By Lea Mira, HTN staff writer - 9.13.2024
Hotel technology startup Userguest has secured $2.4 million in seed funding to support its continued growth and product development. The funding round was led by Al Mada Ventures and CDG Invest, with participation from Saviu Ventures, UM6P Ventures, Kalys VC, Plug & Play, and angel investors Philippe Limes and Thane Kuhlman.
Founded in 2018, Userguest provides hotels with a platform designed to optimize direct revenue. As stated on the company website: “Our solution includes a set of multiple features: personalized notifications, social proof messages, smart pop-ups, interactive dashboard, and automated data-driven recommendations which improve the user experience and create an instant impact on your conversion rate and direct bookings.” According to reports, the Amsterdam-based company currently operates in over 30 countries and reports generating over $100 million in direct revenue for its clients since 2019.
The funding will reportedly be used to expand Userguest’s sales team and develop new features and products. Co-founder and CTO Ahmed Chami stated that the company plans to launch several new features for hotel websites and is developing a new product to address a specific market need.
Userguest’s recent partnership with global hotel group YOTEL is a significant step in the company’s growth. YOTEL selected Userguest to help increase direct bookings and optimize revenue across its properties. Augustin Cacot, Vice President of Demand at YOTEL, explained that they were particularly impressed with Userguest’s RevMarketing Automation tool. During a recent pilot program at YOTEL New York Times Square, Userguest’s platform helped generate nearly $200,000 in incremental revenue in one month by promoting specific dates needing occupancy.
Userguest’s platform aims to bridge the gap between hotels and technology by providing a suite of tools that enhance the user experience on hotel websites. These tools include personalized notifications, social proof messages, smart pop-ups, an interactive dashboard, and data-driven recommendations.
The company’s focus on user-friendly, data-driven solutions has contributed to its rapid growth and success. With this new funding, Userguest is well-positioned to continue expanding its reach and developing innovative solutions for the hospitality industry.
In addition to expanding our sales efforts, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of several exciting features designed to enhance direct bookings and revenue via hotel websites,
said Chami in a press statement. Moreover, we are currently developing a groundbreaking new product that addresses a critical market need and sets new standards for innovation in the hospitality industry.