The company (IVMS dba VHT) contracts with over 145 photographers stationed throughout the country to take pictures and videos of homes, hotels, golf courses, office buildings and more. As the Internet octopus has grown, they've expended into image management and distribution, helping their customers get over 1 million active images to various aggregators (think Homes.com or Expedia) and convert the content to fit new end points (cable channels, iPods). Their Des Plaines team of around 50 people handles all the technology, operations and support. Annual top line growth is over 40%.
Brian was in Business Development at Ameritech and Brannon was a Real Estate Developer when they met through mutual friend who became the company's attorney. Bob Geras (LaSalle Investments) and Steve Miller (Origin Ventures) were early investors.
Dimensions: 50 people x 7 years x $ NDA
Funding: Bob Geras + Steve Miller + Illinois Finance Authority
Customers: Real Estate Brokers, Hotel Owners, Franchisors
Location: Chicago [Des Plaines] + www.vht.com
What's Next: Raise an additional round of funding for expansion