Digital property investment platform PropHero has appointed Sophie Hayek in the newly created role of CEO Australia.

She joined the company in September 2022 as Global Chief Operating Officer.

The proptech startup helps people find, buy and manage investment properties in Australia and Europe a “next gen” buyer broker.

Hayek said they want to build a better way to invest in residential real estate by combining data and AI with human expertise.

“Our digital platform delivers data-driven insights and personalized recommendations right in the palm of your hand, plus you also get to work with a personal real estate coach,” she said.

“In 2022, the Australian housing market was down about 4%. However, PropHero’s customers recorded capital gains of around 13%. Our clients do not hesitate to refer their friends and family and they also come back to buy more than one property from us and build a portfolio. That is the best recommendation they can give us.”

The proptech startup raised a $1.6 million seed round in February 2022, supported by Global founder capital, AfterWork Enterprises, Jelix VenturesAnd The foundation.

Eight months later, it raised $8 million in seed round led by property-focused VC Fifth Wall and European early-stage fund Samaipata.

While Hayek leads the Australian company, co-founders Mickael Roger and Pablo Gil Brusola will focus on the global expansion of the platform.

PropHero is currently active in Spain and is exploring opportunities to further expand in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific.

Roger said PropHero has experienced rapid growth in 20 months since its launch in June 2021, especially offshore.

“More than half of our turnover now comes from outside Australia, and on average we handle a property a day,” he said.

The company just launched its track app, which allows clients to link their real estate portfolio, including any property they own anywhere in the world, and gain insight into cash flows, valuation and portfolio performance with personalized wealth accumulation recommendations.

They currently have 45 employees and contractors in Australia, Spain, Argentina, India and Indonesia, including 18 women – 40% of the company.