Empowering People.

Austin, TX
Joined March 2022
All assets across the world need maintenance. Yet there’s a significant gap in the current marketplace when it comes to tech empowering maintenance professionals. Maintenance is a global issue, requiring global tech solutions. There’s an abundance of data waiting to be harvested, but currently missing. The systems today around maintenance leave a gaping blackhole of data. We’re incredibly bullish on addressing these property maintenance system gaps. Many of our Rex Tech companies are scaling already in this maintenance and services side: the “underbelly of real estate." If you share this vision and are interested in inquiries or investor relations, connect with us at Rex.com.
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Tech vs. Real Estate Investing 💸💸💸 As a steward of capital and a significant investor in tech and real estate, the two assets are about as different as night and day. Tech is generally not capital intensive, while real estate is almost the definition of capital intensive. With tech, you have software-based assets, largely the product of human genius. With real estate, you have financing backed assets made of bricks and sticks, largely driven in value by the underlying real estate land. Both have their appeal. What do you prefer? 👇🏻 #Investment #Capital #GrowthPotential #TechInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #Finance #InvestmentStrategy #Rex
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When it comes to “proptech”, here’s why we target non-asset-intensive businesses in real estate. #investing #realestate
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Can AI transform real estate? Absolutely, but perhaps not in the way you’d think. The development of real estate will NOT be transformed in meaningful ways. When it comes to building real estate, the real key to generating more supply and driving down costs lies in addressing political and regulatory issues. So, that’s the opportunity: political / regulatory opportunity, not tech or AI. 🏦 I’m advocating for fewer regulations. By lowering the barriers to build, we can allow more supply to be created and drive down costs—especially in rapidly growing cities like Austin. This actually does not benefit landlords but is ideal for the middle and working classes. What do you think? Let us know 👇🏻
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The best way to learn business? 🔽🔽🔽 Credentials are valuable, but real-world experience beats theoretical knowledge. At the end of the day, it's all about execution. If you’ve never tackled certain challenges before, the best way to learn is by doing. Advice to aspiring business leaders? Get hands-on experience. Join an early-stage startup. Learn directly by taking on entrepreneurial risk. Just dive in and do it. Would you agree? 👇🏻
The best way to learn business?
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At Rex Tech we're using AI and Machine Learning (ML) in just about every one of our tech applications. When it comes to insurance, we see numerous opportunities for applying AI and ML. There’s a massive amount of data and the information asymmetry between the person who wants to get insured and the carriers looking to place insurance with the right type of folks. Many are good candidates for insurance and insurers can improve pricing on policies. That’s what we’re doing at Rex Tech and we're seeing results. For example, we can surface information critical to a person being insured—what they actually need to know from the fine print before they get that insurance. We’re also serving up the right type of insurance to those needing insurance, getting them insured quickly or offering different carrier options that they can select from. All these different things benefit both the person looking for insurance and the carrier. At Rex Tech, that's what we're achieving. #insurance #insurtech #ai #machinelearning
At Rex Tech, we use AI and ML to improve insurance processes by addressing data asymmetry, mitigating risks, and providing essential information to customers. This helps in better pricing, faster service, and more informed decisions, benefiting both customers and carriers.
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If you're a real estate owner or operator, screening for proper insurance upfront is absolutely required. You have to make sure a vendor or contractor is insured correctly. Unfortunately, there’s often little visibility into vendors’ insurance coverage, resulting in a system that’s broken and affects both the vendor and the property manager. At Rex Tech, we saw this issue and we’re addressing it successfully. The solutions we’ve created empower both sides, the guys who need to do the work and the folks that need to have it done. But we’ve also taken it to the next level. Not only are we making sure that the screen is happening so they have the proper insurance, we've also come up with solutions to get them the right insurance with the right coverage. We've created systems that enable vendors to get insurance coverage right on the spot when they find out they're missing it so they can get the job and property managers can get the job done. That's great for both sides. #realestate #insurance #insurtech
At Rex, we insure vendors up front. Our tech solutions empower small business owners, vendors, and property managers, eliminate visibility issues, and streamline getting the job done right.
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Here at Rex, we understand the importance of refining operational patterns and driving iterative developments to propel our company forward. While experienced experts may seem like the obvious choice, we've learned that their expertise doesn't always align with the dynamic demands of early-stage growth. That's why we prioritize recruiting versatile individuals - what we affectionately call "business generalist athletes" - who possess a robust business acumen and a passion for innovation. These individuals thrive in chaotic environments, navigating challenges with agility and resilience. Their adaptability and problem-solving skills make them invaluable contributors to Rex Tech's growth trajectory, propelling us towards our next stage of development. Recognizing the significance of personnel in scaling correctly, we are dedicated to assembling a team of individuals who embody the ethos of adaptability and resilience. By harnessing the collective strengths of these versatile professionals, we can effectively tackle the challenges of growth and position ourselves for long-term success in the competitive tech landscape.
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In the journey of scaling a company, one of the most critical aspects is navigating the dynamics of personnel. During the early stages, the emphasis is on agility and adaptability. This necessitates the recruitment of versatile individuals who can wear multiple hats, from marketing to legal tasks, and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. These "special ops" types are essential for problem-solving and innovation, laying the groundwork for growth. However, as the company gains traction and begins to find its rhythm, a shift in personnel requirements becomes apparent. The same individuals who thrived in the chaos of the startup phase may find themselves feeling stifled as the organization stabilizes. Their creative energy, once a driving force, can become counterproductive in a more structured environment. Recognizing this transition point is crucial for sustainable growth. Thus, as the company matures, there arises a need for a different breed of talent - individuals who excel in refinement and optimization. These meticulous improvers are adept at perfecting processes and driving incremental enhancements. By reallocating resources to match the evolving needs of the business, organizations can maintain momentum and avoid stagnation, ensuring continued success in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.
In company scaling, personnel fit is crucial. Early stages demand versatile specialists, while later success requires meticulous improvers. The same individuals who thrived in the chaos of the startup phase may find themselves feeling stifled as the organization stabilizes. As the company matures, there arises a need for a different breed of talent–individuals who excel in refinement, improvers adept at driving incremental enhancements. By reallocating resources to match the evolving needs of the business, organizations can maintain momentum and avoid stagnation.
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In the corporate sphere, the notion of AI merging with humanity to create a superior species sparks intriguing discussions. However, history teaches us that significant evolutionary leaps stem from natural processes rather than collaborative endeavors. This notion aligns with the philosophical concept that one cannot create something greater than the sum of its parts. From a business perspective, integrating AI raises pertinent questions about its role alongside human employees. While AI offers immense potential for streamlining operations and boosting productivity, its unbridled advancement could pose risks if not carefully managed. Thus, responsible implementation is paramount to mitigate the emergence of potentially harmful technologies. Yet, amidst these considerations, it's vital to recognize that AI lacks the innate human qualities that drive innovation and foster meaningful connections. Creativity, empathy, and compassion remain uniquely human traits essential for nurturing a dynamic and sustainable corporate culture. Thus, while AI serves as a valuable tool for progress, it should complement rather than replace the human element in business endeavors.
“From nothing, nothing comes.” Many anticipate a future where AI merges with humanity, birthing a superior species. But you cannot do something greater than your capacity. There's an inherent limitation. AI lacks the innate human qualities that drive innovation and foster meaningful connections. Creativity, empathy, and compassion remain uniquely human traits essential for nurturing a dynamic and sustainable culture. Robots can never create something from nothing and will always lack the human capacity for love and empathy.
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I got my start in tech in Silicon Valley, the epicenter of the industry. I’ve also spent time in other tech hubs, including Seattle, where I spent a couple of years studying Amazon, and Austin, where I actively build tech now. I've also visited global tech centers like Israel and Berlin, which, though significant, aren't as renowned as Silicon Valley. Understanding Silicon Valley was initially confusing for me. I didn't start my entrepreneurial journey there; I was already a successful, full-stack entrepreneur with experience growing businesses from zero to billions. However, starting fresh in Silicon Valley was different. I met entrepreneurs who only knew one or two aspects of business or tech. It puzzled me how these individuals were entrusted with investment money, given that many of their ideas seemed flawed. I came to understand Silicon Valley as a big casino run by venture capitalists (VCs). The VCs are the house, and they always make money. That's key to understanding how Silicon Valley operates.
Silicon Valley operates like a big casino, and venture capitalists are the house. They always make money.
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Introducing Rex Tech’s Operating Partner: Jorge de Cárdenas We are excited to announce the addition of Jorge de Cárdenas as our new Operating Partner. Jorge is a distinguished tech entrepreneur and product strategist with an impressive track record in the tech and real estate industries. His career, spanning several decades, is marked by successful leadership in multiple high-stakes ventures, where he was an executive or founding team member. Jorge grew up near Houston, Texas, attending Clear Lake High School, in a community deeply connected with NASA, where he later worked as a NASA engineer. His upbringing instilled resilience, a strong work ethic, and an imagination of what tech could accomplish, which he carried through his education at Texas A&M University. Jorge comes from a family with hard work in its DNA. His father, now 85, fought against Castro. His parents fled Cuba for freedom and met with great success in America. Jorge is a family man, first and foremost, which we love and appreciate. He married his high school sweetheart and together founded the Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts. His son and daughter are a source of great pride. His son is the founder of Ritual Cinema Studios, a production company that creates films, commercials, television shows & brand content around the world. His daughter aspires to be a medical doctor and is currently attending the University of Texas at Austin. Most exciting, he’s a recent grandpa, joyfully welcoming his first baby grandchild this year! Over the years, Jorge has led significant initiatives, including building and selling a fintech company to Visa, and developing and successfully exiting a technology services venture in the Oil & Gas sector. His most recent achievement was his pivotal role as Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President at American Campus Communities, where his strategic vision led to one of the largest exits in Austin's history, selling the company to Blackstone for over $12 billion. We are thrilled to have Jorge bring his wealth of experience and innovative approach to our team. His unique perspective and leadership will be invaluable. Peter Rex calls him “one of the greatest product minds at the intersection of tech and real estate”. Please join us in welcoming Jorge de Cárdenas to Rex Tech. Hear why Peter Rex and Jorge de Cárdenas joined forces: youtube.com/watch?v=dmVih9O_…
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75% of property managers and asset owners want to know if someone they bring on-site is a nonviolent criminal. No one wants to expose their tenants and guests to criminals. The majority of managers—75%—are concerned about knowing the background of every individual coming on-site. However, many times they don't have this information because of the numerous vendors and construction workers entering the property, who often aren’t properly vetted by the management or ownership. This needs to change. But why isn’t it happening? Everyone wants it, but the tech is broken. As seasoned operators, we recognize this as a significant choke point. It's a vague area that not only slows us down but could also pose risks to our tenants, residents, owners, and everyone else involved. At Rex Tech, we're tackling this issue head-on. Our goal is to bring clarity and visibility to this process. This will benefit everyone—reliable vendors will gain quick access, and residents, tenants, guests, and owners will feel secure. It's a win-win for all! #realestate #compliance #proptech
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What's the first thing that gets in your way as a real estate owner/operator? Compliance. When you’re managing a job, ensuring that every person coming on-site doesn’t have a criminal background is crucial. However, the current technology for this is inefficient, ineffective, and slows down the entire process of turning over inventory, whether it's apartments, hotel rooms, or office space. The first choke point is the initial ID check—and it’s broken. The tech in this area is terrible. At Rex Tech, we're tackling the issue of ID checks head on. This need is driven by urgency: you have units to turn over or construction to complete, and delays cost money. The contractors are on the dime: they're costing money and they want to get the jobs done too. Good contractors have nothing to hide. They want to be checked quickly and make sure you know that they’re not a criminal. And you definitely want to know it too. ID check-ins are critical, yet they're currently broken. That's why we're dedicated to fixing them at Rex Tech. #realestate #PropertyManagement #compliance #proptech #innovation #construction #propertyowners
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While concerns about AI are valid, the real focus should be on the humans behind it. Just like in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," where fear stemmed from the misuse of a new technology, AI's potential dangers lie in the humans behind it. The fear of AI often parallels themes from science fiction, like the Terminator series, where AI turns on humanity. However, the real issue isn't AI itself but the moral compass of those controlling it. AI, like nuclear capabilities, can be a force for great good or great harm. It's up to us, as humans, to ensure it's used for positive purposes. Instead of fearing AI, let's focus on cultivating a responsible and ethical approach to its development and use.
Am I worried about AI?
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There’s a common belief that AI will put people out of jobs, but history tells a different story. New technologies have always led to the creation of more diverse and higher-level jobs. Empowering people! 👉 Consider this: Did we lament the loss of jobs like hand-washing clothes? No, because it freed us to do more meaningful work. AI promises the same transformation, moving us away from repetitive and monotonous tasks to higher-level work that matters. AI isn't about job loss; it's about job evolution. #AI #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Technology #CareerGrowth
AI will take over repetitive, monotonous tasks, freeing us to focus on higher-level, creative work. This isn't the end of jobs; it's an evolution.
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Revolutionizing Property Maintenance. The maintenance side of property management is broken in multifamily. This inefficiency creates costs for management companies and ownership that are inevitably passed down to residents, tenants, and guests, resulting in a lower quality of life for all. At Rex, we’re transforming property maintenance by empowering industry professionals with cutting-edge tools, data, software, Machine Learning, and AI. Our approach ensures that maintenance teams are more effective and efficient, leading to: -Reduced Costs: for management companies and owners. -Improved Quality of Life: for residents and guests. -Boosted Morale: for a more stable and capable property management team. Our commitment to innovation is driving a new standard in property maintenance, delivering tangible benefits across the board. #PropertyManagement #RealEstate #Innovation #AI #MachineLearning #Leadership #Proptech #Multifamily
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When it comes to capital allocation, stewardship is key. Whether you're managing your own capital or entrusted with someone else's, think like a steward, not a consumer. Here are a few principles to keep in mind: 👉 Growth: Ensure your capital grows over the long term. 👉 Diversification: Diversify your investments. How much? Enough to spread risk. 👉 Tech: Within tech investments, diversify your bets. Remember the power law and aim for at least 10 solid bets. 👉 Real Estate: Focus on downside protection and choose assets that will significantly grow in revenue and cash flow over the next 5 to 20 years. Smart allocation today can secure a prosperous future. 💼📈 #Investing #CapitalAllocation #Diversification #Stewardship
Stewardship: My approach to capital allocation, diversification, and the power law in tech. #CapitalAllocation #TechInvesting #PowerLaw #Stewardship
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The maintenance side of the apartment housing industry is completely broken. Yet it’s absolutely vital to the success of that business. All real estate needs to be maintained and that system is broken. It’s a very big problem, but also a huge opportunity. This opportunity is something we're attacking at Rex Tech. A lot of our plays are coming through in what we call, the "underbelly of real estate"--the maintenance and construction side of real estate. It’s a universal need but massively disordered. Why doesn't it work well? Here are some factors: ❌ A black box of data. Data tracking is very poor so you don’t know the status of a maintenance or construction project, ❌ No transparency as to procurement of goods, use of goods, supply of goods, where they're being kept, how those goods are being maintained ❌ A lack of sophisticated software that truly manages the operating workflow. Maintenance tech is either non-existent or completely broken. It's the worst part of the entire industry. And that's why we're attacking it, because it's also the biggest opportunity. #realestate #proptech #multifamily
The maintenance side in multifamily is backward and broken by any modern standard: no data, terrible operating systems, bad routing, zero empowerment. #realestate #proptech #multifamily
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