New York-based startup Balcony has raised $12.7 million in seed funding, bringing its total funding to $14 million, as the company pushes forward with plans to modernize the fragmented property record systems used across the United States. The funding round was led by Blockchange Ventures and will support Balcony’s efforts to build what it describes as “digital rails” for the U.S. property market. The company announced the investment in an official statement this week.
Balcony focuses on upgrading county land record infrastructure, an area of the real estate market that still relies heavily on outdated systems. Across the country, more than 3,000 county offices independently manage property records, often using disconnected databases and decades-old processes. The company’s platform, called Keystone, works alongside existing county systems rather than replacing them. Balcony says the technology creates a secure and interoperable layer of property data that improves transparency, accessibility, and fraud protection.
Ken Seiff, managing partner at Blockchange Ventures, said the current system leaves property ownership records vulnerable to fraud and inefficiencies.
“Property ownership is a pillar of our economy, and in today’s world, it’s also a matter of national security,” Seiff said in the company announcement.
Partnership With County Offices
Unlike many proptech firms that attempt to replace legacy government systems, Balcony says its strategy is based on cooperation with public offices.
The company recently signed a five-year agreement with the Bergen County Clerk’s Office in New Jersey. Under the partnership, Balcony will digitize around 370,000 property parcels representing nearly $240 billion in real estate value.
According to the company, the project will help modernize property data management while allowing county officials to continue serving as custodians of public records.
Gregg Lester, co-CEO and president of Balcony, said the company aims to strengthen existing public infrastructure instead of disrupting it.
“Our role is to partner with these public servants to build a modern, secure, and connected data layer upon that bedrock,” Lester said.
Blockchain Technology for Property Security
Balcony’s Keystone platform uses blockchain-based hashing technology to create tamper-resistant audit trails for land records.
The company says the system can help reduce risks related to deed fraud, ownership disputes, and incomplete property histories. It also provides what Balcony calls a “360-degree parcel view,” designed for use by title insurers, mortgage lenders, and institutional investors.
Balcony currently manages and secures more than $400 billion in property value through its government partnerships, including projects in Bergen County, New Jersey, and Hopkins County, Kentucky.
Expansion Plans Ahead
The startup plans to use the new funding to expand its engineering teams and accelerate deployment of its technology across additional U.S. counties. As local governments continue looking for secure and connected digital infrastructure, Balcony is positioning itself as a long-term technology partner for the modernization of American property records.
