Michael Martin

Michael Martin is the co-founder and co-CEO of Avenue 8, a real estate technology company based in San Francisco. He co-founded Avenue 8 in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the vision of creating a brokerage that leverages advanced technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of real estate agents.12

Background and Experience

Before establishing Avenue 8, Martin worked at Apollo Global Management from 2008 to 2010, where he gained valuable experience during the Great Recession. His role involved private equity, focusing on valuation and analysis for various portfolio companies.4 This experience, particularly with Realogy, the largest brokerage globally at that time, informed his approach to building a modern brokerage model that prioritizes technology and flexibility over traditional office space.13

Avenue 8's Mission

Under Martin's leadership, Avenue 8 has recently pivoted its focus towards developing Sidekick, a generative AI assistant designed to support real estate agents. This strategic shift aims to streamline agents' workflows and enhance productivity through innovative technology solutions.23 The Sidekick platform offers features like automated client communications, personalized market reports, and task management tools for a subscription fee of $25 per month.3

Education

Michael Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors in Comparative Literature from Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 2006.4

Current Initiatives

As of mid-2024, Avenue 8 is transitioning away from traditional brokerage operations to concentrate solely on enhancing the Sidekick platform. This decision reflects the company's commitment to adapting to significant changes in the real estate industry and supporting agents in navigating these shifts effectively.23