
Thesis Driven Leader Series
At Thesis Driven, we research and write about trends in the built world. Join Thesis Driven founder Brad Hargreaves as he interviews the leading voices at the intersection of real estate, cities, innovation and technology. Guests include innovators like Zillow founder Spencer Rascoff, the renowned East Coast developer MaryAnne Gilmartin, AOL founder and real estate visionary Steve Case and many more top change makers in real estate. Check out our newsletter at https://www.thesisdriven.com/.“Thesis Driven is the best source for substantive insight into innovative GP strategies, data-driven real estate investing, and the lesser-known stuff that makes real estate go. ” -Moses Sternstein, Random Walk“If you like it here in the Asphalt Jungle, you'll like what Brad Hargreaves is doing over at Thesis Driven.” -Eric Weatherholtz, Asphalt Jungle“Emerging real estate development trends” -Fed Novikov, Really Good Buildings
Latest episodes

9 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 53min
Kasa's Roman Pedan on The Future of Multifamily and Flex Rentals
In this engaging conversation, Roman Pedan, Co-founder and CEO of Kasa, discusses the dynamic intersection of apartments and hotels in the evolving flex rental market. He shares insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped this sector and the strategic adaptations necessary to thrive. Roman also highlights the impact of technology and AI on real estate, as well as the importance of innovation for property owners. With his entrepreneurial experience, he offers a forward-thinking perspective on future growth opportunities in multifamily rentals.

Apr 6, 2025 • 49min
Era Ventures' Clelia Peters on Real Estate Tech and the Investment Landscape
Clelia Peters, Founder and Managing Partner of Era Ventures and a pioneer in proptech investing, shares her unique insights from managing a family brokerage to founding her own venture firm. She discusses her unorthodox investment strategies, emphasizing hard assets over software solutions. The conversation explores the challenges of real estate technology, the emotional significance of home ownership, and the evolving market dynamics in the residential brokerage sector. Peters also highlights upcoming trends in PropTech and the importance of sustainability in real estate.

Apr 23, 2024 • 1h 5min
Author Charles Marohn on How to Fix Cities
Author Charles Marohn, an advocate for redesigning cities for livability, discusses the future of cities, emphasizing design and policy interventions. He explores the role of technology and how real estate developers can create better places. Marohn's insights are relevant for anyone interested in innovating in urban design.

23 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 56min
Secrets of a Placemaker: Our Interview with Stephanie Blake
Stephanie Blake, CEO of Skylight, discusses placemaking activations to bring vibrancy and community to real estate. She emphasizes the importance of studying the history and context of spaces. Skylight's projects include NY Fashion Week, food festivals, and concerts, creating extraordinary experiences in unique spaces.

7 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 48min
Zillow Founder Spencer Rascoff on Building & Investing in the Future of Proptech
Real estate tech pioneer Spencer Rascoff discusses the future of Proptech, opportunities in real estate, the impact of AI, and his experience as an investor. The conversation touches on the DOJ lawsuit, entrepreneurial ventures, fractional ownership, climate change, and future trends in real estate technology.

Apr 3, 2024 • 46min
Rise of the Rest: the Thesis Driving Steve Case
Steve Case, a tech pioneer, discusses 'The Rise of the Rest' investing thesis focusing on cities outside traditional tech hubs. Topics include rising cities, policy-driven startups, and real estate innovation. Case's vision for economic growth and job creation in diverse locations is explored.

Mar 27, 2024 • 55min
Proptech Then and Now: Insights and Advice from Founder Caren Maio
Caren Maio, proptech expert, shares insights on differentiating startups in today's tech-savvy real estate market. She discusses common mistakes of real estate tech companies, advice for entrepreneurs, and the fundraising environment. Her practical insights are valuable for product leaders in any tech startup.

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 7min
A Vision for Cities: A Conversation with Dan Doctoroff
Dan Doctoroff shares his 30-year journey shaping NYC with projects like Highline and Hudson Yards. He discusses tackling complex initiatives, advice for entrepreneurs, and the importance of storytelling. The conversation ends with his dedication to ALS research and funding.

Mar 13, 2024 • 1h
Investor Dave Eisenberg on Founding, Funding and Growing Proptech Startups
Investor Dave Eisenberg discusses the challenges of decoupling investment in real estate tech startups, the importance of humility in founders, and the need for a balanced investment approach in the proptech industry. The podcast also explores innovative home buying solutions, the future of cities with technology and sustainability, and the impact of urban regulations on city transformation.

4 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 48min
The Past, Present & Future of Real Estate Crowdfunding with RealtyMogul Founder Jilliene Helman
Jilliene Helman, founder of RealtyMogul, discusses the success of real estate crowdfunding, reaching $1 billion in investments, educating new customers, unique landscape of real estate investing, and the importance of individual investors. The conversation explores strategic decisions, challenges in serving retail vs institutional investors, recent acquisitions in the industry, and the impact of AI in real estate investment. They also touch upon the Crowd Street Nightingale fiasco, entrepreneur advice, future of AI, rent control impact, and city investment preferences.
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