Embracing AI and Tech: The Future of Real Estate and Fashion in Africa

May 13, 2025, 10:24 pm
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Location: Canada, Montreal (06), Montreal
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2013
Total raised: $7.25M
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, two sectors are emerging as beacons of innovation: real estate and fashion. Both are grappling with age-old challenges, yet they are finding solutions through technology. The integration of AI in real estate and the rise of software for fashion management are reshaping these industries.

Let’s start with real estate. VerbaFlo, a conversational AI startup, has joined forces with Vita Student, a leading provider of student accommodation. This partnership aims to revolutionize tenant operations through voice AI. Imagine a world where prospective tenants can book accommodations with a simple voice command. That’s the vision VerbaFlo is bringing to life.

Founded in 2024, VerbaFlo is not just another tech company. It’s an “AI teammate” designed to handle customer communication across various platforms—chat, voice, email, and WhatsApp. This integration is crucial in a sector where inquiries can flood in like a tidal wave. The real estate market, particularly in the UK, is experiencing a surge in demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). As international students flock to universities, operators like Vita Student must stand out.

The pressure is on. Competition is fierce. Gen Z renters expect immediacy and personalized service. They want answers now, not later. With AI managing repetitive queries, Vita Student anticipates a boost in lead-to-booking conversion rates. This means more students finding homes and less time wasted on mundane tasks.

But it’s not just about efficiency. It’s about redefining the tenant experience. The partnership reflects a broader trend in real estate and hospitality. Companies are embracing AI-driven automation to enhance customer experiences while cutting costs. This is a win-win scenario.

Now, let’s shift gears to the fashion industry in Africa. Here, the narrative is different but equally compelling. Stylebitt, a fashion business management software, is making waves. Co-founder Precious Aleaji recognized a glaring gap in the market. The fashion industry in Nigeria, valued at around $31 billion, lacks foundational software. Tailors are still relying on paper and pen.

Aleaji’s journey began at a young age, learning the art of leather footwear. After facing operational challenges in his own business, he decided to create a solution. Stylebitt was born. This software is designed to streamline operations for tailors and fashion entrepreneurs. It’s a digital lifeline in a sea of inefficiencies.

Many fashion businesses in Nigeria operate informally. They struggle with inventory management, invoicing, and customer tracking. The reliance on manual tools is a significant barrier to growth. For instance, Chidimma Owoh, a Lagos-based tailor, manages her operations manually. She faces challenges in tracking orders and managing staff.

The need for a user-friendly solution is evident. Owoh’s experience highlights a common theme: many entrepreneurs want to adopt technology but find existing solutions too complex. Stylebitt aims to bridge this gap. It offers features tailored to the needs of fashion businesses, from comprehensive measurement-taking to cash flow tracking.

Imagine a tailor being able to collect up to 60 data points for a female client’s measurements. This is the level of detail Stylebitt provides. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about precision. The software allows tailors to store customer preferences, track orders, and send invoices seamlessly.

For businesses like Ngolongolo Couture, adopting Stylebitt has been transformative. Owner Uche Njoku can now manage a team of 46 members efficiently. The software has become an integral part of his operations, allowing him to focus on creativity rather than administrative burdens.

The pricing model of Stylebitt is also noteworthy. It caters to a range of businesses, from solo tailors to larger operations. This tiered structure ensures accessibility, allowing even the smallest businesses to benefit from digital tools.

As the fashion industry in Africa continues to grow, the demand for tech solutions will only increase. Entrepreneurs are eager for tools that simplify their operations. They want to focus on their craft, not get bogged down by paperwork.

Both VerbaFlo and Stylebitt exemplify a shift towards embracing technology in traditional industries. They represent a future where AI and software are not just tools but partners in business. The real estate sector is learning to automate and personalize, while the fashion industry is shedding its manual roots for digital efficiency.

In conclusion, the integration of AI in real estate and the rise of fashion management software in Africa are not just trends; they are necessary evolutions. As these industries adapt, they will not only survive but thrive. The future is bright for those willing to embrace change. In a world where technology is the new currency, innovation is the key to unlocking potential.