It’s been a long, long time since the days when CRE technology dragged behind most other industries. The sector has exceeded those early expectations and now excels in just about every CRE-related category. Driving these developments are men and women whose innovation and expertise have helped propel proptech to its current heights. On the following pages are our selections for tech influencers of the year.
TYLER CHRISTIANSEN
In less than three years, Tyler Christiansen took a company named Nestio from a regional marketing tool to one of the most widely used CRMs by national multifamily REITs. During that time, Christiansen introduced the Funnel brand, which has reimagined traditional leasing models from property-based to centralized. Christiansen is CEO of Funnel Leasing, where he is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the company along with fundraising and setting the strategic vision and course for the business. Christiansen holds 15 years of industry experience. Under his leadership, Funnel has grown its revenues by more than 300% and it raised $14 million in a round of funding in November 2020. As his first act as CEO for Funnel Leasing, Christiansen made Funnel’s mission to make the world a better place by creating the future renter experience. As part of that vision, he led the initiative to found H.O.M.E., a 501c3 not-for-profit dedicated to building responsible technology and supporting causes that provide disadvantaged renters with access to safe and healthy housing. Every online application completed through Funnel’s platform will now generate a $1 donation on behalf of H.O.M.E. that will be used toward creating more equitable housing access and opportunity. Funnel has implemented several new initiatives to remain dynamic and nimble, including work from anywhere, unlimited paid time off and a series of full company off-site meetings.
