Why portals aren’t a major AI threat to startups

Hi, I’m Sergey Osipov @s_osipov, cofounder of Placy (AI real estate agent). Launched about 20 startups and had some exits, including a unicorn IPO. Sharing here my observations and tips for AI founders. Join! #AI #Startup #PropTech

property portalsZillowRightmove

Portals have already ticked the AI box with ChatGPT for support and search. But they just scratch the surface. Their legacy tech is still like old gas cars trying to switch to electric, not replacing the platform – too slow

And their motivation isn't strong. Portals are sitting on an established [subscription] model and customers. Household brand power allows them to raise their prices by 20% per annum. They are literally printing money with 30% EBITDA. Any tech disruption shakes their prosperity, especially when switching to another [transaction] model. Come on, portals don’t want this! 🤐

[related post: Property Portals haven't changed for 20 years]

They end up buying startups for real change as it always happens. For now, teams like Placy lead the AI innovation race

So, giants? Not a major threat

#Portals #AI #knowledge

Close-up of a LEGO knight minifigure holding a sword on a desk, second blurred figure and speaker in the background, keyboard and office surface visible
Toy LEGO knight on a desk, evoking a startup-as-underdog metaphor