SoftBank is making a big bet on real estate tech. The Japanese telecom giant invested $450 million in Compass, a $2.2 billion real estate company shaking up the industry. Rob Lehman, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass, was with us to discuss what the deal means for the company.
With investments ranging from Uber to WeWork, SoftBank is one of the most influential investors in the tech community. Lehman explains that his company appealed to SoftBank because they recognized a technology gap in the real estate market that Compass was filling. He also points out Compass was an attractive investment because real estate is the largest asset globally.
With the new funding, Lehman says the company will focus on growth and continued investments in technology. When it comes to emerging technologies, Compass doesn't have plans for virtual reality. Instead, the company is more focused on artificial intelligence, says Lehman. In addition to technology, the new funding will go to breaking into tier one cities such as Atlanta and Phoenix, he adds.
Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, shares how the organization’s programs have helped over 2 million people develop their tech skills.
Box office analyst Shawn Robbins breaks down how the theater business is faring as two of 2023’s biggest movies are on their way to the Academy Awards.
Burns McKinney, portfolio manager at NFJ Investment Group, discusses how the Fed is balancing recession risks and interest rate cuts, plus whether the tech rally will broaden.
Nick Wolny, CNet editor, tells consumers about BNPL being added to credit reports – and why they may want to be more cautious about using it as an option.
Co-founders of 1953 Tequila, Shivam Mallick Shah and Lindsey Davis Stover, share how they broke into the traditionally male-dominated world of tequila production.
In case you needed yet another incentive to cram all your travel items into a carry-on, Delta Airlines has just boosted the cost of your first checked bag by 17 percent.