To prepare Urbiqo’s launch, we conducted a thorough analysis of leading rental platforms in Madrid, benchmarking both their branding and functional features. This revealed a rental market divided between rigid, exclusionary services and insecure, informal alternatives. Key user groups—such as students, freelancers, and expats—are consistently excluded or underserved. Our goal: to bridge this gap by offering dignified, flexible, and secure rental experiences that prioritize both trust and accessibility.

What We Learned & Our Approach:

• Existing platforms either demand perfect paperwork (Idealista, Spotahome, Vitalhouse) or forego verification altogether, exposing users to risks (Nextdoor, Facebook).

• Mass-market sites prioritize inventory and transactions but neglect tenant safety and empowerment, offering limited support to vulnerable renters.

• Premium services favor landlords and require significant capital, while informal forums lack any guarantee or protection.

• These limitations result in widespread exclusion, frustration, and distrust—leaving a clear need for a more flexible, human-centered solution.

  
  

How Urbiqo Tackles the Problem:

• Alternative Eligibility: Accepts multiple proof types (bank statements, student/freelancer documentation), opening doors for responsible renters who fall through the cracks.

• Trust and Transparency: Builds confidence through verified profiles, upfront requirements, and clear communication—minimizing scams and wasted effort.

• Unified, Human-Centered Platform: Combines simple flows, a unified dashboard, and transparent pricing with a brand identity that values dignity, support, and community.

  
  

Summary of Key Insights:

• Most platforms serve either landlords or the masses, but rarely vulnerable groups.

• Urbiqo’s human-centric design empowers tenants and fosters trust between landlords and renters.

• No current provider combines alternative verification methods, clear requirements, and genuine user support in one service.