Duppla

Duppla is a Colombian proptech startup aiming to make homeownership more accessible in Latin America through an alternative financing model. The company, founded in 2021 by university friends Felipe Fierro and Cristian Villamizar, addresses the challenges faced by middle-income families and informal workers who are often excluded by traditional banking systems. Fierro, an architect and economist, and Villamizar, an economist with a Harvard MBA, developed Duppla to bridge the gap in a market with low mortgage penetration.

The company operates on a rent-to-own model combined with a fractional ownership structure. Duppla purchases a property, allowing the client to move in immediately while contributing to their down payment over time. These monthly payments are reported to credit bureaus, helping clients build a solid credit history. After a period of three to five years, the client is positioned to qualify for a traditional mortgage to purchase the remainder of the property from Duppla. This debt-free approach allows customers to live in their desired home while saving, with flexible monthly contributions. If a client's plans change, they can recover their investment based on the agreed-upon conditions.

Initially focused on Bogotá and its surrounding areas for properties valued up to $400 million COP, Duppla requires a 15% initial contribution from the homebuyer. The company has plans to expand into other major cities like Medellín. To enhance its credit assessment capabilities, particularly for clients with limited credit histories, Duppla partnered with Begini, integrating a behavioral data solution and psychometric scoring into its risk analysis process. This has allowed the company to strengthen its underwriting, build trust with investors, and approve more applicants responsibly.

Keywords: rent-to-own, fractional homeownership, proptech, real estate financing, alternative finance, financial inclusion, homeownership accessibility, Colombian startup, property technology, debt-free financing, credit building, real estate investment, housing market, Latin America, co-investment