This week, Entrepreneur Asia Pacific featured Piñata’s co-founder and CEO, Lily Liu, in a new piece about the future of renting.
With a background in public service, govtech, and financial equity, Lily’s story isn’t your typical startup origin tale. It’s not about hustle culture for the sake of hustle culture; it’s about fixing broken systems and helping people navigate the ones that still exist. Now she’s working to reimagine the rent system and redefine the renter experience in America.
With more than 15 million renters now on the platform through partners like MRI Software, AppFolio, DoorLoop, and Venn, Piñata is just getting started. The next chapter is all about expanding access to the people who can benefit the most from services like Piñata.
Whether you’re a renter looking for more, a property manager focused on building stronger tenant relationships, or someone just beginning your credit journey — check out the full story and celebrate this milestone with us!
Highlights from the Feature
- A mission to rethink renting
Rent shouldn’t be a financial dead end. That’s the idea Lily built Piñata around. With rent reporting, built-in rewards, and tools that support long-term financial health, renters finally have a path forward. - Credit score boosts that actually matter
Piñata users see an average credit score increase of 60 points, with some jumping over 100. That kind of lift can mean access to better credit cards, car loans, mortgages, and real financial freedom. - Built for the people often left out
Piñata was made for real people facing real challenges, especially the 109 million renters without financial advisors or generational wealth. For those shut out of traditional credit systems, it’s a no brainer. The app is free to start, with premium plans at just $5 a month, including retroactive rent reporting up to 24 months. - Keeping pace with policy
California’s new law, AB 2747, now requires large landlords to offer rent reporting to tenants. Piñata helps them stay compliant while giving renters a clear path to better credit. - Powered by people-first tech
The Piñata system runs quietly in the background. With automated rent verification and full credit bureau integrations, building credit happens while you get on with your life.
Meet the Movement
From Forbes 30 Under 30 to launching her first startup in over 250 U.S. cities, Lily Liu has always focused on building systems that actually work for people. Piñata is no exception. It’s personal, ambitious, and rooted in real equity.
“When someone tells you our product helped them buy a car, get out of debt, or rent a better home for their kids, you realize this isn’t just tech,” Liu said. “It’s life-changing.”
What’s Next?
As we grow alongside new state policies, property management systems, and renter education programs, Piñata is staying focused on one mission: Making renting work better for the people who make rent happen.
We’re honored to be featured in Entrepreneur, and even more excited to keep building a future where renters get the credit, dignity, and opportunity they’ve always deserved.
Read the full story on Entrepreneur: The Founder Changing Renting Forever
Catch the highlight on Instagram
Want to build credit with rent payments?
Take a crack at us to get started!
Download the Piñata app and make every rent payment count.
