Inhabitr

Company Overview

Inhabitr is a technology-driven company that has developed the first fully integrated platform-as-a-service furniture company. Founded in San Francisco and Mumbai, Inhabitr has reimagined the concept of flexible furnishing by providing subscription, purchase, and pre-owned options across various sectors including hospitality, multifamily, staging, student housing, short-term rentals, and direct-to-consumer segments.

The company positions itself as the first AI-powered Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Furnishing Solution, aiming to revolutionize how properties are furnished. Inhabitr’s innovative approach combines technology with furniture services to create a comprehensive solution for property owners and managers.

Products Overview

Inhabitr’s core offering is an all-in-one technology platform that integrates various aspects of property furnishing:

1. Design: Utilizing Generative AI for discovery and planning, Inhabitr creates diverse floor plan options based on image references provided by clients.

2. Procurement: The platform uses real-time API connectivity to warehouses, providing access to over 1 million product SKUs with real-time inventory updates from thousands of suppliers.

3. Installation: Freight and installation services are managed on the same platform, streamlining the entire process.

4. Financing: Customized financing options are available, including up to 100% financing.

5. Refurbishment and Re-Use: Inhabitr offers furniture refurbishment services, enabling the transition of furniture from Class A to Class C properties and promoting sustainability.

The company’s technology platform also includes IoT-based furniture tracking, allowing real-time monitoring of furniture shipments from overseas factories, supplier warehouses, during transit, and throughout customer installations. Additionally, Inhabitr provides personalized on-demand furnishing through exclusive white-labeled microsites designed to cater to continuous furnishing needs.

Problem and Market Fit

Inhabitr addresses several key challenges in the commercial real estate furnishing industry:

1. Efficiency: Traditional furnishing processes can be time-consuming and complex. Inhabitr’s integrated platform aims to enhance efficiency by simplifying property furnishing.

2. Cost-effectiveness: The company claims to offer up to 30% savings compared to traditional furnishing methods.

3. Flexibility: Inhabitr provides various payment options including cash, financing, and subscription models, catering to different client needs.

4. Sustainability: With a focus on the circular economy, Inhabitr aims to reduce furniture waste and promote sustainable practices in the industry.

5. Speed: The company claims to complete furnishing projects up to 50% faster than traditional methods.

These solutions are particularly relevant in the commercial real estate sector, where time, cost, and quality are critical factors. Inhabitr’s services cater to various CRE segments, including hospitality, multifamily, student housing, senior living, and office spaces, demonstrating a broad market fit.

Business Model

Inhabitr operates on a platform-as-a-service model, offering an end-to-end solution for commercial real estate furnishing. The company generates revenue through several streams:

1. Furniture Sales and Rentals: Offering both purchase and subscription options for furniture.
2. Design Services: Utilizing AI-powered design tools to create floor plans and furnishing concepts.
3. Procurement Services: Leveraging its vast network of suppliers to source furniture.
4. Installation Services: Providing end-to-end installation solutions.
5. Financing: Offering customized financing options for clients.
6. Refurbishment Services: Extending the lifecycle of furniture through refurbishment and reuse.

This diversified approach allows Inhabitr to capture value at multiple points in the furnishing process, from initial design to long-term furniture management.

Competitive Landscape

While specific competitors are not mentioned in the provided information, Inhabitr’s unique selling proposition lies in its integrated, AI-powered approach to commercial real estate furnishing. The company differentiates itself through:

1. Technology Integration: Using AI for design and IoT for furniture tracking.
2. Sustainability Focus: Emphasizing circular economy principles in furniture management.
3. Flexibility: Offering various purchasing and financing options.
4. Speed and Cost-Effectiveness: Claiming faster completion times and cost savings compared to traditional methods.

These factors position Inhabitr as a disruptive force in the traditional furniture and interior design industries, particularly in the commercial real estate sector.

Customers

Inhabitr serves a diverse range of clients across the commercial real estate sector. Some notable customers mentioned include:

1. CRG & CA Ventures
2. Pacific 19 Hotel (with Nine Brains Hospitality)
3. OYO Time Square (with Highgate)
4. JVM Realty
5. Tarsadia Investments

Testimonials from these clients highlight Inhabitr’s efficiency, organization, and flexibility, particularly during high-pressure periods like property turnovers.

Relevant News

While no specific dated news items are provided, the company appears to be in a growth phase, with plans to expand its services globally. Inhabitr mentions having projects all over North America and being ready to expand anywhere in the world, indicating potential for significant future growth and international expansion.