EPISODE · Jun 2, 2026 · 50 MIN
Chapter 3: Investing in Tomorrow's Buildings: PropTech, AI, and Startup Lessons from Raya Yunakova
from DT Vector · host Graphein
Raya Yunakova is a seasoned early‑stage tech investor at LAUNCHub Ventures, with prior experience leading PropTech accelerator programs at Pi Labs in London and working in technical evangelism at Microsoft. She brings deep expertise in PropTech, AI, SaaS, and FinTech, and has backed numerous startups across Central and Eastern Europe.Raya: Unveils the layers of the PropTech landscape—from accelerator programs to investor decision-making, and how market dynamics shape early-stage deals.Decodes the complexity of AI-driven innovation in real estate: what it really takes to build scalable platforms and what AI tools are truly solving for building owners, developers, and investors.Builds clarity around the founder journey: transitioning from a coder or technical creator at Microsoft to a VC role, and how founders and investors manage uncertainty and growth in emerging ecosystems.Reasons to tune in:Get an insider look at how PropTech startups secure funding – Raya walks through how her team at LAUNCHub Ventures filters 10,000+ startups down to a few investments, and what traits turn a pitch into a partnership.Learn how AI and robotics are already changing buildings – From housekeeping bots in Airbnbs to software that automates architectural compliance, Raya gives grounded, real-world examples of innovation in action.Hear honest advice on what makes or breaks a founder – Raya reveals the biggest red flags in early-stage pitches, why “lack of capital” is never the real problem, and what smart founders do before asking for VC money.Chapters00:00 - 00:55 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:56 - 01:36 Raya Yunakova's Career Journey01:37 - 03:16 Founding an EdTech Startup03:17 - 04:38 Joining Microsoft and Encouraging Innovation04:39 - 05:06 Transition to Venture Capital05:07 - 06:57 Understanding PropTech06:58 - 12:10 Investing in PropTech Startups12:11 - 16:01 The Role of AI in Real Estate16:02 - 18:42 Challenges and Opportunities in PropTech18:43 - 24:30 Navigating the Investment Landscape24:31 - 26:11 Connecting with Investors26:12 - 26:55 Understanding Market Dynamics26:56 - 27:36 Investment Process and Client Engagement27:37 - 28:34 Investment Amounts and Fund Management28:35 - 31:30 Post-Investment Support and Expectations31:31 - 38:53 Challenges in Education Systems38:54 - 41:06 Future of Office Work41:07 - 44:52 Vision for Future Cities44:53 - 46:33 Investment Strategies and Co-Investing46:34 - 47:56 Innovative Ideas in Construction47:57 - 50:12 Closing Remarks and Future Guests
What this episode covers
Raya Yunakova is a seasoned early‑stage tech investor at LAUNCHub Ventures, with prior experience leading PropTech accelerator programs at Pi Labs in London and working in technical evangelism at Microsoft. She brings deep expertise in PropTech, AI, SaaS, and FinTech, and has backed numerous startups across Central and Eastern Europe.Raya: Unveils the layers of the PropTech landscape—from accelerator programs to investor decision-making, and how market dynamics shape early-stage deals.Decodes the complexity of AI-driven innovation in real estate: what it really takes to build scalable platforms and what AI tools are truly solving for building owners, developers, and investors.Builds clarity around the founder journey: transitioning from a coder or technical creator at Microsoft to a VC role, and how founders and investors manage uncertainty and growth in emerging ecosystems.Reasons to tune in:Get an insider look at how PropTech startups secure funding – Raya walks through how her team at LAUNCHub Ventures filters 10,000+ startups down to a few investments, and what traits turn a pitch into a partnership.Learn how AI and robotics are already changing buildings – From housekeeping bots in Airbnbs to software that automates architectural compliance, Raya gives grounded, real-world examples of innovation in action.Hear honest advice on what makes or breaks a founder – Raya reveals the biggest red flags in early-stage pitches, why “lack of capital” is never the real problem, and what smart founders do before asking for VC money.Chapters00:00 - 00:55 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:56 - 01:36 Raya Yunakova's Career Journey01:37 - 03:16 Founding an EdTech Startup03:17 - 04:38 Joining Microsoft and Encouraging Innovation04:39 - 05:06 Transition to Venture Capital05:07 - 06:57 Understanding PropTech06:58 - 12:10 Investing in PropTech Startups12:11 - 16:01 The Role of AI in Real Estate16:02 - 18:42 Challenges and Opportunities in PropTech18:43 - 24:30 Navigating the Investment Landscape24:31 - 26:11 Connecting with Investors26:12 - 26:55 Understanding Market Dynamics26:56 - 27:36 Investment Process and Client Engagement27:37 - 28:34 Investment Amounts and Fund Management28:35 - 31:30 Post-Investment Support and Expectations31:31 - 38:53 Challenges in Education Systems38:54 - 41:06 Future of Office Work41:07 - 44:52 Vision for Future Cities44:53 - 46:33 Investment Strategies and Co-Investing46:34 - 47:56 Innovative Ideas in Construction47:57 - 50:12 Closing Remarks and Future Guests
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Chapter 3: Investing in Tomorrow's Buildings: PropTech, AI, and Startup Lessons from Raya Yunakova
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