Barcelona-based Amenitiz, developer of a software-as-a-service solution designed to streamline the administration of hotels and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), has closed a $30 million Series A funding round, Eight Roads, the lead funder, announced Tuesday (April 5).
The latest infusion of cash will be used to expand in Europe, create and launch more products and add 200 employees to Amenitiz’s team by year’s end, up from 150.
Along with London-based venture-capital firm Eight Roads, participants included Chalfen Ventures and existing investors Point-Nine, Backed and Otium Capital.
Europe is among the top tourist destinations, boasting more than 700,000 hotels, B&Bs and vacation rentals. About 80% of them are independent properties with 50 rooms or less.
Despite their small sizes, operations management has become increasingly complex as the world goes digital. Surveys suggest many of these small hoteliers are spending up to five hours daily on administrative tasks.
Launched in 2018 by Alexandre and Emmannuelle Guinefolleau and Frederic Cadet, Amenitiz was developed to solve those problems.
The founders sought an all-in-one solution to consolidate the tools an independent hotelier need in one place, which the call a “Shopify for hotels.”
Since its inception, the company said it supports more than 4,000 properties in 37 countries.
Last month, PYMNTS reported Google is offering free hotel booking links on Search and Maps, an expansion of the program it debuted in 2021.
Read more: Google Offers Free Hotel Booking Links in Search and Maps
As the travel sector returns from the pandemic, Google has been helping hotels connect with travelers. Last year, Google began offering free listings within Google Hotel search.
The new Google update promises to give users more options. They click a link and can then complete their booking on the hotel or travel partners’ website.