Renting a home anywhere can cause an enormous amount of stress. But there’s something about the words “rent” and “New York” in the same sentence that sounds like fingers on a chalkboard.
Zeb Dropkin has made it his mission to make that search a little less painful.
With the introduction of RentHackr, Zeb, the founder and CEO, is working to improve the renting process. As a marketplace for renters, users can have a sneak peak at apartments before they become available, chat with renters directly, and subscribe to buildings to be alerted of new openings.
For this edition of Member Spotlight, a series where we showcase the entrepreneurs of emerging companies, Zeb chatted with us about the ways he’s revolutionizing the renting game and his upcoming trip to Fenway Park to pitch his startup.
WeWork: What is your entrepreneurial background?
Zeb Dropkin: RentHackr is my first startup after years in more traditional gigs — mostly in advertising. I always jumped into emerging platforms and new behaviors early on wherever I was working. After cheering on a few friends who got started in their own startups, I threw my hat in the ring.
WWM: Where did you find the inspiration to start RentHackr, and why did you think it was needed?
ZD: RentHackr came from my own frustration with renting in New York City. On the way to uncovering better information for myself, I saw an opportunity to connect renters with each other and create a new, shared marketplace for apartments.
WWM: How do you differentiate from competitors?
ZD: RentHackr is a future marketplace for apartments with data provided by renters. We’re applying the knowledge and wisdom of renters instead of relying on traditional listings. RentHackr can see apartments that will become available months ahead of the market, message other renters directly, see what renters wish they knew about their apartment, subscribe to buildings for insider updates, and more. You can’t do any of those things on our competitors’ services.
WWM: You’re going to Fenway Fast Pitch tonight. Tell us all about it.
ZD: We’re stoked to represent New York and the WeWork startup community in Boston. The community of entrepreneurs here have been a huge help in supporting RentHackr as we develop our product and learn to grow a business. We’re going to live demo RentHackr, New York Tech Meetup style – slides are for punks!
WWM: What’s a piece of advice you would give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
ZD: Shift out of thinking and into doing as often as you can. Try not to get caught up in comparisons to others, in hype cycles, or in your own head. Make it your mission to help your customers and your employees first, tell your story every chance you get, and do whatever you can to increase your luck.
Zeb will be among the entrepreneurs from six WeWork startups who are presenting at Fenway Park tonight for the chance to win $15,000.
Photographs by Lauren Kallen