DigsConnect is a South African startup whose product is the provision of accommodation to college and university students. The startup has just announced it has secured ZAR12 million ($830,000).
The startup was launched in early 2018 and provides an online platform where landlords, estate agents, and property managers to put up their property listings. Then students looking for accommodation can then look up for available facilities.
The DigsConnect platform allows students to run a search and filter out the listed accommodation according to their preferences.
The startup’s 13 months of existence has seen it grow from listing just a few beds for the students to now over 50,000 across 11 locations throughout South Africa. Now that it has secured $830,000, DigsConnect will further be able to scale its reach across the South African market.
“It is a very special moment for me, and in our company’s life. Our growth has been fantastic, and our team has grown from strength to strength,” said Alexandria Procter, a co-founder, and CEO of DigsConnect. “I’m so proud of my incredible team. All I can say is watch this space because we’re just getting started.”
The funds will go towards scaling up the startup’s operations in terms of building up its capacity, improving sales, and marketing.
“We don’t just want to digitalize the old school rental processes but to create a new rental experience using the best of what technology can offer – Airbnb-ify’ the process – allowing people to easily manage their own properties with our tech,” said Brendah Ardagh, co-founder and head of technology at DigsConnect.
Users of the platform have so far not been charged to use the platform. DigsConnect seems to be currently focusing on just growth and has announced plans to add features like VR viewing of the properties and reward on-time rental payments. It will also give landlords access to the platform to manage their properties.
“We’re also thrilled to be launching our ‘Virtual Res’ on April 18, which will totally revolutionize how universities verify their properties, communicate with landlords, and ensure that they have enough beds available around their campuses,” added Greg Keal, co-founder, and head of marketing.
