A new property tech platform founded by former executives at takeaway app Deliveroo and backed by Google’s AI-focused venture fund is set to launch in Bath.
Search engine Jitty was founded by Graham Paterson, James Storer and Daniel Cooper, with the purpose of simplifying the process of finding and buying a new home.
Mr Paterson, the company’s chief executive, said he was inspired by his experience of looking to move back to Bath, his hometown, after living in London during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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AI-infused Jitty is equipped with tools for users to create shortlists and share information on each property. It also has the capability to read floor plans and understand photos and descriptions of homes, as well as cross-reference details on public housing databases.
The company raised $2m (£1.6m) in pre-seed funding from Google’s Gradient Ventures to develop its technology, and the firm is looking to index the whole property Ƶ market, initially covering the South West, and starting in Bath.
Mr Paterson said: “We decided to launch Jitty in Bath initially as it is a city that attracts home-buyers from all over the country. Since I have moved back to Bath after the various Covid lockdowns, there has been a huge influx of people moving here from the rest of the Ƶ, and the city has consistently performed above the general housing market.
“Bath has so much to offer in the way of schools, sports and leisure facilities, and local community, so it seemed like a no-brainer to start our journey in the same city where the idea was born.”
Jitty said it already had thousands of people on its waiting list, as well as a growing number of estate agents on board.
The company, which currently only has a team of four, said the new capital from investors would accelerate its growth and expansion over the next year, with plans for a further roll out across Europe and other markets also in the the works.
Among the angel investors to back Jitty is Doug Monro, former chief operating officer for property website Zoopla. Mr Monro said: “Jitty has huge appeal - it’s a mature market but there’s still room for much better tools with a focus on the buyer. I’ve spent my career building some of the biggest consumer marketplaces like Adzuna, Zoopla, and Gumtree, and Jitty has the opportunity to have a similar major impact.”
