Why Cribbi Chose Austin: The Perfect Launchpad for Modern Rental Innovation
When we set out to build Cribbi, we knew we needed more than just a growing rental market—we needed a city that embodied innovation, scale, and community. Austin offered all of that and more.
A Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Known affectionately as “Silicon Hills,” Austin is home to some of the most energetic and resource-rich startup communities in the U.S. With over $4 billion in venture capital raised in 2024, more than 3,000 active startups, and support from hubs like Capital Factory and Techstars, Austin runs on creativity and collaboration (mhmod.io, news.mccombs.utexas.edu). That kind of ecosystem is where innovation thrives—and Cribbi fits right in.
Its annual festivals—especially SXSW—bring together founders, technologists, and investors from around the world, making the pace of connection fast and fertile (Capital Sentinel, Wikipedia).
A Housing Market in Motion
Cribbi’s mission to help owners fill apartments hinges on supply and demand. Austin delivers.
- The metro is ranked third nationally for multifamily construction, with Austin proper delivering over 12,692 units by end of 2023 and expectations to build over 80,000 more through 2028 (The Real Deal, Urbanize Austin).
- Over the past five years, some neighborhoods added over 3,000 new apartments, like ZIPs 78741 and 78702 in Southeast Austin—growth on par with major coastal cities (Urbanize Austin).
- Nationwide studies confirm that Austin leads in new multifamily permits per capita—over 64 units per 10,000 residents, far exceeding the national average of 12.4 (mysanantonio.com).
That scale of development means Cribbi can make an impact, helping owners stand out and attract renters efficiently.
Affordable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Community
Austin is pushing hard to build housing for all income levels:
- In 2024 alone, the city led the U.S. in affordable housing construction, delivering over 4,600 units for households earning around 60% of median income—and is expected to continue leading in affordable development (KUT).
- New projects like Live Make Apartments support disabled artists, while Iris Gardens offers LGBTQ+–affirming housing for seniors—both emblematic of Austin’s inclusive, purposeful approach to housing (statesman.com).
Cribbi aligns with that mission: empowering property owners to list fairly, efficiently, and transparently—without pay‑to‑play bias.
A Rich Talent Pool & Supportive Business Climate
Talent isn’t just pouring into Austin—it’s being educated here:
- Each year, the University of Texas at Austin produces thousands of graduates in engineering, design, and business who are eager to join startups like Cribbi or established tech hubs (Wikipedia, news.mccombs.utexas.edu).
- Texas offers no personal or corporate income tax, plus city and state incentives for small businesses, which means we can operate lean—while still investing in platform capabilities and performance insights for our users (news.mccombs.utexas.edu).
What It All Means for Cribbi and Our Users
Choosing Austin wasn’t just a matter of picking a growing market—it was about being part of a culture of innovation, growth, inclusion, and transparency. That foundation empowers us to offer:
- A stable, accessible pool of renters coming into brand-new housing stock.
- A vibrant tech community that inspires product innovation and ongoing improvement.
- A deeply connected real estate market with enough scale to test, learn, and scale fast.
We chose Austin because it represents exactly what Cribbi stands for:
- An exploding rental market, with multifamily and affordable units built at record pace
- A startup ecosystem, rich with funding, talent, and collaboration
- A supportive, inclusive city embracing fair access to housing and innovation
By growing Cribbi here, we’re ensuring our product stays connected to the trends shaping the future of renting and leasing. If you operate in Austin—or you’re curious how our insights work in one of the fastest‑growing rental markets in the country—Cribbi is built where the action is.
