The Berlin-based travel startup Tourlane raised €25 million (roughly $26 million) in a Series D round from Sequoia Capital. The new investment will enable the firm to turn a profit, expand its AI technology, and scale beyond its core markets in France and Germany.
Leveraging AI for Personalized Travel
Tourlane intends to invest much of the new money into integrating AI in its platform. Using generative AI, the company will create easier-to-use user experiences to lead passengers to customized flights, hotels, and excursions.
Tourlane’s CEO and co-founder Julian Weselek made it clear that AI will be an important part of the platform’s future but that human expertise will remain at its core. “When it’s a really big trip, whether it’s a honeymoon or a one-of-a-kind trip, people want to consult with people who know the area inside out,” Weselek said.
Driving Operational Efficiency
A business of approximately 500 employees, including 150 customer service reps, Tourlane is also using AI to enhance business efficiency. By streamlining backend processes, the organization enables agents to take on more customers, minimizing response times while still providing a high level of service.
Tourlane is also opening up new origination markets to extend its customers base, further supporting the company’s goal of becoming a global leader in bespoke travel experiences.
A Strong Vote of Confidence from Investors
That Sequoia Capital was a lead in this round is testament to the investor belief in Tourlane’s growth. “This is a turning point in travel history,” said Andrew Reed, Sequoia partner. AI enables us to have truly unique experiences that can change how we see the world. Tourlane is uniquely poised to make that promise.”
The Series D investment round also included participation from Target Global, Jared Smith (Co-founder of Qualtrics) and HV Capital.
Tourlane’s Market Position and Growth Potential
Tourlane was established in 2015, and has booked more than 100,000 people so far, a small number in the midst of the worldwide travel boom. But, according to the firm, 2023 was five times as good as its previous pre-COVID year, which shows signs of recovery and expansion.
The travel industry globally will bring more than $11 trillion in revenue this year, and Tourlane’s platform’s ability to use AI and reach new markets puts it in a unique position to take advantage of those trends.