Lodgea's software-as-a-service solution targets hotels, hotel chains, and tourism organizations, as well as airlines and travel agencies. The software solution is designed to support direct online marketing and provides accommodation providers with a simple booking and marketing solution, including AI components and marketing automation features. With the capital raised, the Munich-based startup now aims to establish itself in markets in Europe and North America, among others.
Lodgea's software comes at a time of significant change in the travel sector: Driven by the pandemic, guests' booking behavior is changing significantly, making direct booking channels increasingly more important than large travel platforms. However, technological requirements, a lack of expertise, and high costs often pose significant hurdles for providers seeking to strengthen their direct sales. With Lodgea's ready-to-use shop software, accommodation providers, such as hotels and vacation rentals, can set up their own booking and marketing solution with minimal effort, either on their own website or as a standalone website.
Creation of new marketing channels
Ricarda Kies, Co-founder of Lodgea, says:
"Until now, there were no solutions for direct marketers in the travel sector that combined multilingualism, multiple currencies, scalability, and integrated marketing automation for traffic generation. We're closing this gap with Lodgea, and we're delighted to be able to establish ourselves in the market with the support of our investors and work together on our vision. What Shopify is for retail, Lodgea is for marketing in the hospitality and short-term rental segments."
Michael Oschmann, CEO Müller-Medien, investor in the Baystartup investor network, continues:
"With Lodgea, we are welcoming another member into our corporate family that will make an important contribution to the creation of new marketing channels and products in the digital world and further complement our network of and for SMEs. The extensive and long-standing experience of the founding team, and not least their enthusiasm and conviction in the product's market fit, further fueled the decision to collaborate."
Targeted matching of startups and investors
And Dr. Carsten Rudolph, Managing Director of Baystartup, concludes:
"Through our investor network, founders have access to hundreds of business angels and institutional investors. Lodgea's seed financing round is a good example of the importance of matching startups with suitable investors. Lodgea's investors bring a wealth of experience to the table for future market success and further growth. Ultimately, both sides benefit from this."
