CHARLOTTE – Kathy Ireland, the former super model turned entrepreneur and media mogul, is providing real star power for Padlist, a Charlotte startup focusing on matching renters and landlords through use of artificial intelligence, drones and other local information.
Ireland, whose empire stretches across “fashion, fine jewelry, intimate apparel, skincare, accessories, weddings, home, office” and with a net worth estimated at several hundred million dollars, will serve as “Chief Editor and Ambassador” for Padlist. She also is a member of the startup’s advisory board.
On Monday, Padlist launched a capital raising effort, looking to raise $2 million through a mix of crowdfunding through online site SeedInvest. Padlist set minimum investments at $1,000.
Left to right, Padlist’s Creative Director Michael Schatz; Partner, Board Member and Chief Brand Strategist Kathy Ireland; COO Lindsay Van Leer; and CEO Blake Van Leer
Padlist CEO Blake Van Leer and Chief Operating Officer Lindsay Van Leer kicked off the fundraising for their jointly launched startup after after disclosing Ireland’s role on Friday.
Ireland and her company “will provide Padlist with global brand building, real estate and home industry expertise.,” Padlist says.
The Van Leers and Ireland are both friends and business associations.
“This innovative, tech-savvy approach to rental solutions is unlike anything else we have experienced in the marketplace,” Ireland said in announcing her role.
“Not only are Blake, Lindsay and their colleague, Michael, our friends … they are also among kathy ireland Worldwide’s most valued millennial advisors. Their unique ability to comprehend and act upon the pulse of what people need is extraordinary. Everyone at kathy ireland Worldwide believes that today Padlist takes a giant step forward in the beginning of a very long journey. The intention of Padlist is to of course provide rental intel, and also at the appropriate time, additional services and products that people need to make their space their home.”
Padlist says it already has an 85,000-plus renter database and has signed agreements with more than multi-family buildings, “including 11 of the country’s Top 25 largest apartment managers.”
The company charges building owners and renters fees for use of the platform.
“Current rental sites rank properties by highest paying advertisers and not the best match, creating frustration for both renters and apartment managers,” says Lindsay Van Leer. “Padlist generates tours instead of just inquiries, and qualified applicants instead of unqualified leads.”
