Zenerate Uses AI to Streamline Real Estate Development and Maximize Returns

Zenerate: Transforming Real Estate Development with AI

What if you could design smarter buildings in minutes instead of months—and increase returns while doing it? That’s the idea behind Zenerate, a proptech startup changing how real estate developers handle early design phases. Founded in 2020 by Benji Shin, a former Los Angeles architect, and Jamie Jeong, a Caltech-trained mathematician, Zenerate combines industry experience with advanced AI technology.

Starting as a project to automate feasibility studies, Zenerate has evolved into a platform that helps developers optimize returns from the very beginning of a project.

From Concept to Company

Benji Shin encountered inefficiencies when creating multiple design options for high-rise projects. To address this, he partnered with coder friends and developed a tool that automatically generates thousands of building designs with financial projections. Their first real project at USC student housing proved the concept’s potential, prompting them to launch Zenerate as a company.

Recognition and Growth

Zenerate earned a spot as the first proptech startup in the Korea AI Startup 100, a milestone that boosted confidence as they expanded in the U.S. and Korea. This recognition highlighted their unique approach to applying AI in real estate development.

Early Traction in Two Markets

In Korea, Zenerate initially offered consulting services, leveraging university connections to work with leading development and construction firms. In the U.S., their first product, Zmaps, delivered up-to-date real estate project data for Los Angeles. Users appreciated the accessible design and fresh data compared to outdated government websites.

How the Zenerate App Works

The Zenerate App simplifies feasibility studies. Users select a site on the map, input zoning rules and project goals like apartment count and floor area, then generate multiple design options. The app compares financial projections, allows manual floor plan edits, and exports reports in PDF, Excel, or CAD formats.

Client Feedback and Results

Clients benefit from generating numerous design options, factoring in premiums for views or daylight, and comparing financial outcomes. While some initially resisted AI solutions, most now recognize AI’s effectiveness in this space.

Balancing AI and Human Input

Zenerate’s platform offers both automated design generation and editing features. Users can tweak AI-generated designs to better fit their needs, similar to how one might interact with AI text generators. This balance ensures practical results without sacrificing user control.

Market Differences: U.S. vs. Korea

In Korea, there’s less willingness to pay for software, with many favoring free options. Conversely, U.S. users are more accustomed to paying for various tools and adopt new technology more quickly. This difference affects how proptech solutions gain traction in each market.

Challenges and Opportunities in Korea’s Proptech Sector

The main challenge in Korea is the market’s limited size. Even companies with strong technology have struggled to succeed locally. For Korean startups, aiming at the global market from the start is essential.

Advice for Founders in Traditional Industries

Changing traditional sectors like real estate with technology is slow and difficult. Starting with a focused, small part of the workflow can be an effective strategy for introducing new solutions.

The Road Ahead for Zenerate

AI is speeding up changes in real estate development. Soon, zoning laws, design options, and construction estimates will be generated instantly by AI. Zenerate plans to evolve its platform to fully support feasibility studies and streamline the entire design process, making development workflows faster and more efficient.

For real estate professionals interested in AI tools and courses related to automation and design, resources like Complete AI Training’s automation courses offer practical insights.