PropTech Startup Showdown @ SXSW—powered by Realtor.com
On March 13, Realtor.com and NAR Tech & Innovation are teaming up at SXSW for a high‑energy PropTech Startup Showdown. The industry’s sharpest minds will take the stage for a fast-paced startup competition that puts breakthrough real estate innovation in the spotlight.
6 selected companies will compete for a cash prize and high-visibility exposure across Realtor.com, NAR, Second Century Ventures, and top industry leaders. Judging will emphasize innovation, market potential, traction, team, and real world impact on real estate professionals and consumers.
Participants can expect rapid-fire presentations, four-minute Q&A with a panel of industry leaders, insightful feedback, and the kind of connections that move companies forward!
Live at the Realtor.com Open House, this fast-paced live competition puts founders, investors, and industry leaders front and center.
Grab a drink and catch the next generation of bold solutions in the spotlight!
Competition Guidelines
Event at-a-Glance
Selected contestants pitch their concept that illustrates how the contestant’s tech product or service can improve the real estate industry; residential or commercial.
Contestants are given four (4) minutes to make their presentation and will then answer questions from the PropTech Startup Showdown judges.
Once each contestant has gone through this process, the PropTech Startup Showdown judges will select one (1) winner from all the contestants.
Audience will also choose (1) “Audience Choice” Winner via live voting.
Winners will be announced on-site the same day.
Contestant Rules
PropTech Startup Showdown will be a part of SXSW 2026, and held at the Realtor.com Office, 901 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702.
Contestant must be physically present and able to participate in-person during the PropTech Startup Showdown check-in, pitch battle prep, live presentation, and award.
Contestants are responsible for their own travel, transportation, and accommodations.
Eligibility includes early‑ and growth‑stage startups building technology for the real estate ecosystem; presenter must attend in person and be 18+.
Key Dates
- Dec 8, 2025: Application Opens
- Jan 23, 2026: Application Closes
- Feb 9 – 13: Contestants are notified of selection status
- Feb 23 – 27: Contestant 30-minute virtual coaching sessions, coordinated by NAR Tech & Innovation
- March 2 – March 6: Contestant Virtual Practice Presentation, coordinated by NAR Tech & Innovation
- March 12: On-site rehearsal and check in onsite at Realtor.com Office
- March 13: 2:00 – 3:30 pm: PropTech Startup Showdown LIVE
- March 13: 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Winner Announcement and Networking Mixer
Winner Takes All
Grand Prize
- $5,000 cash, awarded by National Association of REALTORS®.
- A meeting with Second Century Ventures (SCV)’s managing partners.
- Amplified exposure across Realtor.com, NAR, Second Century Ventures, and partner channels
- Optional VIP intros and visibility with industry leaders
Audience Choice
- Winner recognition
- Amplified exposure across Realtor.com, NAR, Second Century Ventures, and partner channels
- Optional VIP intros and visibility with industry leaders
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