The number of first time home buyers in the US is shrinking and is at an all-time low. They accounted for just 26% of all home purchases last year, the lowest level in 41 years. Helping these first time home buyers achieve their American Dream, mortgage marketplace Stairs Financial has launched today with a $3.5M funding round.

The seed funding round was led by Zigg Capital with participation from Y Combinator, its initial investor Antler, Exceptional Capital and others. This investment will empower Stairs to help millions of young Americans defy economic headwinds like interest rates and high prices to become homeowners.

Stair Financial was founded by Malcolm-Wiley Floyd and Scott Fritz, who met as roommates at Harvard. The mortgage marketplace helps connect first time buyers with local lenders as well as detailed down payment assistance. Stairs' free mortgage comparison product is powered by their database of home buyer programs and mortgage products. It leverages automation and computer vision technology to track changes to assistance programs, like fluctuating rates, updated eligibility requirements, and new program launches.