From shortlisting destinations and looking at different accommodation options, organising a trip is a daunting task, especially when it comes to group travel planning. The trip planning can become a headache. This is where the Dutch travel app Stippl comes into the picture with its mission to make travel planning almost as enjoyable as traveling.
Raises €575K funding
The all-in-one travel app has raised over €575K from Marbruck Investments from Australia and Volve Capital from the Netherlands. It plans to use the capital to introduce its AI travel planning feature. With the power of generative AI, Stippl’s travel planning tools, and a growing travel community, the company aims to create the most personalised and customisable experiences.
Furthermore, the team aims to expand its user base to one million by the end of 2024. It also plans to grow and extend its business models through new subscription services and personalised photo books.
In addition to Stippl, several AI travel tech startups such as Finland-based Reveel and Germany’s Layla are among the recent wave of firms to get funding in this category.
Idea behind Stippl
Stippl was founded by Luuk Verhoeven, Omar Sheshtawy, and Robin van Rijn in 2022. It was born out of a shared frustration with the tedious and time-consuming process of travel planning. As avid travelers and experienced product builders, they knew there had to be a better way. They wanted to create a platform that seamlessly integrates every aspect of travel planning – from finding transportation to discovering the perfect accommodation, all while providing a beautiful, user-friendly, and easily shareable experience.
All-in-one travel app
The platform evolved into an all-in-one travel app where travelers can plan their journeys. After the launch of the accompanying app in early 2023, and the introduction of innovative features. This Dutch travel app lets travelers plan their itineraries, find accommodation on platforms like Booking.com, discover and/or add transportation, and uncover tours and activities using GetYourGuide.com.
Travelers also get to relive their experiences by creating instant travel videos using their travel photos, following friends or content creators they admire, and personalising their itineraries. With these features, the number of users has increased to a quarter of a million in over 160 countries, doubling the company’s annual target.
Besides using the app to plan their trips, travel content creators can share their itineraries and adventures and engage with their audiences before, during, and after their adventures via the Discovery section, letting users generate additional income.
“In the following years, we really want to cement our position as the leading travel app. With Stippl we intend to enhance the travel experience for all travelers worldwide, from the moment they start planning to reliving their cherished memories. This new funding allows us to expand the Stippl team and work towards new heights”, said Luuk Verhoeven, CEO of Stippl.
“Investing in travel apps means backing the journey of exploration and discovery of their community. Stippl redefines traveler’s experiences, turning aspirations into seamless itineraries. Volve Capital is very excited about the future of Stippl, and the opportunities offered by this new release, enabling a one-stop-shop for travel planning and discovery,” added Joost Bijlsma, Partner at Volve Capital.
