Jay-Z and Will Smith Invest $165 Million in Tech Startup

With the average price of a house soaring to $287,148—reportedly a 13.2 percent hike from last year—the dream of owning a home seems increasingly out of reach for many low-income and working-class Americans.

Tech startup Landis is hoping to change that with its unique rent-to-sell model. The pioneering platform purchases homes on behalf of its clients, then allows them to rent the properties until they are able to qualify for a mortgage. Aspiring homebuyers work with a dedicated coach to help build their credit and improve their financial literacy. During that time, part of their rent goes towards a downpayment for their dream house. After two years, clients are then offered the opportunity to purchase the property at a predetermined price.

Will Smith and J-Z

“Financial inclusion is really important to us,” Cyril Berdugo, one of the co-founders of Landis, told Bloomberg. “An aspect of Landis that we’re very proud to be a part of is wealth creation for low-income Americans.”