// Local proptech/fintech startup Mortgage Mates, the ‘dating website for home ownership’, has relaunched its offering…
Mortgage Mates was launched last year by Daisy Ashworth and Jess Vesely, who envisioned a platform that made it easier for people to co-own their home as a solution to the millions of Australians who are currently priced out of the property market.
Using a unique algorithm, the website matches like-minded individuals with each others. Daisy and Jess argue that this lowers the legal and financial risks when purchasing a home.
They both met whilst previously working in the humanitarian sector and the pair have worked alongside three tech advisors for several years to set up the website.
Since launching, the founders have been reviewing feedback from users and have used this to update their website to better suit the user’s requirements.
An improved matching page is a notable feature of the new version which allows users to better understand what interests them about co-owning whether it be for a investment, environmental or social connection.
Mortgage Mates has seen month-on-month user growth and has been receiving support from multiple third parties including real estate agents, mortgage brokers and legal advisers.
They’ve also received plenty of positive media attention through podcasts, printed media and online articles.
The founders have managed against the backdrop of COVID-19, making it especially hard as Daisy lives in WA and Jess lives in Victoria.
“As a bootstrapped startup, we’re juggling community and development work while living on opposite sides of the country,” said Jess. “The support we have felt from businesses, fellow startups and mentors has been overwhelming.”
Jess Vesely, co-founder
Jess and Daisy have both recently participated in virtual pre-accelerator programs with both in the Plus Eight pre-accelerator program while Daisy also attended the SBE E3 program, an accelerator program designed for women-led technology or life science businesses.
They found the experiences highly beneficial, especially in terms of networking and mentoring.
“It created a strong network of inspiring founders who are all working towards a range of innovative ideas – everyone was very supportive of each other and provided very valuable feedback”, Jess told Startup News.
On top of this they recently attended the UK Trade Mission Week and followed this with a three-day program with Newmarket, which featured speakers and advice from a range of experts from both the startup and venture capitalists’ spaces.
“We are now excited to see what the next 12 months brings as we continue to build momentum, learn and develop further,” said Jess.
“We anticipate seeing our ‘Mates’ making their first purchases, and for us to be making a positive impact on the housing affordability issue in Australia. We hope the co-ownership space continues to grow as Australians turn to innovative alternatives to home-ownership.”
Jess Vesley
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Head over to Mortgage Mates to find out more.
Featured Image: Jess Vesely, photo supplied.
