InStep AI

Based in the UK, InStep AI delivers innovative AI-driven automation solutions for property management teams, enhancing communication efficiency and streamlining workflows in the real estate sector. Instep AI Limited, dba InStep AI, co-founded in 2025 by CEO Reid Cockrell and Patrick Littlemore, headquartered in Dorking, UK, specializes in AI automation for property management. The company successfully raised GBP 900,000 in its pre-seed funding round in March 2026, from Fuel Ventures and angel investors, marking its first significant funding milestone. The company's founder has a history in technology startups, although specific details about prior ventures are not available.

InStep AI specializes in AI-driven automation solutions tailored for property management teams, enabling them to optimize inbound and outbound communications. Their core product, Ella, acts as a conversational assistant, designed to manage a wide range of property-related inquiries such as scheduling viewings, handling tenant renewals, and collecting feedback. By integrating with existing property CRMs and business platforms, Ella effectively streamlines workflows across various channels, including phone calls, WhatsApp, and web chat. The primary client base includes residential and commercial estate agents, property managers, and Build to Rent (BTR) operators primarily in the UK and other select European markets.

The solutions aim to reduce manual workload, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure timely communication with clients, all while being customized to fit the unique processes of individual businesses. InStep AI operates on a subscription-based revenue model, providing clients with access to their AI automation services through tailored pricing plans that align with the specific needs of property management firms. The company generates revenue by charging monthly or annual subscription fees that grant clients continuous access to Ella's functionalities, including handling inquiries and automating workflows. Additionally, InStep AI may offer tiered service levels, allowing clients to select packages based on the scale of their operations and the complexity of their requirements.

These subscriptions are typically structured around the number of users or the volume of transactions processed, ensuring that clients receive value proportional to their engagement with the platform. Through these structured revenue streams, InStep AI aims to build long-term partnerships with property management teams, enhancing their operational capabilities while maintaining reliable income flow. The company plans to use the 2026 venture funding to accelerate sales efforts, roll out national pilot programs with estate agencies, and further develop the automation features of its AI assistant. The company aims to launch additional products targeting specific needs within property management by the end of 2026 and plans to expand its operations into other European markets, broadening its client base and enhancing its market presence.