SA Accommodation Marketplace Startup DigsConnect Raises USD 830K

Cape Town-based student rental startup DigsConnect has raised USD 830K In Funding from undisclosed investors.

DigsConnect is an accommodation finding platform that was founded by Alexandria Procter, Greg Keal, Brendan Ardagh . The platform allows landlords, estate agents and property managers to create free property listings. Students then search and filter through these listings to find accommodation that meet their requirements, and also find roommates. The students can then message landlords directly through the platform.

The funding will be channeled to expand the startup tech team as they continue to grow the platform, a huge chunk of the funding will however be used for sales and marketing purposes.

“It is a very special moment for me, and in our company’s life. Our growth has been fantastic, and our team has grown from strength to strength. I’m so proud of my incredible team. All I can say is watch this space, because we’re just getting started,” said DigsConnect co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Alexandria Procter.

“We don’t just want to digitalise the old school rental processes but to create a new rental experience using the best of what technology can offer – to ‘Airbnb-ify’ the process – allowing people to easily manage their own properties with our tech,” said DigsConnect co-founder and head of technology Brendan Ardagh.

Think VR property viewings, rewards for on-time rental payments and innovative technology that makes it easier for you to manage your property through the platform, than to have someone manage the property for you.“And that’s just the stuff that we can share with you” adds Ardagh.

“We’re also thrilled to be launching our ‘Virtual Res’ on April 18, which will totally revolutionize how universities verify their properties, communicate with landlords, and ensure that they have enough beds available around their campuses,” said co-founder and head of marketing Greg Keal.

The student-founded startup has listings in every major university city or town in South Africa. According to a co-founder, Alexandria they charge for accommodation differently based on where the residence is located.

Featured Image Courtesy: UCT News