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While Assembly has found customers for new luggage brands and travel gear, Stippl wants to expand its use of social media apps for travel planning.
Justin Dawes
Much of the travel industry around the world is changing rapidly. The various startups that raised funding this week are an example of how many opportunities there are to take advantage of these changes.
Four travel technology startups, each specializing in a different field, announced this week that they have raised more than $7 million in total funding.
Assembly cost: $2.1 million
Assembly, which makes luggage and other travel gear, has raised $2.1 million from Prath Ventures.
The $2.1 million was part of a funding round that included support from Anicut Capital, Blume Founders Fund, and angel investors. The total amount of the round was not disclosed.
India-based Assembly designs and sells suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, laptop bags, and many other travel accessories.
The company plans to expand its product offerings and marketing presence.
The startup appeared on Season 3 of India’s “Shark Tank” but did not land a deal.
ETrav Technology: $4 million
Travel distribution startup ETrav Tech has raised $4 million (Rs 330 million) from EaseMyTrip in exchange for 4.94% stake in the company.
India-based ETrav Tech provides software that allows businesses to connect with travel suppliers and sell those travel products on their websites.
This investment by online travel agency EaseMyTrip is part of its strategy to expand its services to corporate customers.
(See Skift story.)
Pointillism: $623,000
Travel planning and social media app Stippl has raised $623,000 (€575,000) from Marbruck Investments and Volve Capital.
The Amsterdam-based app allows travelers to create and map itineraries, share travel plans, and book accommodation and activity tickets through third-party sites. The app allows users to create a profile, share travel reels, follow friends and creators, and more.
With funding, Stippl is working to integrate generated AI into its app and optimize its business model, including adding subscriptions.
The company said it has about 230,000 users worldwide and aims to reach 1 million by the end of 2024.
3x: $500,000
Triply, which helps African travel companies streamline operations, has raised $500,000 as a new member of startup accelerator Y Combinator.
Kenya-based Triply said its software helps travel companies collect and manage payments, as well as back-office operations such as accounting and payroll. The service is aimed at small and medium-sized travel agencies in Africa, which are mostly manually operated.
