CRETI and Goodwin Forge Strategic Partnership to Support Proptech Startups

The Center for Real Estate Technology & Innovation (CRETI) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with the global law firm Goodwin. This partnership will provide insights and best practices to proptech startups within the CRETI community and beyond, focusing on critical areas such as technology development and protection, capital raising and strategic partnerships, M&A, pilots and licensing, cybersecurity, data protection, talent recruitment and retention, cross-border arrangements, and solution deployment wherever technology impacts the built environment. 

As the proptech industry continues to reshape the real estate landscape, early-stage companies often face complex legal challenges that can hinder their growth. Through this collaboration, Goodwin’s expert legal teams will offer tailored advice to help these startups navigate the intricate legal and operational issues that are essential to their success.

“Our partnership with Goodwin represents a significant milestone in our mission to support the next generation of proptech innovators,” said Ashkan Zandieh, Managing Director of CRETI. “By providing access to top-tier legal resources, we’re ensuring that startups can focus on what they do best—driving technological advancements in real estate—without being hindered by legal uncertainties.”

Goodwin’s involvement will empower proptech startups by guiding them through complex technology agreements and intellectual property licensing. The firm will also support the development and deployment of sustainable technologies, assist in protecting brand identities and intellectual property, assist with capital raising and growth, and provide essential counsel on employment and compensation matters, data protection laws, cybersecurity measures, and compliance with privacy regulations.

“We are excited to collaborate with CRETI and support proptech startups at a time when legal and operational guidance is more critical than ever,” said Minta Kay, Partner at Goodwin and founder of the firm’s proptech practice. “Our goal is to equip these innovative companies with the legal knowledge, resources and business know-how they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”

This partnership underscores Goodwin's and CRETI’s commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for proptech startups, ensuring they have access to the tools and resources necessary to scale and succeed.