Dallas-based fintech Stake has raised USD $8 million through a mix of debt and equity. At the same time, the company has acquired Texas-based apartment locating platform UMoveFree. This move expands its presence across rental search, leasing, and rewards.
The company said the funding follows a fourfold increase in revenue in 2025. However, it did not disclose its total revenue, valuation, or the split between debt and equity.
The funding round was led by LAGO. Other investors include RET Ventures, Bluefield Capital, Hamilton Ventures, Gaingels, Hub Angels, and Second Century Ventures, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
In addition to the funding, Stake acquired Lighthouse and its subsidiary UMoveFree. Notably, Lighthouse had previously acquired UMoveFree in 2023. Stake now plans to integrate Lighthouse’s technology into its platform, especially within search and onboarding.
UMoveFree operates an apartment search platform in Texas using a cash-back model. According to Stake, the platform is the largest apartment-locating service in the state. It has served over 5 million renters and paid more than USD $35 million in cash back.
With this acquisition, Stake aims to build a renter-focused network. This network starts from property discovery and continues through lease signing and rent payments. In addition, it includes a credit-building feature that reports rent payments to major credit bureaus.
The acquisition adds a search layer at the top of Stake’s funnel. Earlier, the company focused on cash back through rent payments using its deposit account, Stake Checking. The company states that this account has no monthly fees and offers early pay access. Banking services are provided through TransPecos Banks.
Besides renter services, Stake also offers tools for property owners and managers. These include a dashboard called Loyalty Cloud and an incentives product, Stake+, which supports promotional offers.
Stake said its property network now represents more than 550,000 homes across the United States. Furthermore, UMoveFree’s team and technology will be integrated into Stake’s demand-generation services. These services focus on renter acquisition, campaign strategy, and market expansion.
Looking ahead, the company plans to use AI-driven matching in rental search. This approach will show renters savings and cash-back offers while they compare options, rather than after signing a lease.
Stake said the new funding will support the integration and expansion of UMoveFree’s search capabilities. It also plans to enter new markets, improve its product, and explore further acquisitions.
"You can search for a deal on a hotel. You can search for a deal on a flight. But until now, you couldn't reliably search for a deal on rent," said Rowland Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Stake. "With UMoveFree powered by Stake Cash Back, we're making affordability visible at the start. Now renters can find Cash Back offers when they're deciding where to live, not after they've already signed."
As part of the deal, UMoveFree’s leadership team will join Stake. The company said the team brings experience in multifamily housing and a proprietary leasing platform.
Stake also confirmed that Mark Finney, Co-founder of UMoveFree, will serve as General Manager of Texas.
"Since 2004, UMoveFree has empowered renters by combining its online apartment marketplace with a hands-on, concierge approach provided by its in-house team of apartment experts," said Finney. "Now, with Stake, UMoveFree will expand its offerings into a full deal network-from search to savings."
In addition, Matt See, Chief Executive of Lighthouse, will support the transition during integration.
"We founded Lighthouse with a mission to empower renters, and we've found that same mission with Stake," said Matt See, Chief Executive Officer, Lighthouse. "Now we can expand that mission beyond search to paying, renewing, and even banking with Stake."
Overall, the funding and acquisition mark a step forward in Stake’s effort to combine marketplace and financial services within renting. As integration progresses, the company indicated plans for further market expansion and additional acquisitions.
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