Dinh Thi Tuyet Mai founded the BrightNest app out of her own struggles when searching for a place to rent - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
From online brokerage to BrightNest service platform
Anyone who moves from the provinces to Ho Chi Minh City has probably had to look for a place to rent at least a couple of times. Each move is a real struggle, and even then, finding a suitable room isn't guaranteed.
Tuyết Mai said she still feels haunted and exhausted every time she looks for a place to rent. There are fake listings, dishonest brokers where the room doesn't match the picture, not to mention the cumbersome procedures.
Out of resentment, the girl decided to create BrightNest, positioning it as a matchmaking company. Renting out houses using technology.
The objective is clear: transparency in information, pricing, commissions, etc., targeting students and young people who frequently need to find rental housing.
BrightNest verifies property information through a rigorous process, preventing situations where a property is rented out to multiple people simultaneously, thereby preventing the theft of security deposits.
The fear of having to travel around to view properties has been overcome by Mai and her colleagues, who have developed virtual home viewing technology (VR360-degree) integrated into BrightNest. Tenants can visually tour the property and save maximum time and effort compared to viewing it in person.
It took the BrightNest team about 7 months to write the code, find customers, launch, and secure their first contracts - Photo: Provided by the team.
A 24/7 AI chatbot answers user questions anytime, anywhere. Both of these features are considered outstanding capabilities that help BrightNest increase safety and transparency for renters.
Responding to a real need, Mai focused on developing a "safe roommate" feature. This feature works based on detailed criteria provided by users, then uses an algorithm to select suitable roommates.
BrightNest acts as an intermediary, drafting contracts to ensure the rights of both parties when using this feature. It can be said that BrightNest is developing towards a comprehensive service in real estate brokerage and leasing.
This means the platform supports all aspects of consultation, contract drafting, document printing, resident card registration, vehicle access card registration, fingerprint access control, etc. BrightNest is also focusing on building an ecosystem of additional services such as internet installation, cleaning, and moving services.
BrightNest partially solves the difficulties young people face when searching for information to rent rooms or apartments - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
Completely free for users.
After seven months of brainstorming and coding, BrightNest officially launched on the AppStore and CHPlay in early March this year. Starting a business while still a student, Mai and her colleagues faced numerous challenges in terms of funding, underlying technology, data sources, and customers.
There were periods when the whole team had to save every penny to pool their capital, then borrow from relatives to invest in building the foundation. Mai said that as a young startup without a reputation, the lack of a supply of quality apartments and partners was also a challenge to overcome.
"To cope with the situation, BrightNest established a team dedicated to finding and persuading reputable homeowners, while also partnering with trusted real estate companies to sustainably expand its portfolio," Mai said about the early days of operation.
And after nearly six months since its launch, BrightNest is now receiving many positive responses. BrightNest's registration process for renters is quite simple and completely free.
Users download the app, register an account, and can start searching, viewing properties via VR360° technology, and connecting with landlords. Meanwhile, the number of landlords registering their information on BrightNest is also increasing.
"For BrightNest, it's not just a number, but proof that our model is helping to address the concerns of tenants, and even landlords, with peace of mind and convenience for both parties," Mai smiled.
Startup BrightNest is receiving many positive signals from the market - Photo: Provided by the company.
A company that rents out apartments, why not?
The short-term goal is for BrightNest to expand into apartment complexes throughout Ho Chi Minh City, especially in areas with high demand and desire for rental properties.
BrightNest openly shared its vision for the next five years: to become the leading apartment rental company in Ho Chi Minh City. This means continuously upgrading technology, personalizing services with AI, integrating services more deeply into the ecosystem, and expanding its operating area.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tuoi-tre-startup-award-minh-bach-thong-tin-thue-nha-voi-brightnest-20251013142213188.htm
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