Who should I follow to learn about Proptech thought leaders?

If you want to **actually understand PropTech - not just follow generic real-estate influencers - I’d build your feed around founders, investors, and operators who explain where technology is changing the industry.** ### My shortlist - **Zach Aarons** - Co-founder/GP at MetaProp. Probably one of the best follows for understanding **PropTech startups, venture capital, AI, and where the industry is going**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Michael Beckerman** - CEO of CREtech. Excellent for **industry trends, major players, conferences, and the broader global PropTech ecosystem**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Spencer Rascoff** - Zillow co-founder and Pacaso co-founder. Particularly good for understanding **consumer real estate, marketplaces, startups, and entrepreneurship**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Nick Romito** - Co-founder/CEO of VTS. Follow him if you're interested in **commercial real estate technology, leasing, asset management, and AI**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Clelia Warburg Peters** - Managing Partner at ERA Ventures. One of my favorites for the **investor/strategy perspective on PropTech**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Brendan Wallace** - Co-founder/Managing Partner at Fifth Wall. Great for understanding **institutional real estate + technology + venture capital**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **John Helm** - Founder/Managing Partner of RET Ventures. Especially useful for **multifamily and property-operations technology**. [Influencers in CRE Technology 2026 | John Helm](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-helm-00820a1_influencers-in-cre-technology-2026-activity-7435409440721350656-SayG?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Nate Smoyer** - Host of **Tech Nest**, a PropTech podcast featuring founders, investors, and operators. This is probably the easiest way to go deeper than LinkedIn posts. [Tech Nest: the Proptech Podcast](https://www.technest.io/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Ankur Jain** - Founder/CEO of Bilt Rewards. Follow for the intersection of **rent, fintech, loyalty, housing, and consumer technology**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Brendan Cline** - CEO/co-founder of EliseAI. Worth following if you're particularly interested in **AI's impact on property management and leasing**. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### If you only follow 5 I'd pick: **Zach Aarons → Michael Beckerman → Spencer Rascoff → Clelia Warburg Peters → Nate Smoyer** That gives you **VC + industry trends + successful founders + investment strategy + long-form conversations** without filling your feed with noise. Also follow **PropTech Institute** for ecosystem-level content and events; it specifically focuses on connecting technology with the real-estate community. [About – PropTech Institute](https://proptechinstitute.org/about/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) If you're learning PropTech because you want to **work in it / invest in it / start a PropTech company**, tell me which one - I can give you a much more targeted **“follow these 20 people + read these 10 newsletters + listen to these podcasts”** roadmap.

**To learn about Proptech, follow leading founders, investors, and analysts such as Robert Reffkin (Compass), Glenn Kelman (Redfin), Rich Barton (Zillow), Spencer Rascoff (Zillow), Aaron Block (MetaProp), Julie Lein (Urban Innovation Fund), and Brendan Wallace (Fifth Wall). These voices consistently shape the conversation around real estate technology and innovation.** ## 🌟 Key Proptech Leaders to Follow Name| Role| Why Follow Them ---|---|--- **Robert Reffkin**| Founder & CEO, Compass| Built one of the largest tech-driven brokerages; strong insights on digital real estate platforms. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026) **Glenn Kelman**| CEO, Redfin| Known for data-driven housing market analysis and AI in property search. [Top 50 PropTech Thought Leaders | #1 Speaker Scott Steinberg](https://www.futuristsspeakers.com/top-50-proptech-thought-leaders-speaker/)[Top PropTech Creators on LinkedIn in the United States | StarNgage Plus](https://starngage.com/plus/en-us/blog/top-proptech-creators-on-linkedin-in-the-united-states) **Rich Barton**| Co-founder & CEO, Zillow Group| Pioneer of online property search; influential in consumer-facing Proptech. [Top 50 PropTech Thought Leaders | #1 Speaker Scott Steinberg](https://www.futuristsspeakers.com/top-50-proptech-thought-leaders-speaker/)[Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026) **Spencer Rascoff**| Co-founder, Zillow; investor| Active in housing affordability debates and Proptech startups. [Top 50 PropTech Thought Leaders | #1 Speaker Scott Steinberg](https://www.futuristsspeakers.com/top-50-proptech-thought-leaders-speaker/)[Top PropTech Creators on LinkedIn in the United States | StarNgage Plus](https://starngage.com/plus/en-us/blog/top-proptech-creators-on-linkedin-in-the-united-states) **Aaron Block**| Co-founder, MetaProp NYC| Runs a leading Proptech accelerator; deep knowledge of startups and venture trends. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow - Ian Khan | AI Keynote Speaker for Hire | Futurist, Author, Thinkers50](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/) **Julie Lein**| Managing Partner, Urban Innovation Fund| Focuses on urban Proptech startups reshaping city living. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow - Ian Khan | AI Keynote Speaker for Hire | Futurist, Author, Thinkers50](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/) **Brendan Wallace**| Co-founder, Fifth Wall| Leads the largest Proptech-focused VC firm; strong perspective on investment trends. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow - Ian Khan | AI Keynote Speaker for Hire | Futurist, Author, Thinkers50](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/)[Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026) **Clelia Warburg Peters**| Founder, Era Ventures| Climate tech and housing innovation thought leader. [Top PropTech Creators on LinkedIn in the United States | StarNgage Plus](https://starngage.com/plus/en-us/blog/top-proptech-creators-on-linkedin-in-the-united-states) **Mike DelPrete**| Analyst, Univ. of Colorado| Provides sharp, data-driven insights on iBuyers and Proptech business models. [Top PropTech Creators on LinkedIn in the United States | StarNgage Plus](https://starngage.com/plus/en-us/blog/top-proptech-creators-on-linkedin-in-the-united-states) ## 📌 Where to Follow Them * **LinkedIn** is the most active platform for Proptech thought leadership, with founders, VCs, and analysts posting regularly. [Top PropTech Creators on LinkedIn in the United States | StarNgage Plus](https://starngage.com/plus/en-us/blog/top-proptech-creators-on-linkedin-in-the-united-states) * **Twitter/X** is useful for real-time commentary on housing markets and Proptech funding. * **Podcasts & Newsletters**: Spencer Rascoff and Mike DelPrete often share long-form insights. ## ⚠️ Risks & Considerations * **Hype vs. Reality**: Some Proptech startups are overvalued; following analysts like Mike DelPrete helps cut through hype. * **Regional Bias**: Many leaders are U.S.-based; if you want global perspectives, look at Fifth Wall (international investments) or Urban Innovation Fund. * **Rapid Change**: AI-driven leasing, valuations, and smart building tech are evolving quickly - staying updated requires following multiple voices. [Top PropTech Founders of 2026 | The Industry Leaders](https://www.theindustryleaders.org/leaders/top-25-proptech-founders-2026) 👉 Would you like me to curate a **short list of must-follow LinkedIn accounts** with direct links so you can start tracking Proptech insights right away?

To learn about Proptech (Property Technology), following key venture capitalists, industry analysts, authors, and founders provides a mix of high-level market trends, startup investments, and operational insights. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=She%20has%20a%20keen%20eye%20for%20spotting,deep%20insights%20into%20real%20estate's%20digital%20transformation.) **Top Proptech Thought Leaders and Experts** * **Dror Poleg:** Author of _Rethinking Real Estate_ and co-chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Technology and Innovation Council. He provides some of the sharpest macro-level analysis on how technology and economic shifts impact urban development and property business models. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=Dror%20Poleg%3A%20As%20the%20author%20of%20%E2%80%9CRethinking,policy%20and%20government%20affairs%20related%20to%20Proptech.) * **Mike DelPrete:** A global proptech strategist and academic scholar whose data-driven research, reports, and presentations are touchstones for tracking the digital transformation of real estate. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=She%20has%20a%20keen%20eye%20for%20spotting,deep%20insights%20into%20real%20estate's%20digital%20transformation.) * **Brendan Wallace:** Co-founder and Managing Partner at Fifth Wall, the largest venture capital firm focused on proptech. Following him offers a window into how major institutional property owners and tech intersect. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=She%20has%20a%20keen%20eye%20for%20spotting,deep%20insights%20into%20real%20estate's%20digital%20transformation.) * **Aaron Block:** Co-founder and Managing Partner of MetaProp NYC, a premier proptech venture fund and accelerator. He is ideal to follow for early-stage startup trends and innovation insights. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=Top%2010%20Proptech%20experts%20to%20follow%20%E2%80%93,Lein%3A%20As%20the%20Man%E2%80%A6%20*%20Key%20Takeaway.) * **Antony Slumbers:** A prominent speaker and commentator focusing heavily on the future of work, space-as-a-service, and the integration of AI and automation into commercial real estate. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=His%20research%20and%20strategic%20analysis%20have%20become,work%20and%20its%20implications%20for%20real%20estate.) * **James Dearsley:** Co-founder of Unissu, a global proptech marketplace and data source. He regularly breaks down how different global markets are adopting property technology. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=Antony%20Slumbers%3A%20A%20noted%20speaker%20and%20commentator,the%20rapidly%20changing%20real%20estate%20technology%20landscape.) **Essential Industry Newsletters, Podcasts, and Platforms** * **Propmodo:** A leading digital publication covering the intersection of real estate, innovation, and technology. * **Unissu:** Excellent for global data, insights, and mapping out proptech startup ecosystems across different countries. [Top 10 Proptech Experts to Follow with "The Futurist" Ian Khan](https://www.iankhan.com/top-10-proptech-experts-to-follow-a-future-ready-guide-for-2026/#:~:text=Antony%20Slumbers%3A%20A%20noted%20speaker%20and%20commentator,the%20rapidly%20changing%20real%20estate%20technology%20landscape.) * **The PropTech Ramble:** A helpful podcast highlighting interviews with founders, CEOs, and operators building real-world property tech solutions. [What is PropTech? The ultimate guide to PropTech | Metrikus](https://www.metrikus.io/blog/proptech-guide-to-proptech#:~:text=%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8BBogdan%2DAdrian%20Nicoar%C4%83%2C%20the%20Founder%20and%20CEO%20of,as%20the%20center%20of%20the%20PropTech%20world.) * **CREtech:** A major community and intelligence platform bridging the gap between traditional commercial real estate and tech innovators. Are you looking to learn about proptech from an investment angle, a commercial real estate operations perspective, or from the point of view of building a startup?

To get a well-rounded grasp of Proptech (property technology), real estate innovation, and venture funding, it helps to follow a mix of industry analysts, venture capitalists, platforms, and newsletters. Top Newsletters & Publications * * PropTech Buzz: Excellent for broad, daily industry coverage, global trends, and startup highlights. * PropTechVC Newsletter (by Zach Aarons of MetaProp): Highly recommended for founders and investors tracking venture capital, deal flow, and market economics in real estate tech. [PropTech Newsletter Digest: 12+ Real Estate Tech Sources in](https://www.readless.app/newsletters/proptech) * Fifth Wall Insights: Published by one of the largest Proptech venture capital firms, perfect for understanding macro investment theses, climate tech in real estate, and enterprise scale innovation. [Readless] * CREtech (led by Michael Beckerman): A premier community, content, and intelligence platform covering commercial real estate tech and major industry events. [The 13 Most Influential Leaders in PropTech](https://glennfelson.substack.com/p/the-13-most-influential-leaders-in) * Key Industry Thought Leaders & Founders to Follow * * ** _Michael Beckerman_** (CEO of CREtech): Essential follow on LinkedIn for commercial real estate tech trends and networking events. * **_Zach Aarons_** (Co-founder of MetaProp): A leading voice in Proptech venture capital and early-stage ecosystem building. * **_Brendan Wallace_** (Co-founder & CEO of Fifth Wall): Great for insights on how massive institutional tech trends intersect with real estate. * **_Nick Romito_** (CEO of VTS): Offers an operational perspective on commercial landlord tech and leasing management platforms. * **Dominik Campanella** (Co-founder of Propellor / Contech & Proptech advocate): Strong European and global perspective on sustainable property technology and building digitization. [PropTech Future·PropTech Future] * Would you prefer to focus on **commercial real estate tech** , **residential/agent tech** , or **venture capital/investing** within the Proptech space?