Thirteen Castles (a technology-focused investment firm) recently announced that it has agreed to lead an equity investment and establish a technology partnership to build the second phase of hostU’s marketplace. hostU was launched out of Northwestern University’s Entrepreneurship center called The Garage.
hostU is a platform that facilitates medium-term shared housing rentals within the university community, connecting students and faculty in need of housing with those looking to sublet their space. And a matching algorithm verifies university affiliation and sends users direct matches based on preferences and needs. After connecting, guests and hosts can communicate and make arrangements through the platform.
Thirteen Castles’ investment will enable hostU to accelerate the development of its technology stack and strategically expand its marketplace throughout the United States and Europe.
KEY QUOTES:
“hostU is in a unique position to create the leading marketplace to address the transitory nature of university students in a more and more connected world. The combination of a visionary founder, an innovative service-orientated approach, and a balanced marketplace of guests and hosts, made it a clear place where we wanted to dedicate our time and resources.”
— Thirteen Partners Founder and Managing Partner, Edwin Marcial
“Adding Edwin as an Advisory Board member and having his team help us develop the next phase of hostU’s marketplace and matching algorithm may represent the most important milestones we’ve achieved as a company. Edwin’s experience in building the world’s most innovative marketplaces, from Intercontinental Exchange (that now owns the New York Stock Exchange) to SnapNurse, will help hostU provide an unparalleled curated, verified, and simplified service for our guests and hosts.”
— Bella Le Sage, Founder and CEO of hostU
