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Both Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) and Will(ard) Smith prioritize brands and startups that align with their investment portfolios. They back companies that are designed to improve life for people across the board.
They have invested in companies like vegan cookie brand Partake Foods, fitness tech startup CLMBR, teen banking service Step and most recently, investment platform Titan; now Jay-Z and Smith are betting on a rent-to-own startup company that’s making homeownership more accessible to all--Landis Technologies.
According to TechCrunch, the two business moguls have joined a group of investors for a $165 million Series A equity funding round for Landis — a company that helps people transition from renting to owning — funded through Roc Nation and Will Smith’s Dreamers VC.
“We are proud to have invested in Landis,” Smith said, “Landis is an innovative company that also has a social mission we are aligned with. We are excited to be part of a journey that helps Americans achieve homeownership through financial education.”
Neil Sirni, co-founder and President of Roc Nation’s venture investment arm Arrive, said “We believe that Landis is determined to build a company that consumers can trust. Our investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting Landis on their mission to make the path to homeownership more accessible, transparent and empowering.”
As part of its slate of services, the startup offers clients coaching on how to manage their finances, improve their credit and save money to put a down payment on a home, restructuring the way homeownership is pursued by bringing more resources to the table that would otherwise not be available.
Co-founder Tom Petit said “Whatever their situation, we give our clients easy, achievable steps to become eligible for a mortgage. Getting ready for a mortgage is often a stressful and difficult process. Landis makes it easy, fun and approachable.”
In June of 2019, Forbes declared Jay-Z to be hip-hop's first billionaire.
Will Smith landed his most recent role as "King Richard," a biopic that focuses on the father of worldwide tennis sport superstars Venus and Serena Williams. (ESPN)
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