Veteran-founded, AI-native lender gains direct access to institutional capital; Founder & CEO Rob Stewart sets a target of $100 million in monthly originations by year-end 2027
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — October 9, 2026 — CR Equity AI, Inc. (NMLS #2797309), an AI-native specialty real estate private credit and commercial lending platform, today announced a new correspondent lending relationship with delegated authority, supported by Redwood Trust, Inc. (NYSE: RWT) through its CoreVest and Aspire platforms. The relationship puts dependable institutional capital directly behind the loans CR Equity AI’s proprietary technology originates, underwrites and closes.
A Message from the CEO
“For the last several years, I have struggled just to get this company underway. I have had more failures than I can count. I came close to bankruptcy and lost just about everything I thought mattered. I stayed in the fight because my family stood with me — along with literally three friends.
The struggle was real. The wounds cut deep, and the scars are still visible. Firm after firm shut the door in my face. I was turned away, shunned, and told more than once that this was a ‘nice hobby.’
Three weeks ago, the ‘aha moment’ finally hit. One faithful meeting last week made every one of those years worth it. Today I am honored to announce our newest relationship as a correspondent lender with delegated authority, supported by Redwood Trust, CoreVest and Aspire.”
From “Mother, May I?” to Direct Access to Capital
“For many years we’ve had the technology stack, but we were seen as the broker — the stepchild — and had to ask ‘mother, may I?’ at every turn,” said Stewart. “Requirements would shift and things would change. Our process was unique, quick, and gave our clients confidence, but one thing was missing: capital. The days of begging capital providers to look at our deals are in the rear-view mirror.”
As a correspondent lender with delegated authority, CR Equity AI can move from application to clear-to-close with defined capital partners and defined eligibility standards. Those standards are built directly into the company’s AI-driven diligence workflow, so every file is screened against take-out guidelines before a commitment is issued — giving borrowers, brokers and referral partners faster answers and greater certainty of execution.
A Better Team
“Years ago, I worked for the Assistant Secretary of Defense, and he told me, ‘Rob, you don’t need to change anything — you need to get a better team,’” said Stewart, a U.S. military veteran. “That has never resonated more than it does right now. I’ve traditionally kept things close to the vest and stayed in the shadows. This relationship lets us move in a nimble, agile way, with clear and distinct access to capital. We have a target, and our AI tech stack is built to hit it each and every time.”
Since its founding in 2021, CR Equity AI has closed 477 loans, including $189 million in 2025 at a closing rate of nearly 95%, powered by automated due diligence that completes in roughly three minutes. The company was named to the Inc. 5000 in 2025.
The Challenge, Accepted
$100 Million in Originations per Month by Year-End 2027
“On 9 October 2026, I accept that challenge.” — Rob Stewart
About CR Equity AI
CR Equity AI, Inc. (NMLS #2797309) is an AI-native specialty real estate private credit and commercial lending platform serving real estate investors, sponsors and brokers nationwide with DSCR, bridge, fix-and-flip and business-purpose financing. Founded in 2021 by Rob Stewart — a U.S. military veteran, author and licensed real estate professional in Florida and Virginia — the company pairs proprietary artificial intelligence with institutional underwriting discipline to deliver fast, transparent, data-driven lending decisions. CR Equity AI is a 2025 Inc. 5000 honoree and a member of the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL). Learn more at www.crequity.ai.
Media & Partnership Contact
Rob Stewart
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, CR Equity AI, Inc.
Email: deals@crequity.ai
Phone: 949-328-6622
Web: www.crequity.ai
Submit a deal: crequity.ai/submit-deal
Mail: 3458 Lakeshore Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32312
NMLS: 2797309
Forward-looking statements: This release contains forward-looking statements, including the company’s origination goals, that are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties; actual results may differ materially. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and applicable law. Redwood Trust, CoreVest and Aspire are trademarks of their respective owners.