Victorian property data startup Landchecker brings on RACV as strategic backer

Victorian startup Landchecker, which helps prospective buyers access detailed data around a property’s zoning and related information, has raised $1.85 million in funding, with new strategic partner RACV the largest backer in the round.

Founded by property developer and architect Will Leaf, Landchecker helps users quickly find out what zone a property is in and whether there are any type of restrictions around future planning, detailing information around development zones, heritage overlays, flood affected areas, and permit requirements.

“When people want to buy, develop, renovate, or extend they currently face a lengthy and confusing ordeal to ensure they obtain the information they’ll require,” Leaf said.

In bringing on RACV, best known as a car and home insurance provider, as a strategic investor, Landchecker will work with the company to launch new service Claim My Property.

Here users will be able to register their ownership, receive property reports, and monitor buyer interest, with the service also sending them relevant market updates and legislative changes that may have an impact on the value of their property.

Beyond the development of this service, Leaf said the funding will go towards helping Landchecker develop further capabilities as it looks to expand across Australia; it is currently active only in Victoria.  

“Support from a business such as RACV, who is one of Victoria’s most trusted organisations, will be instrumental in Landchecker’s growth and enable us to develop a transaction service that empowers all Australians on their property journey,” Leaf said.

Landchecker had last year raised $1 million to fund the development of its Matchmaker tool, which allows users to find off-market properties according to their various search parameters, such as planning zones, planning overlays, orientation, and minimum frontage.

Neil Taylor, CEO and managing director of RACV, said, “We’re pleased to be partnering with Landchecker to launch the Claim My Property tool, as it will provide meaningful benefits to all current and prospective Victorian homeowners.

“We’re always looking for new ways to improve the lives of our members, and partnering with Landchecker will make the journey to home ownership easier.”

RACV is the latest organisation of its ilk to look to invest in startups. Queensland-based motoring club and mutual organisation RACQ last December acquired a 30 percent stake in Brisbane artificial intelligence company Blackbook.ai.

Specialising in services including robotic process automation, digital automation, and chatbots, the company is the automation and AI division of Blackbook Professional Services.

Greg Booker, chief information officer of RACQ, said at the time, “Our partnership with Blackbook.ai is just one way we’re ensuring RACQ is at the forefront of the emerging artificial intelligence and robotics space.

“We’re excited and confident this collaboration will successfully add value to the Australian AI and robotics services market, and ultimately it’ll benefit our members, and all Queenslanders.”

Image: Will Leaf and Neil Taylor. Source: Supplied.