Point.me is an award travel discovery tool and points concierge service that assists loyalty program members in securing flights for fewer points. Utilizing a proprietary algorithm, the platform searches over 150 airlines to identify optimal flight deals, including first and business-class options. It collaborates with more than 30 loyalty programs, allowing customers to filter results based on their preferred programs, airlines, routes, and point balances. In addition to its user-friendly search capabilities, Point.me offers a concierge consulting service, where experts in miles and points manage the award redemption process, simplifying the booking experience for users. This dual approach makes it easier for travelers to find and book rewarding travel experiences.
WH Smith is a British retailer renowned for its extensive chain of shops located in high streets, railway stations, airports, hospitals, and motorway service areas. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Swindon, Wiltshire, the company operates primarily through two segments: travel and high street. The travel segment consists of 586 units, catering to the needs of travelers by offering a curated selection of products, including food, drinks, publications, books, and tech accessories. The high street segment features a diverse range of items, such as stationery, books, newspapers, magazines, and confectionery, with seasonal trading peaks during Christmas, Easter, and the back-to-school period in late summer. WH Smith is recognized as the first chain store company in the world and played a pivotal role in the development of the ISBN book catalog system.
GetYourGuide
Debt Financing in 2023
GetYourGuide is an online platform that facilitates the booking of tours, attractions, and activities around the globe. Founded in 2009 by Jochen Mattes, Johannes Reck, Martin Sieber, Pascal Mathis, Tao Tao, and Tobias Rein, the platform provides a wide range of services, including tickets to tourist attractions, cooking classes, and various experiential activities. By acting as an intermediary, GetYourGuide allows customers to book these experiences at no direct cost to them; instead, tour providers pay a percentage of their revenue to the platform. This model not only streamlines the booking process for travelers but also includes a customer review system that helps users assess the quality of tour providers. To maintain high standards, GetYourGuide removes consistently poorly reviewed providers from its offerings, ensuring a reliable selection of experiences for users.
Onward is a global tour organization company, specializing in educational and business tours across multiple cities, including San Francisco, New York, Berlin, Milan, and London. Their mission is to inspire lifelong learning, foster international collaboration, and strengthen global communities through these immersive experiences.
Hopper
Secondary Market in 2022
Hopper Inc. is a travel technology company based in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, New York, and Sofia, Bulgaria. Founded in 2007 by Frederic Lalonde and Joost Ouwerkerk, Hopper has developed a mobile application that leverages big data and predictive analytics to provide users with travel recommendations. The app specializes in analyzing and forecasting airfare and accommodations, enabling travelers to secure the best deals. Hopper notifies users when flight and hotel prices are anticipated to be at their lowest, allowing them to make informed decisions about their travel plans. The company's innovative platform aims to simplify the travel booking process, making it easier for users to plan and book their trips directly from their mobile devices.
Onward is a global tour organization company, specializing in educational and business tours across multiple cities, including San Francisco, New York, Berlin, Milan, and London. Their mission is to inspire lifelong learning, foster international collaboration, and strengthen global communities through these immersive experiences.
Hopper Inc. is a travel technology company based in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, New York, and Sofia, Bulgaria. Founded in 2007 by Frederic Lalonde and Joost Ouwerkerk, Hopper has developed a mobile application that leverages big data and predictive analytics to provide users with travel recommendations. The app specializes in analyzing and forecasting airfare and accommodations, enabling travelers to secure the best deals. Hopper notifies users when flight and hotel prices are anticipated to be at their lowest, allowing them to make informed decisions about their travel plans. The company's innovative platform aims to simplify the travel booking process, making it easier for users to plan and book their trips directly from their mobile devices.
GetYourGuide
Debt Financing in 2021
GetYourGuide is an online platform that facilitates the booking of tours, attractions, and activities around the globe. Founded in 2009 by Jochen Mattes, Johannes Reck, Martin Sieber, Pascal Mathis, Tao Tao, and Tobias Rein, the platform provides a wide range of services, including tickets to tourist attractions, cooking classes, and various experiential activities. By acting as an intermediary, GetYourGuide allows customers to book these experiences at no direct cost to them; instead, tour providers pay a percentage of their revenue to the platform. This model not only streamlines the booking process for travelers but also includes a customer review system that helps users assess the quality of tour providers. To maintain high standards, GetYourGuide removes consistently poorly reviewed providers from its offerings, ensuring a reliable selection of experiences for users.
Freebird is an innovative mobile rebooking platform designed to assist travelers in managing flight disruptions, such as cancellations, significant delays, or missed connections. The company enables users to quickly and efficiently book a new ticket on any airline at no additional cost, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Through its user-friendly interface, travelers receive instant notifications about flight issues and can rebook their flights in under 30 seconds with just three taps on their mobile device. This service not only saves time for individual travelers but also enhances operational efficiency for travel agencies and corporations, while maintaining a duty of care and improving the overall traveler experience.
Hopper Inc. is a travel technology company based in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, New York, and Sofia, Bulgaria. Founded in 2007 by Frederic Lalonde and Joost Ouwerkerk, Hopper has developed a mobile application that leverages big data and predictive analytics to provide users with travel recommendations. The app specializes in analyzing and forecasting airfare and accommodations, enabling travelers to secure the best deals. Hopper notifies users when flight and hotel prices are anticipated to be at their lowest, allowing them to make informed decisions about their travel plans. The company's innovative platform aims to simplify the travel booking process, making it easier for users to plan and book their trips directly from their mobile devices.
Airbnb
Debt Financing in 2016
Airbnb, Inc., established in 2007, operates a global online platform that connects hosts offering accommodations with guests seeking short-term stays. Its diverse listings range from private rooms and luxury villas to unique stays and boutique hotels, totaling over 8 million active listings worldwide. Airbnb facilitates bookings and provides management tools for both hosts and guests, generating revenue through transaction fees. As of 2023, North America contributes to 50% of its revenue.
DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travelers.