Proptech firm mounts ambitious growth campaign

Cardiff-based technology firm University Cribs is developing a new virtual reality service to help students view accommodation before signing rental agreements.

The company confirmed that the new feature, which is called Cribs VR, will roll out to users through an update within the next few weeks. It’ll be offered as an option from the UC website.

“University Cribs 2.1 is released in the coming weeks, where the functions will include being able to view CribsVR live on site,” said Christian Samuel, founder of the proptech firm.

Christian said the feature gives students the ability “view any property from anywhere in the globe”.  He explained: “We cater for thousands of international students a year and we need to be prepared to cater for them with VR to increase their satisfaction with each property they stay in.

Uni Cribs 2.1 will include a favourites board where future housemates can vote and comment on properties, too. The company wants to bring chat functions to the platform so students can discuss their decisions.

The start-up is also working on a new fin-tech product, which is set to be released in the summer, and has appointed seasoned entrepreneur David Murray Hundley as its new chairman.

Having worked with the likes of Hyperloop, My Training Passport, Borrow My Doggy and Crowdstacker, David will help accelerate the growth of the software firm.

Speaking to Tech Dragons, he said the company is on a mission to help students find the most suitable and affordable accommodation. “We are not only aiming to improve search but to improve all aspects of the route to rental,” said Christian.

“Version understands each of cities housing market and warns students the rate of lettings. The product is built by Microsoft and  Xbox Developers, and is fully mobile first to work inline with Google’s change of search.”

Since launching in 2014, the company has teamed up with more than 150 clients across the UK, including the likes of The Student Housing Company, Student Roost and Fresh Student Living.