackage.com
Funnel Launches Standalone Multifamily AI Platform
Funnel, a renter-centric customer relationship management (CRM) platform, has launched Fenix, in conjunction with selected purchased assets of LeaseHawk and powered by Sierra, a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) platform.
Fenix is a new standalone AI product for multifamily owners and managers that helps to transform the customer journey from prospect to resident. It will provide multifamily owners and managers wanting to take the first steps toward centralization and a streamlined operating model with the tools that only had been available previously to Funnel platform customers.
The assets acquired from LeaseHawk includes call center technology, voice AI, call scoring, and standalone self-service tools. Funnel is re-platforming them into Fenix to provide more flexible solutions for the multifamily industry.
“We’ve had a privileged seat to go all in on empowering the new operating model with nine of the 15 largest apartment owners and hundreds of others who ran their businesses more efficiently, created more engaging careers for their teams, and optimized their prospect and resident experiences,” said Funnel CEO Tyler Christiansen. “From its inception, Funnel believed in building software for the humans of multifamily, rather than software to replace the humans of multifamily. We are excited to offer Fenix to a new market of operators and managers and help them on their path toward centralization and the new operating model.” funnelleasing.com
Igloo Unveils Smart Access Solutions
Igloo has launched its latest suite of common access and unit door smart locks for multifamily rentals. These solutions are designed to enhance security, convenience, and operational efficiency, providing flexible access for units and shared common areas.
“With the rising demand for secure and flexible rental property access, Igloocompany is committed to delivering innovative solutions that simplify access control for property managers while improving the resident experience. Our latest offerings ensure reliable, hassle-free, keyless entry with advanced management tools to optimize property security and efficiency,” said Paul Hoggard, head of North America at Igloo.
Features include integrated common access control, smart locks for individual units, remote monitoring and audit trails, and compatibility with leading property management systems. igloocompany.co
Okibo’s EG7 Robot Available in U.S.
Okibo, a global leader in construction painting and drywall finishing robotics, announced the launch of its U.S. headquarters and the availability of its much-anticipated EG7 robot. The EG7 is autonomous, utilizing a patented AI-guided 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm to guide the robot with zero preparations, measuring tools, special marking, or building information modeling tools.
According to Okibo, its robots are proven to be able to paint and sand drywall at 1,500 square feet per hour. With its offices established last year in Englewood, New Jersey, its AI-guided painting and drywall finishing robots are now being used on major U.S. construction sites.
“In an industry that is quickly adapting new technologies to improve performance safety, our robots are designed to operate alongside humans and literally require no techy skills or setup time,” said Nadav Shuruk, chief operating officer and co-founder of Okibo, which is also headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Not only can construction sites become significantly more efficient with Okibo on their team, they can become incredibly safer. Robots can’t fall off ladders or get neck, back, arm, and should injuries from repetitive movements, and Okibo’s robots nearly eliminate dust on a jobsite, leading to healthier indoor air quality and better respiratory health.” okibo.com
SmartRent Expands AI-Powered Solutions
SmartRent has rolled out enhancements that support the multifamily industry’s shift toward centralization. These latest innovations are part of SmartRent’s $10 million investment to fuel innovation and customer success.
The rollout includes Teams, Smart Launch, and Triggers features in its Work Management solution, which will drive greater efficiency and cost savings. The Teams feature enables organizations to assign work at the group level rather than to individuals, allowing for greater operational flexibility. Smart Launch is an AI-powered assistant designed to expedite workflow searches and simplify platform navigation in Work Management. In addition, the Triggers enhancement improves automated task creation for move-out inspections.
“As operators centralize maintenance, they often find it difficult to structure teams and route work efficiently,” said chief technology officer Isaiah DeRose-Wilson. “With these features, we are fully supporting all centralized service models. Our customers now have the flexibility to configure their operations coverage to best suit their portfolio. Every community can receive the thoughtful care and attention residents expect—regardless of how teams are deployed and work is organized.” smartrent.com
TenantCloud Launches State-Specific Legal Forms
To improve property management compliance, property management software firm TenantCloud has launched a series of state-specific legal forms. This offering provides access to attorney-drafted releases and forms tailored to the legal requirements of individual states, reducing the risk of renter disputes and noncompliance.
According to TenantCloud, the forms are automatically populated with TenantCloud account data to save time and minimize errors.
“It’s our goal to help property managers operate with confidence,” said CEO Mark DeHaan. “By offering attorney-vetted legal forms directly to users, we can make it that much easier.” tenantcloud.com
Xfinity Communities Introduces Connected Building Service
Xfinity Communities, which serves multifamily communities nationwide, has introduced an end-to-end network solution to deliver instant propertywide Wi-Fi. The Connected Building solution enables property owners and managers to improve connectivity, streamline operations, and deliver tech-enabled experiences.
At the heart of the solution is the new Multifamily Xfinity Broadband Gateway, a product that is purpose-built and retrofit-friendly, allowing owners to activate additional networks to power smart technologies and provide residents and staff with seamless Wi-Fi coverage.
“Today’s multifamily properties require seamless, propertywide connectivity to meet rising resident expectations and efficiently manage operations,” said Ilan Eframian, vice president of Xfinity Communities. “Through Connected Building, we are in a unique position to offer both large and small property owners a variety of tailored connectivity solutions. This solution can enhance existing infrastructure with advanced technology, transforming a building’s network into a high-performance, secure solution that boosts operational efficiency and enriches the experience for both residents and staff.”
Some of the features and functionality include enabling owners and managers to easily connect IoT devices, such as leak sensors as well as smart locks and thermostats; fast and reliable connections powered by Comcast’s next-generation network; instant connectivity for new residents at move-in; and advanced gateway technology and security. xfinity.com
Yardi, RETTC Collaborate on Fee Transparency News
Yardi, in partnership with the National Multifamily Housing Council and its recently launched Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center, has introduced Rent Estimator, a tool that allows housing providers to give future residents the ability to calculate their total estimated cost to rent and live at a property before deciding to apply.
“We are pleased to announce that our platform enhances fee transparency for both property managers and renters,” said Arjun Rao, vice president at Yardi. “Our features are designed to help housing providers maximize transparency for renters while providing property managers with a simple way to communicate pricing to prospects.”
Rent Estimator is available to all clients on the Voyager 8 platform. Over time, it will be available through the RentCafe Marketing API for interface partners.
In addition, Yardi has introduced new features in its RentCafe Chat IQ to streamline rent collection and lease renewals. These enhancements are only available to clients using RentCafe CRM IQ.
“By automating routine outreach, property managers can reduce manual follow-ups while encouraging on-time payments and quicker renewal decisions,” said Paul Yount, industry principal at Yardi. “When residents receive timely information and answers, they act faster. This gives teams a clearer picture of future occupancy, enabling more accurate forecasting and planning.” yardi.com
