By: Keletso Mkhwanazi.
Recognising the problems that ordinary South Africans have while navigating the property market, Ezra Rasethe launched the investRand marketplace in February 2022 after working as a real estate agent for over a half a decade. It is a property technology (PropTech) innovation company aimed at simplifying property investment. Back in 2005, the 30-year-old’s journey into property ownership began with a desire to help friends and family members who wanted to invest in high-quality properties.
He told Vutivi News that investRand was a solution for South Africans who wished to secure their financial future and get control over their assets in a country where retirement savings were becoming increasingly crucial. Rasethe said his platform aimed to re-shape people’s perceptions of land ownership and property investment by assisting ordinary South Africans to build long-term wealth through property, especially in an environment where traditional retirement banking investments may not be the only viable choice.
“investRand distinguishes itself through its unique three-sided marketplace that caters to investors, sellers, and service providers.
“It primarily focuses on overcoming the financial obstacles that everyday people face through property investing, offering pre-vetted investment properties, connecting users with a network of real estate professionals, and providing guidance and support throughout the buying process,” he said. Also, users become part of a community of like-minded individuals working to build wealth for themselves and their families.
Rasethe said that while his main challenge had been obtaining money to build the platform, there had already been successes. “We empowered over 15 young adults ranging in age from 20 to 35 years. Through my company, I work with SMEs and provide services such as property acquisition, project management, building management, property development, property investment, equity and capital raising, and digital capital raising for real estate development projects,” he said.
The platform’s long-term vision is to help individuals own income-generating properties for themselves and their families by making investing in property easier. It aspires to be a convenient real estate investing platform, providing resources and tools for profitable property investments while focusing on technological innovations in the South African real estate market.
