Bilt Rewards is a loyalty platform that allows users to earn points for rent payments, which they can exchange for travel. The company recently raised $150 million in funding, bringing their total to $563 million. Users can earn points from various activities, such as dining at restaurants, taking fitness classes, or using ride-sharing services like Lyft. These points can then be used to book travel through a variety of partner loyalty programs, or through the Bilt portal powered by Expedia. The company also offers monthly deals and partnerships with travel-related companies to provide added value for its members.
Myne, a platform that allows users to purchase shares of vacation homes, raised $43.7 million in series A funding. The Berlin-based company enables multiple individuals to invest in a vacation rental property, with each share coming with the right to use the property for a certain number of weeks per year. The funding will be used to expand into new markets and enhance the technology and financing capabilities of the platform. Faye, a travel insurance app, raised $31 million in series B funding. The Tel Aviv-based company offers coverage for a range of travel-related issues, and plans to increase revenue by selling to travel companies as an offering for consumers.
Gigpro, a marketplace for temporary hospitality workers, raised $16 million in a series A round. The South Carolina-based company connects freelance workers with businesses in the hospitality industry, such as hotels, restaurants, and events companies. The funding will be used to expand into new markets and strengthen the platform. Holisto, a hotel aggregator, raised $10 million from Trivago in exchange for a 30% stake in the company. Holisto uses machine learning to find and combine several hotel bookings within the duration of a single stay, aiming to provide users with the lowest possible price. Slice, a layaway service for vacations, raised $7.5 million in a seed round. The Australia-based company allows users to book a trip with a deposit and make weekly payments leading up to the trip.
Lovetovisit, a booking platform for ticketed attractions and events, raised $4.1 million. The UK-based company lists over 2,700 products, including theater shows, city attractions, events, and festivals. The funding will go towards growing the company both in the UK and internationally, with plans to double growth and inventory each year for the next three years. The investment in these travel startups reflects the ongoing modernization of various sectors within the travel industry, including loyalty programs, vacation rentals, travel insurance, tours, and hospitality hiring. As these companies continue to expand and innovate, they are poised to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for consumers around the world.
