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Landis Technologies, a start up that helps renters build credit until they can buy a place, is teaming up with Will Smith, Jay Z and other investors to raise $165 million for low-income renters.

News Landis Technologies, a start up that helps renters build credit until they can buy a place, is teaming up with Will Smith, Jay Z and other investors to raise $165 million for low-income renters. Jay Z joined the group of investors via Roc Nation, and Will Smith joined with Dreamers VC. Visit streaming.thesource.com for more information Founded by Cyril Berdugo and Tom Petit, the New York based company aims to cater to would-be homeowners who cant afford to buy. According to Bloomberg the company purchases a house and rents it to the client until they can qualify for a mortgage. The client can buy it back at a predetermined price up to two years after the initial acquisition. Financial inclusion is really important to us, said Berdugo. An aspect of Landis that were very proud to be a part of is wealth creation for low-income Americans. Advertisement The $165 million being raised will include debt and equity, and is reportedly enough to acquire nearly 1,000 homes in that range. The companys goal is to convert roughly more than half of its clients from renters to buyers, a rate that would far exceed traditional rent-to-own companies in the U.S. The business operates in 11 states including Alabama, Kentucky and South Carolina. The companys typical client is a first-time homebuyer with a budget between $110,000 and $400,000. Click Read more