Moderne Ventures

Moderne Ventures is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2015, specializing in seed, early-stage, and Series B investments in technology companies across the real estate, finance, insurance, and home services sectors. The firm typically invests between $200,000 and $3 million in these companies. In addition to its venture fund, Moderne Ventures operates a seven-month immersive accelerator program designed to support technology companies at various stages, facilitating their entry into key industries while providing advisory services to corporate partners. With a network of over 700 executives in its focus sectors, Moderne Ventures aims to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio by leveraging its extensive industry connections.

Ben Badower

Investment Associate

Michael Baldwin

Senior Associate

Liza Benson

Partner

Constance Freedman

Founder and Managing Partner

Sean Healy

Director

Lindsay Hyde

Venture Partner

Dylan Ketcham

vice_president

Felipe Lopez

Investment Associate

Past deals in Leasing

Key

Seed Round in 2022
At Key, we're creating a world where real estate is a source of prosperity and freedom for everyone. Our patent-pending approach makes urban living possible again, free from the burdens of commuting, cost-prohibitive down payments, and the inflexibility that comes with a 25-year mortgage.

EasyKnock

Series C in 2022
EasyKnock, Inc. is a real estate technology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company specializes in sale-leaseback programs, allowing homeowners in the United States to access their home equity without needing to move. Its primary offerings include the Sell and Stay program, which enables homeowners to receive cash for the value of their home while retaining the option to buy it back or move at their convenience, and MoveAbility, designed for those planning a near-term relocation. Through these programs, EasyKnock aims to provide homeowners with financial flexibility and support in managing their housing needs.

Key

Venture Round in 2021
At Key, we're creating a world where real estate is a source of prosperity and freedom for everyone. Our patent-pending approach makes urban living possible again, free from the burdens of commuting, cost-prohibitive down payments, and the inflexibility that comes with a 25-year mortgage.

LeaseLock

Series B in 2021
LeaseLock Inc. is an insurance technology company that offers lease guarantor services, effectively replacing security deposits with insurance. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Marina Del Rey, California, LeaseLock enables renters to obtain instant lease approval without the need for a cosigner, streamlining the rental process for both tenants and property owners. By integrating its lease insurance product into online leasing platforms, LeaseLock enhances the rental transaction experience, leading to increased conversion rates and reduced vacancy rates for property owners. The company has secured over $1 billion in leases backed by insurance rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. LeaseLock has formed a strategic partnership with QBE Holdings and attracts investment from notable global investors, including SoftBank Ventures Asia and Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures.

LeaseLock

Series B in 2021
LeaseLock Inc. is an insurance technology company that offers lease guarantor services, effectively replacing security deposits with insurance. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Marina Del Rey, California, LeaseLock enables renters to obtain instant lease approval without the need for a cosigner, streamlining the rental process for both tenants and property owners. By integrating its lease insurance product into online leasing platforms, LeaseLock enhances the rental transaction experience, leading to increased conversion rates and reduced vacancy rates for property owners. The company has secured over $1 billion in leases backed by insurance rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. LeaseLock has formed a strategic partnership with QBE Holdings and attracts investment from notable global investors, including SoftBank Ventures Asia and Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures.

EasyKnock

Series B in 2020
EasyKnock, Inc. is a real estate technology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company specializes in sale-leaseback programs, allowing homeowners in the United States to access their home equity without needing to move. Its primary offerings include the Sell and Stay program, which enables homeowners to receive cash for the value of their home while retaining the option to buy it back or move at their convenience, and MoveAbility, designed for those planning a near-term relocation. Through these programs, EasyKnock aims to provide homeowners with financial flexibility and support in managing their housing needs.

EasyKnock

Series A in 2019
EasyKnock, Inc. is a real estate technology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company specializes in sale-leaseback programs, allowing homeowners in the United States to access their home equity without needing to move. Its primary offerings include the Sell and Stay program, which enables homeowners to receive cash for the value of their home while retaining the option to buy it back or move at their convenience, and MoveAbility, designed for those planning a near-term relocation. Through these programs, EasyKnock aims to provide homeowners with financial flexibility and support in managing their housing needs.

LeaseLock

Series A in 2018
LeaseLock Inc. is an insurance technology company that offers lease guarantor services, effectively replacing security deposits with insurance. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Marina Del Rey, California, LeaseLock enables renters to obtain instant lease approval without the need for a cosigner, streamlining the rental process for both tenants and property owners. By integrating its lease insurance product into online leasing platforms, LeaseLock enhances the rental transaction experience, leading to increased conversion rates and reduced vacancy rates for property owners. The company has secured over $1 billion in leases backed by insurance rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. LeaseLock has formed a strategic partnership with QBE Holdings and attracts investment from notable global investors, including SoftBank Ventures Asia and Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures.

Preclose

Venture Round in 2017
Preclose is that crazy, chaotic period during the home buying process after an offer is submitted but before the keys are handed over, that They’ve streamlined in one central location. Pro tip: you may refer to this period as contract-to-closing, and recall it’s generally handled painfully offline.