Direct Booking Solution Directo Launches in U.S. Market, Raises $1 Million as Its Chrome Extension Surpasses 100K Users

Directo, an innovative Chrome extension designed to help travelers find the best commission-free accommodation deals, has achieved significant milestones since its beta launch in Europe in September 2023. Surpassing 100,000 users, Directo is now coming out of stealth mode with its official U.S. launch and the announcement of a $1 million pre-seed funding round. This round saw participation from French VC firm Kima Ventures, the angel group Calafia of Global Female Tech Leaders, and travel specialist fund Derive Ventures, along with 26 travel industry veterans.

Empowering Travelers and Hoteliers Alike

Directo was founded in 2023 by a team of second-time entrepreneurs with deep roots in the travel industry. The company’s mission is to help guests secure better deals on their travel accommodations while empowering hotels and property owners to regain control over their business.

As hotel and vacation rental prices have climbed sharply since 2019, the launch of Directo is particularly timely. This rise in costs makes it essential for travelers to seek out better deals to manage their travel expenses efficiently.

Additionally, hotels now have the technology to effectively manage direct bookings on their own websites. Despite this, they are increasingly losing control over their distribution networks, and Directo aims to help them reclaim some autonomy by encouraging direct reservations.

“Our mission is to help guests get rewarded for booking their accommodation directly with hoteliers, without using third-party sites, while empowering hotels and property managers to regain control over their business,” said Pierre Becerril, co-founder of Directo. “We are committed to supporting businesses that work hard every day to give their guests incredible experiences and memories.”

How Directo Works

The Directo Chrome Extension is a user-friendly tool that searches for alternative, direct deals while users browse their favorite travel sites. As travelers explore options on sites like Airbnb, Booking, VRBO, or Expedia, the extension automatically identifies direct booking options for the properties they are interested in, offering a potential for better deals and more control over their booking process.

Key Features:

• Seamless Integration: Works while users browse their favorite travel sites.
• Direct Deals: Identifies and presents direct booking options, bypassing third-party commission fees.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy installation and operation, enhancing the travel booking experience.
• Community-Driven: Users can share, access, and rate direct hotel and short-term rental deals.

Directo was co-founded by three passionate entrepreneurs: Pierre Becerril, Marina Guastavino, and Julian Toledo. The team brings a blend of travel industry expertise, marketing savvy, and technical prowess.

• Pierre Becerril: With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, Pierre has witnessed the challenges hoteliers and property managers face with online booking platforms. He has sold 2 of his previous companies in the data space.
• Marina Guastavino: A seasoned traveler with 10 years of experience in direct-to-consumer marketing, Marina is driven by a personal commitment to finding the best travel deals.
• Julian Toledo: A tech expert with a deep understanding of travel e-commerce, Julian’s collaboration with Pierre has resulted in a powerful synergy for innovation and adaptation in the rapidly evolving travel landscape.

As Directo launches in the U.S., the company aims to replicate its European success by providing American travelers with an enhanced booking experience that prioritizes direct connections and better deals. The $1 million pre-seed funding will be instrumental in scaling operations, enhancing technology, and expanding market reach.

“We are thrilled to bring Directo to the U.S. market,” said Marina Guastavino. “Our goal is to revolutionize the way travelers book accommodations by making it easier to find and secure the best deals directly from the source.”

Travelers can download the Directo Chrome Extension for free from the Google Chrome Store.