How T. Duke Lund and Venture Capital from Marginalized Communities are Reshaping the Housing Market
In a major endorsement of innovation and equity in housing, the Courtney Jordan Foundation in America (CJF America) has officially featured T. Duke Lund, CEO and co-founder of Rent Spot Me, on its Startup Fund platform—highlighting the company’s explosive rise and its mission to empower gig workers and freelancers through smarter rental solutions.
The CJF America Startup Fund is not your average venture capital wing. Founded with a bold mission to uplift disruptors from marginalized communities, it operates under the vision of Courtney Jordan—billionaire philanthropist and Executive Chairman of the Foundation—who believes in leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs traditionally locked out of access to capital.
From Frustration to Disruption: Lund’s Journey
Rent Spot Me, founded in September 2023, emerged as a powerful response to one of the most overlooked challenges in the gig economy: housing. As a former gig worker himself, Lund experienced firsthand how traditional rental systems exclude freelancers and digital workers who lack steady paychecks or conventional credit profiles.
His solution? A revolutionary platform that acts as a lease guarantor, pays security deposits upfront, and allows flexible, installment-based rent payments. What began as a personal frustration has since grown into a market-disrupting venture—with over $68 million raised in its inaugural round and the attention of some of the biggest names in venture capital and fintech.
The Power Behind the Movement: The Startup Fund and Neyius
Central to Rent Spot Me’s meteoric rise is the $40 million investment from Neyius, a private equity family office managed in partnership with CJF America’s Startup Fund. The fund exists to champion innovators building systems for communities often shut out of traditional markets—entrepreneurs like T. Duke Lund.
“Rent Spot Me represents the future of rental housing. T. Duke Lund’s company is not just a tech solution—it’s a societal shift. With the rise of the gig economy, traditional models no longer work. We are proud to back a company that is redefining access, security, and dignity in housing.”
Nick Gallardo, Managing Partner of the Startup Fund and a protégé of Courtney Jordan, played a key role in the deal. In a recent statement featured on MSN.com, Gallardo remarked:
Gallardo’s leadership continues to define the Fund’s aggressive and intentional focus: deploying capital in ways that are not only profitable but transformational for underserved populations.
A Broader Ecosystem of Support
Rent Spot Me has also attracted significant interest from fintech giants like Dave Inc. and Chime, both of which see strategic alignment with the platform’s mission. These companies—well known for their focus on financial inclusion—are reportedly exploring acquisition options, which could take Rent Spot Me’s vision to scale faster than anyone imagined.
CJF America: Building a Legacy Beyond Philanthropy
With its U.S. operations headquartered under CJF America, The Courtney Jordan Foundation is not only a charitable organization but also a force for economic justice and opportunity. Through the Startup Fund, the Foundation has positioned itself as a leader in investing directly into promising ventures led by Black, Brown, female, LGBTQ+, and working-class entrepreneurs.
The feature of Rent Spot Me on CJF America’s Startup Fund platform is more than just an accolade—it’s a call to action, reminding the world that true equity isn’t charity. It’s access. It’s capital. It’s belief.
As Rent Spot Me prepares for its next phase of growth, backed by a network that believes deeply in its mission, one thing is clear: the partnership between Lund, Gallardo, and the Courtney Jordan Foundation in America is already reshaping what’s possible—not only for the rental market, but for the future of inclusive capitalism.
To learn more about the CJF Startup Fund and its mission to empower marginalized disruptors, visit sufund.org