There tends to be a bit of an awkward and uncomfortable routine when using an old-fashioned intercom. People always question if they buzzed the right apartment number, if they held the button down long enough, and it always ends with guests whipping out their phone to text friends or family to buzz them in. MVI Systems is the virtual doorman that is not only solving this dilemma, but it’s also anticipating the other situations when you need a sophisticated intercom system. MVI allows residents to connect with the platform through a smartphone app has multiple functions that include: automatic keyless entry, delivery tracking, remote interaction with guests and visitors, send timed and controlled guest keys, and more. This proptech company is creating a new standard for smart intercom interactions in the digital era.
AlleyWatch sat down with founder Samuel Taub to learn more about the inspiration, traction, and future plans for MVI Systems.
Tell us about the product or service that MVI Systems offers.
Founded in 2016, MVI is the unified PropTech of the future. We are a B2B2C technology startup based in Brooklyn, NY. MVI has developed a smart video door system and property management software that is revolutionizing the digital doorman and video intercom market. We recently completed numerous pilots with top tier NY and NJ real estate companies, and we have begun to scale up to a broad regional residential and commercial customer base. We are preparing for nationwide and eventually international rollout.
The KeyCom® platform is a smart video door intercom which is installed at or near the front door or lobby of a building, and it connects to a backend cloud-based management portal. Residents use the smart intercom with their MVI myKey mobile apps (available on Android and iOS), to access the building and use the systems features. Both management and resident users benefit from a growing list of amenities and features.
How is MVI Systems different?
Most intercom systems, are the same old button style systems that have been used for the past 50+ years, with the newer models only adding video, or other basic features to them. Our KeyCom® video door entry system is an interactive, easy-to-use, vandal, and weatherproof touchscreen monitor placed at the main lobby or entrance of a property or other critical entranceways.
Most intercom systems, are the same old button style systems that have been used for the past 50+ years, with the newer models only adding video, or other basic features to them. Our KeyCom® video door entry system is an interactive, easy-to-use, vandal, and weatherproof touchscreen monitor placed at the main lobby or entrance of a property or other critical entranceways.
For residents – MVI’s iOS and Android myKey™ smartphone apps provide Patented automatic keyless Bluetooth entry, delivery tracking, and the ability to interact with guests and visitors from anywhere in the world. Our system also allows residents to send timed, controlled guest keys, use digital keys, view and be notified of important building memos and events, and track deliveries and packages in real time.
For Ownership and Management – Our system provides sophisticated insights into the actual usage of their property. Via a simple yet detailed web portal, managers are able to manage, track and control entire portfolios of properties, and gain granular insights into all building events. In addition, they are provided with a sophisticated tool for seamless communication with their residents, delivery personnel and vendors.
What market does MVI Systems target and how big is it?
MVI is initially targeting multifamily rental properties, condo, and co-op buildings, as well as a host of commercial property types, including co-working and traditional office spaces, student housing, retail, and fitness centers.
We target property owners and managers, and the vendors and companies that service them. We have an extensive distribution network, with dealer/integrator/installer relationships in place across the country.
What is t MVI Systems business model?
Our business is a SaaS model. We charge property management companies a small monthly recurring subscription fee depending on the number of unit directory listings required. There are different plans available based on the extent of their access to MVI’s AI analytics, and their use of cloud-stored access video and photo data. We also earn revenue from in-app advertising, as well as promotional advertising from local establishments.
Our relationships and integrations are growing rapidly, with a number of access control systems, cloud-based camera & video surveillance systems, and property management systems, all getting on board with our platform. This has enabled us to offer complete building-wide security and management systems solutions to our customers, while providing the highest in class communication platform for their existing residents. Some of our existing and in-process integrations are with Brivo, Carson Living, Eagle Eye Networks, Entrata, Rentigo, Occupi, and many others.
What inspired the start of MVI Systems?
I have a background in software programming, have created many Smart-home automation products, and spent 20+ years owning and operating security and automation integration firms which serviced residential, multifamily, healthcare, and commercial properties.
During my experiences with the Landlords and Residents of multifamily buildings, I saw a tremendous need for more seamless and secure access control, and residents were gradually becoming more tech savvy and expected additional amenities in their buildings.
During my experiences with the Landlords and Residents of multifamily buildings, I saw a tremendous need for more seamless and secure access control, and residents were gradually becoming more tech savvy and expected additional amenities in their buildings.
Realizing that there was no complete solution to these issues and seeing the needs from all sides of the industry, I set out to develop the KeyCom Smart Video Door and Building Management Platform. I want to bring technology to the antiquated real estate world and enhance security, convenience, and control for residents and property managers
I founded MVI Systems in 2016, and partnered with Shragie David Aranoff, our President, COO, & cofounder. Shragie, a veteran operation’s executive and attorney by training, brought to the company an extensive background in operations, including a recent position overseeing the implementation and rollout of a major healthcare technology product to the nursing home industry. Shragie and I have utilized our technical experience, together with feedback from our extensive industry contacts and clients, to develop and launch the KeyCom® Smart Video Door and Building Management Platform.
We’ve spent close to 3 years developing the sophisticated and patented technology in stealth mode, so we have only recently emerged as the most advanced and comprehensive technology in this space.
What are the benefits of building a PropTech focused company in New York?
One of the benefits of building a PropTech focused company in New York is that we are able to develop and innovate our PropTech solutions with our neighboring customer’s needs and challenges in mind. Being close to the real estate world in New York, including significant residential and commercial properties and companies, enables our Product Development and R&D team to be in regular contact with major building owners and managers and gain a direct understanding of their daily and high-level needs and pain points. We keep these experiences and feedback in mind as we develop better ways to solve their challenges with our state-of-the-art technological solutions.
What are the challenges of building a PropTech company in New York?
The critical challenges that MVI has experienced have primarily been changing old mindsets and driving new adoption behavior.
The real estate industry is notoriously slower at adopting new technology than most other industries and therefore convincing property owners to pay a recurring monthly fee for software, that they typically only had to pay upfront costs for traditional intercom systems, has been one key challenge. Although owners see the tremendous value in a system like ours which offers much more than a traditional intercom (i.e. it is a property management portal which offers real-time communication with residents, maintenance and package tracking, with visibility into lobby activity), it is challenging to effectively communicate why our model is based on a monthly software fee, since this group is not typically used to working with software fees.
Another related challenge is the adoption behavior of residents to begin using a mobile app to access their building and manage guests and packages when they never had that ability before. It’s completely new technology that makes life more secure and convenient; however, there is a slight learning curve to get everyone onboard with the mobile app and understanding all its powerful features. We have successfully developed the system to handle all types of users, including users that are completely non-tech savvy, but using the system to its fullest, gives the best user experience. We are actively working on ways to make onboarding and implementation more seamless.
What are the milestones that you plan to achieve within six months?
We kicked off 2019 with the release of our newest model – the KeyCom® BOLT, a 15” touch panel – widely available now. We then have an even sleeker model coming out right behind that, scheduled for a release in March – the KeyCom® LITE, with a 12” vertical touch panel. We also just released our KeyCom® GUARD software version, 6 months ahead of schedule, which is expected to quell the tremendous demand for a complete solution that will assist doormen with their daily duties.
Our product roadmap for the next six months is jam-packed with exciting new products. We have plans to release multiple sleeker models of our system for different use cases (e.g., guard platforms, package delivery systems, and expanded commercial platform).
Our biggest achievements thus far are our automatic Bluetooth controlled entry patent and the patent for our facial recognition entry technology. During the next six months, we plan to fully build out our advanced package room tracking system, and our comprehensive commercial platform.
Our biggest achievements thus far are our automatic Bluetooth controlled entry patent and the patent for our facial recognition entry technology. During the next six months, we plan to fully build out our advanced package room tracking system, and our comprehensive commercial platform.
What is the one piece of startup advice that you never got?
Startups in general, are not a one size fits all, and need as much advice and guidance as possible to succeed. The current management team is blessed to have a wealth of over 70 years of combined experience between them, and in varying markets and skill sets. We also have a very large network of high value individuals, that are always there to help advise us with issues we could use help with.
That said, the one piece of startup advice that is most important for any founder to know, and keep on repeating to themselves, is to never give up. Just keep plugging away, no matter how many “NO’s” you get. In the end, only the persistent succeed.
If you could be put in touch with anyone in the New York Community who would it be and why?
Luke Schoenfelder, CEO & Founder of Latch. The MVI team believes that our two companies offer complimentary, best in class, synergistic systems for building owners and residents alike. While Latch offers the best app-based access control for internal building doors, MVI Systems is top in class in controlling the main doors to the building.
Why did you launch in New York?
We are born and bred in New York, and as true New Yorkers, we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Our company is composed of only the best and the brightest in New York. From our genius programmers and developers, to our savvy sales and marketing team, our company is on the top of the market.
We also have a very deep understanding of the real estate world in New York, and together with real estate investors, partners and clients, our home turf is an ideal location to establish a solid foundation for our national and international expansion.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?
Le Marais on West 46th and 6th Ave, right near Times Square. They have been around for generations and have the authentic NY mentality.
