The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has captured the world’s attention with infected individuals in 169 countries and a rising death toll. This virulent pandemic has profoundly changed people’s daily lives and the way businesses operate. COVID-19 has mandated social distancing to promote fewer face-to-face interactions to contain the spread of the virus. With social distancing in place, people are encouraged to stay home as much as possible and to keep a distance of 6 feet or more between themselves and others if they do leave home. Even more disturbing are the reports that COVID-19 can be contracted from touching surfaces that an infected person touched. Property technology (proptech), the digital and technological transformation of the real estate sector and built spaces, is on the cutting edge and can play a crucial role in mitigating future viral outbreaks. Now more than ever, we need to utilize technology to combat deadly viruses. The rapid evolution of proptech with electronic devices that allows people to open doors with their voice, face, or phone without the use of a manual key, avoiding contact with surfaces is essential during these times. The health and safety of the American people is dependent upon implementation of innovative technological solutions in proptech, a sector where in the first half of 2019, venture capitalists (VC) invested $14 billion.
