What is a PropTech Company?

Flatfox is one of the first so-called PropTech companies in Switzerland, founded in 2012 when the word for it had yet to be invented.

PropTech, composed of the terms property and technology, refers to the digital transformation of the real estate industry that began in the mid-2010s, as well as the individual innovative companies in this industry that support and drive this process. It is in line with innovation currents in other sectors, such as the real estate industry.l FinTech, MedTech or LegalTech.

Business models are optimised by means of new software solutions

PropTech companies invent or optimise real estate products and services by applying the latest information and communication technologies and digitising, making more efficient or simplifying business processes or business models. For example, procedures, processes or complete business models are optimised or simplified with the help of the latest software and hardware solutions. PropTech products can be aimed either at companies (B2B) or at end consumers (B2C).

PropTechs are active in all areas of the real estate industry

PropTech companies are active in all areas of the real estate life cycle: development, planning, construction (here there is the additional term ConTech, composed of Construction and Technology), letting, sales, marketing, use, management and maintenance. Flatfox is active in the field of letting, sales and marketing with its software for the digitalised letting process and its real estate marketplace.

The initial boom of PropTech companies stabilises

After a very large number of PropTech companies emerged during a few years and some of them also went out of business again, and it became increasingly difficult to gain an overview, there is currently a tendency towards stabilisation with those companies that have been able to establish themselves in recent years and actually bring (additional) benefits to the real estate industry.

SwissPropTech network

With the increased emergence of PropTech companies in the mid-2010s - especially in Switzerland - the need arose to network the various companies and foster an exchange. Thus, in collaboration with various founding members, including Flatfox, and the initiator Mario Facchinetti, the Innovation Network SwissPropTech emerged. The network now has over 80 members, organises various events itself and represents PropTech companies at the major real estate trade fairs.