Partnering with Experienced Entrepreneurs

to Solve Big Problems in Real Estate and Housing

A Unique Opportunity for Experienced Entrepreneurs

Welcome to the REALFounders program, an exclusive 8-week program designed for experienced founders with successful exits. This intensive program is hosted by R-LABS and aims to create new startups or refine existing startup ideas to deliver impactful solutions for the real estate and housing sectors. Through a tailored, guided structure, participants will gain valuable insights and connections, culminating in a formal pitch session with R-LABS Partners and industry experts.

Program Highlights

Duration

8 Weeks

5 half-day in-person sessions at R-LABS

Weekly office hours with R-LABS advisors

Focus Areas

Ideation

Validation


Go-to-market strategy 


Pitch preparation

Final Pitch Day

Participants will present
their refined startup concepts to a panel of R-LABS leadership and industry experts

Post-Program Opportunity

Selected participants will have the chance to receive an investment of up to $500,000 from R-LABS to form new companies

Why Join the
REALFounders Program?

The real estate and housing industries face numerous challenges, from affordability and sustainability to technological advancements and regulatory changes. Addressing these issues requires innovative ideas and the expertise of seasoned entrepreneurs. The REALFounders program is designed to bring together such individuals, providing them with the resources and support needed to turn their visionary ideas into successful businesses.

Rapid Execution

Condensed 8-week format designed for seasoned founders who can move fast.

Substantial Backing

Up to $500,000 in funding for selected founders to launch and scale their venture.

Industry Access

Access to an extensive real estate industry network for market validation and idea refinement. 

Cutting-Edge Tools

Access to advanced technologies like Athena AI for market validation and customer discovery.

Program Structure

1

Ideation & Validation

Workshops:
Identifying target markets, conducting effective market research, and understanding customer needs

Tools:
Advanced tools like Athena AI for market validation and customer discovery

2

Value Proposition & Business Model

Sessions:
Lean startup methodology, crafting a compelling value proposition, and developing business models using the business model canvas

Activities:
Group activities and presentations for feedback and refinement 

3

Go-to-Market Strategy

Workshops:
Creating detailed go-to-market plans, exploring marketing and sales strategies, and developing actionable plans to reach target customers

4

Pitch Preparation

Workshops:
Elements of a successful pitch deck, designing and refining presentations, and practicing pitches

Coaching:
Peer feedback and one-on-one coaching sessions

5

Final Pitch Day

The culmination of the REALFounders program is the final pitch day, where participants will present their refined startup concepts to a panel of R-LABS leadership and industry experts

Post-Program Opportunities

Following the 8-week program, R-LABS will select 2 to 4 standout participants to lead the validation and founding of 1 to 2 new companies as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. These selected founders will have the opportunity to receive an investment of up to $500,000 from R-LABS for the formation and scaling of each new venture. This post-program support ensures that the most promising ventures have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) 

We are now accepting submissions for the 2025 Second Cohort of the REALFounders program until July 16, 2025. We are looking to build a cohort of up to 10 participants who have a proven track record of successful exits and a passion for solving big problems in real estate and housing. Interested founders can submit their EOI below.