Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Mumbai, hBits is looking to redefine real estate investments with its revolutionary fractional ownership proptech platform. By enabling investments in Grade-A commercial properties starting at Rs. 10 lakhs, hBits offers an average rental yield of up to 10% and an IRR of up to 18%.
With 16 premium properties, over 100,000 registered users, and a strong track record of delivering industry-leading returns, hBits continues to set new benchmarks in the real estate investment space.
Medianews4u.com caught up with Zahid Gawandi, Director Brand & Marketing, hBits
Q. In the real estate sector what are the key marketing trends to watch out for in 2025?
In 2025, the real estate sector will witness a paradigm shift, much like a seasoned marathoner shifting gears for the final stretch. The rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and warehouses as high-potential investment avenues will open new opportunities for fractional ownership. Investor education will be the focal point, positioning SM REITs and fractional ownership as the new-age, high-yield, and risk-mitigated investment options.
Technology will be the pacer, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Hyper-personalisation, driven by data, will ensure that campaigns resonate with specific investor segments, making commercial real estate investments more inclusive and accessible.
AI and data analytics will refine investor targetting, while immersive experiences like AR/VR will transform property discovery. Marketing will focus on trust building by relatable and insightful storytelling and community building, resonating with niche investor segments. Ultimately, accessibility and trust will be the finish line, bringing fractional ownership and SM REITs into the mainstream positioning them as risk-free and high-return investment options
Q. Could you describe hBits’ brand transformation and market expansion plans, including the specific facets of the brand transformation and its expected timeline?
At hBits, we are not just running a race; we are setting the pace for the future of fractional ownership in premium commercial real estate. Our brand transformation aims to establish fractional ownership and SM REITs* (once we receive the SEBI license) as the go-to investment options for modern investors.
This transformation follows a three-pronged strategy:
Education & Awareness: Launching high-impact investor education campaigns through webinars, thought leadership articles, and YouTube content, alongside targeted digital marketing efforts.
Digital Experience: Revamping our website with an intuitive UI/UX and SEO optimisation to enhance investor onboarding.
Market Expansion: Creating customised investment solutions for HNIs and UHNIs while strengthening trust through transparency and strategic partnerships.
Executing the Brand Transformation
Like marathon training, brand transformation demands discipline, endurance, and a structured approach.
Our efforts focus on:
Revamped Digital Experience: A new website with improved navigation and SEO-driven content.
Thought Leadership & Education: Webinars, on-ground investor education across multiple cities, and hBits Insights newsletters to empower investors. Internally, we ensure team alignment with the brand’s vision.
Personalised Content Strategy: Creating engaging, streamlined content across digital platforms to build trust, awareness, engagement, and advocacy.
Customer Engagement & Community Building: Enhancing investor journeys and customer support for stronger relationships.
We anticipate this transformation to take approximately three months—executed efficiently to maximize impact.
Q. Right now, according to recent research how is hBits perceived in the market? Ideally how would you want it to be perceived?
Currently, hBits is perceived as a niche player—much like a rising marathon star still building its reputation. However, we aspire to be seen as a category leader of fractional ownership: a game-changer leading the pack.
Our vision is to establish hBits as the go-to platform for fractional ownership and SM REITs* (*once we receive SEBI license – offering seamless, high-yield, and transparent investment opportunities. By fostering investor education and being their trusted investment partner. With technology, we aim to transform perception from niche to necessity, making fractional ownership in commercial real estate as mainstream as mutual funds and fixed income products.
By positioning fractional ownership and SM REITs as a new-age asset class, we aim to attract a broader base of investors looking to diversify their portfolios with risk-free, high-return options. Our goal is to be seen as a pioneer and trusted partner in the fractional ownership industry.
Q. Is fractional ownership a niche concept in the country? What growth trajectory is expected in the coming three years?
Fractional ownership in India is at the early stages similar to an athlete training for their first ultra-marathon. However, awareness and adoption are growing rapidly. Over the next three years, we anticipate significant momentum, fuelled by:
• Increased investor appetite for high-yield alternatives
• Regulatory clarity enhancing trust
• Proptech advancements making fractional ownership seamless
At hBits, we are driving this growth by positioning fractional ownership as a mainstream, secure, and profitable investment vehicle attracting a diverse range of investors.
Q. How is proptech transforming the fractional ownership industry?
Proptech is revolutionising fractional ownership the way advanced sports tech has transformed marathon training. AI, blockchain, and data analytics are making investments more transparent and accessible. At hBits, we leverage predictive analytics to assess property potential, automate transactions, and enhance investor confidence so that they make informed decisions.
By integrating these technologies, we are creating a seamless, investor-friendly experience—ensuring that every investor has access to institutional-grade real estate with minimal effort.
Q. Considering the complexities digital platforms introduce to rebranding, how is hBits leveraging AI, AR and VR identify market gaps and enhance property tours?
At hBits, we are redefining property exploration using VR and AR, much like a high-tech GPS enhances a runner’s route. Potential investors can virtually tour properties, assess layouts, and experience spaces remotely, eliminating geographical constraints and enhancing decision-making.
While digital platforms introduce complexities, they also unlock new pathways—similar to marathoners adapting to different terrains. The key challenge is maintaining a cohesive brand voice across multiple channels while tailoring content for each platform.
To navigate this, our martech tools provide real-time insights, refine investor targeting, and ensure immersive experiences, ensuring our message reaches the right audience at the right time.
Rebranding isn’t just about running a straight path; it’s about optimising every step, ensuring that our rebranding resonates with potential investors, builds trust, enhances engagement by enticing storytelling, thus making the rebranding process more dynamic and impactful for our potential customers.
AI as a Race Strategist
AI at hBits functions like a race strategist—analyzing data patterns, predicting investment trends, and optimizing decision-making. Through AI-driven insights, we:
Identify high-potential properties
Anticipate market fluctuations
Personalise investment recommendations aligned with investors’ financial goals
This data-driven approach ensures our investors stay ahead, securing premium investment opportunities with confidence.
Q. What marketing tactics will hBits use to target HNIs and UHNIs exploring fractional ownership in commercial real estate?
HNIs and UHNIs are like elite marathoners looking for high-performance investment vehicles. Our approach is bespoke curating exclusive opportunities and offering premium assets with strong ROI potential. Fractional ownership and SM REITs provide them with an alternative asset class that balances risk and return effectively.
Our marketing playbook is designed like a marathon strategy—paced, precise, and outcome-driven. We focus on:
•Investor Education: Webinars, whitepapers, and the hBits Insights newsletter and on-ground investor events are key tools for demystifying fractional ownership and highlighting its benefits as a high-yield, risk-free investment option.
•Content Marketing Strategy: We have created a bank of Explainer Videos, Brand Film, infographics, and social media creatives
•Digital Performance Marketing Strategy: We run optimized digital campaigns tailored for HNIs and UHNIs.
•Trust Building: We use Testimonials, success stories, and interactive Q&A sessions. Testimonials and success stories build trust, while our revamped website and YouTube channel provide accessible and engaging content.
By combining digital outreach with personalised engagement, we are creating a winning formula for investor acquisition and retention.
Q. Could you talk about the work the company does in the area of predictive analytics to drive value for clients?
Predictive analytics at hBits functions like a coach guiding an athlete. We analyse market trends, investor behaviour, and property performance to:
•Identify high-yield investment opportunities.
•Provide personalised investment recommendations.
•Enhance portfolio diversification strategies.
By leveraging data-driven decision-making, we empower investors with the confidence to invest wisely and profitably, ensuring that each client’s portfolio aligns with their financial goals.
Q. The company recently raised Rs. 40 crores. Will this be used for international expansion?
Our funding is our fuel, enabling us to accelerate growth. While a portion is earmarked for technology upgrades for enhancing our platform’s proptech capabilities to offer a seamless investor experience.
Additionally, funds will be used for brand-building initiatives, such as thought leadership campaigns and investor education programs, to establish hBits as a trusted name in fractional ownership and premium real estate investments.
We are also exploring strategic international expansion opportunities. Much like a marathoner planning future races, we are assessing high-potential markets and opportunities in the commercial real estate space to expand hBits’ reach globally. hBits is on a transformative journey, redefining real estate investments with innovation, trust, and accessibility one strategic step at a time.
