Arda Raises Pre-Seed to Build Real Estate’s Operating System, Led by Ex-Goldman MD & JPMC Crypto Head

Arda, a pioneering technology firm, has taken a significant step forward in the real estate sector by securing $3 million in pre-seed funding led by Lightshift. This investment is poised to facilitate Arda’s mission of streamlining and enhancing the efficiency of the $380 trillion real estate industry, which is often criticized for its fragmented and opaque structure.

At the heart of Arda’s advancement lies a robust digital framework that integrates real estate assets, data, and financial services into a cohesive, interoperable system. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, Arda aims to minimize transaction times and bring much-needed transparency to real estate practices. The platform is designed to provide real-time ownership verification and facilitate financial operations.

The ambitious platform is characterized by a programmable execution layer that introduces essential features tailored to the sector’s needs. Notable attributes include:

• Digital Asset Profiles: Providing verifiable records of property history that simplify due diligence processes.
• Real-Time Money Movement: Allowing payments to be directly tied to transactions, thereby improving settlement efficiencies.
• Integrated Data and Automation: Streamlining administrative tasks through automated workflows in asset management.

Oli Harris, the company’s founder and CEO, is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in digital assets. His previous roles include Managing Director in Digital Assets at Goldman Sachs and Head of Crypto Assets Strategy at JPMorgan Chase. Harris was instrumental in the development of Quorum, an enterprise Ethereum platform, and has served on various boards within the broader digital asset ecosystem.

In his view, the real estate sector remains one of the most valuable yet operationally fragmented asset classes, a challenge that Arda seeks to address. “By creating a programmable, trust-based system, we aim to bring real estate transactions in line with modern digital financial infrastructure,” he stated.

As the demand for digital asset investments rises, institutional investors, governments, and industry leaders are increasingly recognizing the necessity of establishing secure frameworks for property transactions. Regions such as the Gulf are leading this charge, while U.S. policymakers work towards integrating digital assets into existing financial systems.

Lightshift, responsible for Arda’s recent funding, is a venture firm that focuses on investing in early-stage companies within the digital infrastructure space. Simao Cruz, Founding Partner at Lightshift, highlighted their commitment to supporting innovators like Arda that are set to redefine ownership and transaction paradigms within real estate.

Arda’s comprehensive real estate operating system is tailored for institutions, enterprises, and governmental bodies—all aiming for a unified experience in digital interoperability, automated transactions, and real-time execution within the global real estate market.

For continuous updates, follow Arda on X (Twitter) at @arda_labs or reach out via email at contact@arda.xyz. Interested investors and industry participants can learn more about Lightshift by visiting www.lightshift.xyz.