The MetaProp Accelerator at Columbia University has announced its tenth cohort of PropTech startups, showcasing six groundbreaking companies that promise to revolutionize urban technology and real estate solutions. Selected from over 200 global applications, these startups represent a diverse range of innovations targeting critical challenges in sustainability, mobility, and urban development.
The 2025 cohort includes companies like Fram Energy, which is making solar deployment more accessible for rental properties, and PopWheels, an urban mobility startup developing an e-bike battery swap network for delivery workers in New York City. These ventures reflect a growing trend of technological solutions addressing complex urban infrastructure and environmental challenges.
Each startup brings unique technological approaches to persistent urban problems. BuildrFi aims to streamline construction financial workflows, while PropRise leverages artificial intelligence to provide developers with advanced data insights. Ulama seeks to expedite building permitting processes through automated code compliance analysis, and Wealthie offers innovative approaches to home equity management.
The accelerator program represents more than just a funding opportunity. It provides these startups with access to a global network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders, potentially transforming their innovative concepts into scalable solutions. Since its inception in 2015, the MetaProp Accelerator has supported 50 companies that have collectively raised over $200 million in venture funding.
The cohort's focus on sustainability aligns with critical urban regulations, such as New York City's Local Law 97, which mandates significant reductions in building carbon emissions. By supporting startups that address decarbonization, energy efficiency, and urban mobility, the accelerator is positioning itself at the forefront of technological solutions to complex metropolitan challenges.
Notably, the participating entrepreneurs bring impressive credentials, including backgrounds from prestigious institutions like Google, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania. This diverse talent pool underscores the program's commitment to nurturing innovative technological solutions.
MetaProp General Partner Zach Aarons emphasized the program's significance, highlighting how these startups are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change in urban environments. The accelerator's partnership with organizations like the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Real Estate Board of New York further validates its strategic importance in fostering technological innovation.
As cities continue to face unprecedented challenges related to sustainability, housing, and infrastructure, programs like the MetaProp Accelerator demonstrate the critical role of technology in developing adaptive, efficient urban solutions. The 2025 cohort represents a promising glimpse into the future of urban innovation, where technology and real estate intersect to create more sustainable, efficient, and livable metropolitan environments.
