Grand Bequest is a property technology company founded in February 2020 that uses data analytics and conservation principles to facilitate the redevelopment of vacant buildings. Based in Edinburgh, the company operates as Scotland's first property technology B-Corp, a certification that reflects its commitment to social and environmental impact alongside profitability.
The organization emerged from founder Katherine Gunderson's observation that Scotland housed numerous historic buildings designated as "at risk" yet sitting abandoned while communities faced housing shortages and homelessness. She recognized a gap between the buildings needing restoration and the mechanisms to achieve it. The company addresses this by creating technological infrastructure that connects local communities, councils, building owners, and impact investors around specific regeneration projects.
Grand Bequest's platform uses algorithmic analysis to assess vacant buildings, considering their location, structure, community needs, and existing local amenities to determine optimal future uses. Rather than simply accepting the highest bidder, the system prioritizes community input and viable outcomes. The company operates on a B2B2C model, charging transaction fees and subscription fees to partner organizations and sponsors who use the platform to reach communities for place-based investments.
The organization received InnovateUK funding to develop its platform minimum viable product, which launched in spring 2023. Current projects tracked through the platform include the Former Glasgow District Court and various historic structures across Scottish council regions. The company employs an interdisciplinary team working across multiple beta projects, though exact current team size was not specified in available information.