In 2017, Gryd Digital Media was just getting started, changing the game for property managers and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) with GrydRent and GrydDigital. Using an immersive mix of digital marketing and media capture such as 3D virtual tours, slick videos and advanced marketing tools, it was helping property managers get more eyes on their unique spaces online.  

The company’s advanced technology and expertise allows potential visitors, renters and buyers to experience properties from the comfort of their own homes. Gryd even offers virtual staging and virtual leasing experiences for property managers and owners, giving them an opportunity to market their space earlier than usual, even if the building is still under construction. 

The Winnipeg-based startup has gained customers across Canada and numerous awards for its products. Now, Gryd is hoping it has another award-winning product on its hands with GrydPark mobile app. 

The app links consumers to vacant parking spots to those of property managers and other privately owned parking lots. Gryd creators say they know Winnipeggers love a deal and prices for spots can be anywhere from 20 to 30 per cent below market value. The app also allows people to book spots in advance and offers friendly customer service. 

“It’s a win-win-win parking solution,” said Josh Glow, Managing Director of Gryd. 

“By making these previously unavailable spaces available to the public, drivers have more options and property managers can optimize the utilization of their existing parking spaces.” 

On top of putting some extra money in pockets, the GrydPark platform was also designed to make a positive impact in other areas. 

“Up to 30% of downtown traffic is caused by drivers searching for parking,” says Kyla Wills, Gryd’s Director of Operations. “That equates to more than 300 million litres of fuel consumed annually.”  

By matching drivers searching for parking to spots in underutilized parking lots, time spent searching for parking is significantly reduced, resulting in less fuel consumed and less greenhouse gas emissions. 

The app was beta-tested in Winnipeg and Gryd is hoping to roll it out across the rest of the country in 2022. 

In the meantime, the startup continues to grow. It was a one-man show when it started and grew to four employees. Today, it has 24 employees with plans to hire even more in 2022. 

The GrydPark app is available on the App Store and Google Play.