Managing short-term rentals isn’t easy. Property managers juggle constant guest messages, repetitive tasks, and high turnover. That’s where Conduit steps in. This AI-powered platform automates guest communication, streamlines daily operations, and helps scale rental businesses with ease.
The startup, originally named Host AI, just secured $3.1 million in seed funding. Backers include Pi Labs, Y Combinator, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim, and Snapdocs founder Aaron King. With fresh capital in hand, Conduit plans to grow its presence in global markets and expand into hotels and long-term rentals.
How Conduit Is Automating the Rental Lifecycle
Conduit was founded in 2023 by Cole Rubin. He previously managed a $19 million rental portfolio, covering 200 listings on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Through that experience, he saw how time-consuming it was to keep up with guest messages and manage operations manually.
That problem led to the creation of Conduit—a full-cycle AI system that now supports over 20,000 listings. The platform handles guest messages, leasing inquiries, tenant onboarding, maintenance requests, and renewals. It also integrates directly with platforms like Airbnb to offer a seamless experience.
From Inquiry to Checkout—All Managed by AI
One of Conduit’s standout features is its ability to automate over 90% of guest communications. From the moment a traveler asks about a listing to the moment they check out, the system responds intelligently without needing constant human input.
This makes it a game changer for property managers with large portfolios. Instead of hiring teams to respond to guests, managers can rely on Conduit’s AI to handle the workload—saving time and cutting costs. That efficiency often translates into better guest experiences and higher ratings.
Rapid Growth and a Global Client Base
Conduit already supports top property management firms across key regions. These include Pass the Keys in the UK, Moxxi in Australia, Arbio Group in Germany, Silkhuas in Dubai, and Flex Living in London. Each manages listings on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com and uses Conduit to streamline operations.
The startup’s client list continues to grow, especially as demand rises for smart, scalable rental tech.
A Booming Market Needs Smarter Tools
The short-term rental industry is booming. It’s currently valued at $131.4 billion and is expected to hit $341.9 billion by 2033. Yet many rental managers still rely on outdated systems. That’s where Conduit aims to lead—with a platform designed for modern scale and service quality.
Conduit’s CEO, Cole Rubin, said,
“Managing rentals at scale used to mean sacrificing quality. There were too many messages, too many moving parts. With Conduit, hosts and managers automate nearly everything—so they can focus on growing their business without burning out.”
Investors Back AI-First Vision for Rentals
Faisal Butt, Managing Partner at Pi Labs, sees huge potential in Conduit.
“They’ve already made major strides in several markets. Cole and Punn are AI-native founders with a deep understanding of this space. Their product helps clients save money, boost reviews, and operate with consistency. We believe Conduit could become the go-to tool for managing residential properties at scale.”
With a strong investor base and proven traction, Conduit is now positioned to reshape how rental properties are managed. The future of AI-powered property management is already here—and Conduit is leading the charge.
