Real estate technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the National Association of REALTORS®’ tech accelerator program is gaining international acclaim for helping to shape that transformation, from AI and data-driven solutions to tools that simplify workflows and more.
NAR’s REACH technology growth program, operated by Second Century Ventures (SCV), was recently honored with the “Innovation Catalyst Award” at the Global PropTech & ConTech Awards hosted by PropTech Connect. REACH was cited for its “massive contribution to the tech ecosystem … having supported and invested in over 300 real estate tech companies globally.” It also was recognized for its growing influence, which lately includes an expansion in the Middle East’s proptech landscape.
Among the other award winners was real estate franchisor Century 21, which received the Digital Agency/Broker Award. Specifically, Century 21 London Central was recognized for serving as a “paragon of digital transformation in the property market …. blending a global franchise reach with hyperlocal digital expertise” and setting a “new gold standard for high-tech, high-touch brokerage.”
Leading Proptech Innovation, Eyeing Further Growth
The REACH program helps emerging technologies gain traction by connecting startups with industry leaders, offering mentorship and a network of investors, as well as providing market exposure at major real estate events. Among its alumni are companies such as Docusign, CREtelligent and BoxBrownie.com.
Since launching in 2013, REACH has supported more than 300 technology companies, spanning artificial intelligence, data-driven analytics, transaction management, marketing automation and workflow solutions. It was named Accelerator of the Year by PropTech Outlook in 2024.
SCV is regarded as the most active venture fund in global real estate technology and currently operates REACH programs in Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom and Latin America.
Middle East Expansion Gains Momentum
The recent Proptech Connect recognition follows SCV’s announcement of its expansion in the Middle East. SCV has entered a strategic partnership with Advanced Real Estate Services (ADRES), a technology accelerator in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), along with other UAE real estate partners. Through the partnership, SCV will operate REACH Middle East, identifying and supporting a cohort of startups focused on real estate innovation across the region.
The collaboration is expected to prioritize smart-city infrastructure, AI-driven property valuation tools and next-generation urban development technologies.
“By building a bridge between our global portfolio and Abu Dhabi’s visionary leadership, we are opening a massive new market for our companies while supporting the UAE’s digital transformation agenda,” says Dave Garland, managing partner of Second Century Ventures and REACH. “We are not just watching the future of real estate unfold in the Middle East—we are helping to design and deliver it.”
The alliance strengthens SCV’s footprint across the Gulf Cooperation Council—a region advancing more than $3 trillion in giga projects and large-scale urban developments, SCV noted in a statement.
“Second Century Ventures brings unmatched domain expertise and a proven record of identifying technologies that create real value,” says Moath Maqbol, general manager at ADRES. “We look forward to working closely with their team and portfolio companies to import, adapt and implement solutions that will drive measurable benefits for investors, developers, government stakeholders and residents across the region.”
