Zach Schofel of Cosign Achieves Forbes 30 Under 30 Recognition in 2026

Zach Schofel of Cosign Recognized by Forbes

Zach Schofel, the founder and CEO of Cosign, has made waves in the industry by being named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2026 in the Social Impact category. This accolade highlights his significant contributions to housing access and equity, particularly through innovative technology that challenges traditional approaches to tenant approval.

At only 28 years old, Schofel has demonstrated a unique ability to blend his extensive real estate experience with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by prospective renters. After founding Eastman Residential at the young age of 22, where he successfully scaled the company to over 2,500 housing units valued at more than $400 million, Schofel observed firsthand the shortcomings of existing tenant screening methods. His observations led him to create Cosign, a ground-breaking platform aimed at enabling qualified renters to secure housing more easily, despite the conventional barriers laid by outdated credit score assessments.

Cosign’s mission addresses a pressing need in the rental market: to provide a reliable, fair, and inclusive process for renter approvals. Traditional verification methods often overlook capable tenants based solely on credit scores, perpetuating cycles of vacancy and limiting economic mobility for many. Schofel’s solution utilizes a dynamic risk model that evaluates payment behaviors and recent financial activities, setting a new precedent for underwriting in the real estate sector.

The platform was launched nationwide after a successful beta phase involving 150,000 housing units, and it boasts a remarkable 90% approval rate for renters. This success has been coupled with zero churn among property management partners, demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of the platform. By ensuring property owners can fill their units quickly, Cosign simultaneously reduces vacancy losses while safely approving qualified tenants who would otherwise be overlooked.

Throughout his journey, Schofel's vision has been clear: to create pathways for renters, ensuring that no one is denied access due to rigid criteria that fail to account for individual circumstances. His commitment to using data-driven insights rather than archaic models exemplifies a necessary shift in how the housing market operates. As he stated, “Far too many qualified renters have been shut out of housing simply because traditional tools weren’t built to understand them.” With this philosophy, he has redefined how rental applications are evaluated.

As Cosign continues to gain traction across the U.S., with ambitions to support 1 million units by 2026 and 10 million by 2030, it's clear that Schofel's work resonates with both industry leaders and renters alike. The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) recognizes the platform’s potential, leading many top property owners and operators to adopt its services.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 accolades are awarded to individuals who tackle significant social issues, and Schofel’s place on this list signifies not only personal achievement but also underscores the urgent need for reform in how housing access is facilitated. With challenges faced by mission-driven organizations escalating nationwide, it is innovators like Schofel who pave the way towards a more inclusive future in housing.

For more information about Cosign and its mission to improve housing access, visit www.rentwithcosign.com.