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.
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge ticked higher in January, a sign that price pressures remain entrenched in the U.S. economy and could lead the Fed to keep raising interest rates well into this year.
Plant-based, non-dairy milk producers scored a win when the Food and Drug Administration issued guidance stating products like almond, oat, and soy options can be called milk.
Most Americans are worried about their finances, according to a survey. Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet, joined Cheddar News to help put Americans at ease about their spending.
