This panel aimed at simplifying the complexities of coliving investment and financing. It guided the attendees through a  diversity of alternative financing options reshaping the future of coliving investments.

In this session the panellists shed much needed light on the ever-evolving landscape of coliving financing, addressing the challenges faced with traditional funding methods, including high-interest rates and limited access. The panel unravelled investment-related mysteries and meaningful conversations were held regarding an array of creative solutions geared towards growth.

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What was covered in this session?

• Industry operators shared their first-hand experiences with successful crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending campaigns. Conversations surrounding investing led to valuable insights into the pros and cons of different funding approaches and discovery of how they can revolutionise funding for coliving projects.
• The game-changing potential of real estate tokenisation in funding was elaborated upon by experts. This led to further exploration of how tokenisation enables fractional ownership and opens up new avenues for investors to participate in the coliving ecosystem.
• Venture capital firms recognise the tremendous potential of the coliving sector, and in this session, experts evaluated coliving businesses and projects to understand what factors drive their investment decisions and how they envision the future growth of the coliving industry.

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Crowdfunding Success: Enso Living's Growth Journey

Enso Coliving's Co-Founder & CEO, Michael Erd shared insights into their successful crowdfunding journey, showcasing the power of alternative financing. Starting with a crowd equity round that raised 600,000 euros in just five days, Erd emphasised how this approach mitigated traditional financing challenges. Crowdfunding not only provided rapid capital infusion but also attracted additional investments from family offices and VCs, marking a shift in perception due to reduced risk. Erd highlighted the importance of choosing the right crowdfunding platform, emphasising its role in creating a community-based investment model.

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Diverse Financing Strategies in Coliving

The panel explored various financing strategies in coliving, including Enso Coiving's rent-to-rent model and insights into other management models. Erd explained the advantages of their model, enabling rapid growth without the need for substantial upfront capital. Additionally, he touched upon alternative models where property owners bear the investment burden. Daniel Kaines, Head of Risk at Blocksquare discussed tokenization as a compelling financing option, enabling fractional ownership and liquidity in traditionally inaccessible real estate sectors. The conversation emphasised the importance of blending these strategies for a dynamic approach to sustainable growth in the coliving industry.

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Tokenization in Real Estate: Blocksquare's Impact

Daniel Kaines provided an overview of Blocksquare's role in real estate tokenization, citing its global presence with $75 million in tokenized real estate across 18 countries. The platform not only facilitates tokenization but empowers market operators to run their own marketplaces. Kaines highlighted the flexibility tokenization adds to the traditional capital stack, enabling harmonisation with equity and debt. The discussion also touched on the potential democratisation of real estate investment, with small investors gaining access to previously inaccessible markets.

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Legal Framework of Tokenization and MICA Regulations

The panel delved into the legal aspects of tokenization, with Kaines emphasising Blocksquare's robust legal framework to protect asset owners and investors. Insights were shared on the alignment with MICA regulations, particularly the classification of asset reference tokens. Kaines clarified that licences aren't required to operate a tokenized real estate marketplace within Europe under this classification. The discussion shed light on the regulatory landscape, offering clarity on operating within legal boundaries.

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Personal Motivations: Passion for Coliving and Blockchain

Both Erd and Kaines shared personal motivations for their involvement in coliving and blockchain. Erd expressed his love for community-based living, emphasising how coliving transformed his life and relationships. Kaines shared his journey from traditional finance to blockchain, driven by the desire to democratise real estate investment. The discussion highlighted the human aspect behind industry innovations, showcasing the genuine passion that propels individuals to redefine the future of coliving and finance.


Reflecting on the success of the first 2 editions, Coliving Conference 2025 is now in full swing. The 2-day conference is set to bring another year of industry-leading discussions, featuring expert insights, emerging trends, and innovative ideas shaping the future of shared living. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation.