Calling All Trailblazers: Introducing the Inaugural "PropTech Startup Showdown" at SXSW 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Realtor.com and National Association of REALTORS (NWS) will launch the inaugural PropTech Startup Showdown at SXSW on March 13, 2026 in Austin.

Six early- and growth-stage PropTech finalists will give rapid-fire 4-minute presentations with 4-minute Q&A for a chance to win a $5,000 Grand Prize, meetings with Second Century Ventures managing partners, amplified exposure across Realtor.com and partner channels, and optional VIP introductions. Applications are due January 23, 2026. The event targets startups in residential and commercial real estate, fintech, contech, property management, data and AI, and agent tools.

Key Figures

Grand Prize cash $5,000 PropTech Startup Showdown Grand Prize from National Association of REALTORS

Finalist count 6 startups Number of finalists to present at PropTech Startup Showdown

Presentation format 4-minute pitch + 4-minute Q&A Event structure for each finalist at SXSW 2026 showdown

Event date March 13, 2026 PropTech Startup Showdown at Realtor.com office in Austin

Application deadline January 23, 2026 Deadline for PropTech Startup Showdown applications

Repurchase authorization $1 billion Authorized aggregate buyback under existing stock repurchase programs

Charitable gift shares 302,000 shares Class B shares gifted by Keith Rupert Murdoch on 12/12/2025

Indirect Class B holdings 707,446 shares Class B shares beneficially owned via K. Rupert Murdoch 2004 Revocable Trust

Market Reality Check

$26.40 Last Close

Volume Volume 704,469 vs 20-day average 1,061,259 (relative volume 0.66) indicates subdued trading before this news. low

Technical Shares at 29.89 are trading below the 200-day MA 31.73 and sit 15.99% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

NWS gained 0.34% alongside peers NWSA (0.42%), TKO (0.66%), WMG (2.12%), ROKU (0.54%), and FOXA (1.5%), suggesting a positive sector tilt rather than a purely idiosyncratic move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 18	Housing data report	Neutral	+0.5%	Realtor.com analysis on flipped homes’ performance amid higher mortgage rates.
Dec 16	Rent market report	Neutral	+0.7%	Realtor.com rent report on affordability trends for minimum-wage earners.
Dec 15	WSJ brand launch	Neutral	-1.3%	Launch of WSJ Opinion’s Free Expression newsletter-first brand extension.
Dec 10	Housing outlook list	Neutral	+0.3%	Realtor.com ranking of top U.S. housing markets for 2026 growth.
Dec 09	Mortgage payment study	Neutral	+0.4%	Realtor.com study on lock-in effect and higher payments for movers.

Pattern Detected

Recent Realtor.com and News Corp content/newsletters have triggered modest single-day moves, with all recorded reactions within about +/-1.5%, indicating measured trading responses to similar informational announcements.

Recent Company History

Over the past few weeks, NWS has released a series of data-driven Realtor.com reports on housing, rents, and mortgage lock-in effects, plus a WSJ Opinion brand extension. These items, on Dec 9–18, 2025, produced price moves between about -1.31% and +0.72%, suggesting investors treat such content and branding announcements as modest catalysts. Today’s SXSW PropTech Startup Showdown news fits this pattern of strategic visibility and thought-leadership rather than a major financial event.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights News Corp’s use of Realtor.com to deepen engagement in real estate technology via the SXSW 2026 PropTech Startup Showdown. It builds on a stream of recent Realtor.com market reports and WSJ brand initiatives, positioning the company as both data provider and ecosystem convener. Investors may monitor the quality of showcased startups, subsequent partnerships, and how these initiatives complement ongoing programs such as the authorized $1 billion stock repurchase capacity.

Key Terms

proptech technical

"launch the first PropTech Startup Showdown. The inaugural PropTech Startup Showdown"

Property technology, or proptech, is the use of software, sensors, data and online platforms to buy, sell, manage and use real estate more efficiently. Think of it as bringing the conveniences of apps and automation to buildings and property markets — from digital listings and smart locks to automated maintenance and data-driven pricing. Investors care because proptech can lower costs, increase occupancy or rents, improve asset value and create new revenue streams or risks in real estate portfolios.

fintech technical

"are shaping the future of residential and commercial real estate, fintech, contech,"

FinTech, short for financial technology, refers to new tools and software that make managing money easier and more convenient, like mobile payment apps or online banking. It matters because it helps people and businesses access financial services faster, often at lower costs, changing how we handle money in everyday life.

contech technical

"future of residential and commercial real estate, fintech, contech, property management,"

Construction technology — often shortened to contech — is the set of tools, machines and software that make planning, building and maintaining physical structures faster, safer and cheaper. Think of it as moving a construction site from paper maps and manual labor to GPS navigation, automation, and real‑time data. For investors, contech matters because it can cut costs, speed project delivery, reduce safety and legal risk, and create scalable products or services that generate clearer returns.

cash prize financial

"Grand Prize includes a $5,000 cash prize awarded by National Association of REALTORS"

A cash prize is a sum of money awarded to an individual or group as part of a contest, promotion, or incentive program. For investors, cash prizes matter because they represent an immediate cash outflow for the company and can affect short-term earnings, marketing effectiveness, or customer engagement—think of it like a store handing out gift cards: it can boost attention but also reduces retained cash on the balance sheet.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Founders invited to compete for $5K, industry exposure, and a chance to showcase breakthrough real estate tech on one of the world's biggest innovation stages.

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all innovators, on March 13th Realtor.com^® and National Association of REALTORS^® Tech & Innovation are teaming up at SXSW to launch the first PropTech Startup Showdown. The inaugural PropTech Startup Showdown at SXSW will be a high-energy competition designed to identify and elevate the next generation of real estate technology innovators. United in their goal to support the real estate industry, this competition highlights the strong partnership between Realtor.com^® and the National Association of REALTORS^®.

"Today, technology is transforming the industry faster than ever, and many meaningful breakthroughs are coming from early-stage founders," said Mickey Neuberger, Chief Consumer and Marketing Officer, Realtor.com^®. "We are excited to bring this event to SXSW, in partnership with the National Association of Realtors^® to create a platform for these visionary entrepreneurs to share fresh ideas and ultimately help more people find their home. Realtor.com pioneered online real estate 30 years ago and that spirit of innovation remains in our DNA."

The competition is a call to action for founders who are ready to get in front of industry power players, gain unmatched visibility, and show the SXSW community how their technology can transform the way real estate works. Applications are due by January 23rd.

Held on March 13, 2026, at the Realtor.com^® office in East Austin, the event will showcase six finalists whose early- and growth-stage startups are shaping the future of residential and commercial real estate, fintech, contech, property management, data and AI, and agent tools. Finalists will give rapid-fire presentations and get real-time feedback. The Showdown offers a rare opportunity for founders to capture the attention of leading voices across National Association of Realtors^® Tech & Innovation, Realtor.com^®, Second Century Ventures, investors, real estate professionals, and the broader SXSW audience.

The competition's Grand Prize includes a $5,000 cash prize awarded by National Association of REALTORS^®, a meeting with Second Century Ventures (SCV)'s managing partners, amplified exposure across Realtor.com^®, and partner channels, and optional VIP intros and visibility with industry leaders. An Audience Choice Award will also recognize one startup chosen by event attendees.

"NAR has long supported innovation that helps REALTORS^® better serve homebuyers, sellers, and consumers," said Dan Weisman, Director of Innovation Strategy, National Association of REALTORS^®. "NAR Tech & Innovation is excited to partner with Realtor.com^® to spotlight the creativity, energy, and forward-thinking solutions emerging from the PropTech community, especially at such a globally recognized stage as SXSW."

Finalists will also benefit from visibility across Realtor.com^®, NAR Tech & Innovation, Second Century Ventures, and partner channels, as well as potential VIP introductions with industry leaders.

Event Details:

• When and Where: March 13, 2026, Realtor.com^® Office, 901 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
• Eligibility: Early- and growth-stage startups building technology for the real estate ecosystem; presenters must attend in person and be 18+
• Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
• Format: 4-minute presentation + 4-minute Q&A; live audience and judges; Audience Choice voting
• Apply here

Terms and Conditions
Full terms and conditions can be found here.

About Realtor.com^®
Realtor.com^® pioneered online real estate and has been at the forefront for over 25 years, connecting buyers, sellers, and renters with trusted insights, professional guidance and powerful tools to help them find their perfect home. Recognized as the No. 1 site trusted by real estate professionals, Realtor.com^® is a valued partner, delivering consumer connections and a robust suite of marketing tools to support business growth. Realtor.com^® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc.

Media contact: Mallory Micetich, press@realtor.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calling-all-trailblazers-introducing-the-inaugural-proptech-startup-showdown-at-sxsw-2026-302648343.html

SOURCE Realtor.com

FAQ

What is the PropTech Startup Showdown at SXSW and when is it happening?

The PropTech Startup Showdown is a startup competition hosted by Realtor.com and National Association of REALTORS at SXSW on March 13, 2026 in Austin.

What is the application deadline for the PropTech Startup Showdown (NWS)?

Applications for the PropTech Startup Showdown are due by January 23, 2026.

What does the Grand Prize include for the PropTech Startup Showdown?

The Grand Prize includes a $5,000 cash award from National Association of REALTORS, a meeting with Second Century Ventures managing partners, and amplified exposure across Realtor.com and partner channels.

Who is eligible to apply for the PropTech Startup Showdown (NWS)?

Early- and growth-stage startups building technology for the real estate ecosystem are eligible; presenters must attend in person and be 18+.

What is the presentation format for finalists at the PropTech Startup Showdown?

Each finalist will deliver a 4-minute presentation followed by a 4-minute live Q&A in front of judges and an audience, with Audience Choice voting.

Where will the PropTech Startup Showdown be held during SXSW?

The event will be held at the Realtor.com office at 901 E 6th St, Austin, TX on March 13, 2026.