In you go to the web site of real estate broker, you'll probably use technology built and managed by Katabat. The company provides software-as-service modules to help brokers manage their sites, data and customer leads - primarily via its CRM and Content Management platforms. Its focus on a very niche customer base (the top 200 residential real estate brokers) allowed it to build around a single set of needs and scale quickly. In 2004 it launched its ForeFront Media division (here) to provide lead generation and content services to those customers.
Dave Sidwell and Eric Antonow founded Katabat with two other partners - Ara Bayindiran and Denis Underwood. Eric was previously at Giant Step (acquired by Leo Burnett), and led Katabat as it's CEO. Dave came from Apropos and Andersen Consulting and built the original technology. The other parters met at 3COM / U.S. Robotics. Initial financing came from bootstrapping and customer revenue, and Bob Geras provided a loan at a critical juncture. In late 2005 Katabat was acquired by Trader Publishing (think Boat Trader, Auto Trader, Homes.com), and Dave currently runs Katabat at it's General Manager.
Dimensions: 20 people x 5 years x $NDA
Funding: Founders + Bob Geras
Customers: Large Real Estate Brokers
Location: Chicago [River North] + www.katabat.com
