SCOPR and Leaware: rebuilding the real estate sector
“A project manager looks at the present, we look at the future”
House hunting, we've all been there. Standing in front of your potential new home, overwhelmed by both excitement and dread about important factors you know barely anything about. Is this house solid? Does it need a new roof, and what will that cost? Are there any hidden issues that could turn into expensive repairs down the road?
Imagine you could have an expert contractor by your side, ready to point out exactly what work needs to be done and how much it's going to cost you, all before you put in an offer. How great would that be?
Full clarity in the real estate market and a complete financial picture, including renovation costs, to help potential buyers make an informed decision. That’s the aim of SCOPR, an innovative SaaS solution that guides users from A-Z in the home-buying process. SCOPR provides advised offers, suggests suspensive conditions for the notary, and assists in finding reliable contractors to ensure a thorough and supportive experience throughout the entire journey. SCOPR was developed with the technological expertise of Start it partner Leaware.
From interior architect to tech entrepreneur
Founder Caroline Gysels recounts: “I started my career as an interior architect, and later evolved into a role as a construction coordinator — a position that demands significant technical and architectural knowledge. Over 12 years, these experiences, and the challenges and successes I encountered along the way, have led me to found SCOPR."
SCOPR is an innovative SaaS solution that uses advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and OCR to transform the real estate market. The platform provides prospective buyers, banks, developers, and other stakeholders with in-depth insights into property purchases and renovations. During viewings, SCOPR generates detailed renovation reports, cost estimates, and descriptions of necessary work. Additionally, it offers extensive insights into legal obligations related to parcels and properties, including monuments.
"We use AI to detect hidden defects such as cracks and moisture issues, so users get a full view of a property's condition. Our platform helps users make informed decisions by providing accurate renovation cost estimates and potential resale values, which are crucial for determining a feasible bid and calculating potential profit," Caroline explains.
Turning challenges into wins with Start it and Leaware
SCOPR's initial experience involved choosing the wrong software partner, leading to poor results.
“I don’t have a background in IT myself, so from the start I was looking for a partner to develop the technical side of the platform. I’ve had dazzling quotes of up to 250.000 euros, in the end I put my trust in another startup who claimed to be up for the job. Unfortunately, I ended up with an app that did not work at all. It was a disaster.”
However, with the help of Start it and Leaware, SCOPR made a strong comeback. Winning 50k in subsidies helped ease the financial burden and opened new opportunities.
Start it business coach Nadia Van der Velden tells us: "A robust network of mentors and connections is crucial for startups. It's not just about funding or technology—it's about the guidance, the advice, and the support that help turn innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Having the right connections lets us open doors and provide our startups the expertise they need to navigate the challenges of growth and development."
"Through Start it @KBC, we came into contact with Leaware. Our development journey began as a nightmare with expensive quotes and setbacks, but Leaware proved to be a reliable partner who helped us through this challenging period. Leaware has supported us not only technically but also strategically. Thanks to them, we've laid a solid foundation for the future," Caroline adds.
According to Damian Wasilewski, business development manager at Leaware: "We were immediately passionate about SCOPR's vision. We knew we had to be part of bringing this innovative idea to life. At Leaware, our motto is: ‘We build the right software. We build the software right.’ This philosophy guided our approach, ensuring meticulous attention to architecture and the selection of the right technology, thereby avoiding crucial mistakes in the future. Our team was dedicated to overcoming every challenge to ensure our technology supported SCOPR in revolutionizing the real estate market.”
"It was a relief to work with Leaware. Their team delivered excellent code and was fully dedicated to our project," Caroline recalls.
Mentorship and guidance: not 1 + 1 but 1 + many
The collaboration between SCOPR and Leaware showcases the power of strategic partnerships in driving innovation. Together, they have developed a platform that makes the real estate market more efficient and transparent. Their shared vision for the future of real estate technology has led to solutions that benefit both users and the market as a whole.
Caroline emphasizes the importance of guidance for young entrepreneurs: "Seek support from knowledgeable people. Whether you choose a freelance developer, involve experienced founders in your Advisory Board, or work with a reliable development partner like Leaware, guidance is essential.
Our partnership with Leaware is a prime example of how technological advancement and financial support can go hand in hand to create a positive impact."
Building the future of real estate technology
The success story of SCOPR and Leaware underscores the importance of guidance and strategic partnerships in developing innovative technologies. Caroline's advice to young entrepreneurs: "Seek support from knowledgeable people. Whether it's technical development or strategic advice, guidance is essential for growth and success."
Together, SCOPR and Leaware are building a future where real estate technology pushes boundaries and prepares users for a technological future. With its official launch set for September 2024, SCOPR is poised to revolutionize the real estate market, offering unprecedented clarity and confidence to buyers.