Second Century Ventures, the National Association of REALTORS®’ strategic technology investment arm, is helping REALTOR® associations build stronger ties to the startup community and help spark technology innovations and business solutions for its members. The NAR REACH Labs will connect associations with local technology investors, incubators, university programs, and entrepreneurs. Associations will present selected startups to their members through quarterly “innovation showcases.”
“Local REALTOR® associations play a vital role in connecting with members and affiliates across the nation,” says NAR CEO Bob Goldberg. “The new REACH Labs program enhances our ability to deliver innovation to REALTORS®, both locally and globally.”
REACH Labs will be staffed and operated by local associations. The program was initially piloted in 2021 by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Denver Metro Association of REALTORS®, the Miami Association of REALTORS®, and the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®. The program has expanded to now include the Greater Tampa REALTORS®, the Metro Texas Association of REALTORS®, the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, and the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. The REACH Labs program currently benefits more than 160,000 REALTORS®, according to NAR.
“Working collaboratively with NAR and other innovative REALTOR® associations throughout the country allows us to shape the technology landscape for our industry in a way that has both immediate and long-term benefits for our members and their clients,” says Ryan McLaughlin, CEO of the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®.
For more information about REACH Labs or how to get involved, visit NAR-reach.com/labs.