Berlin-based startup GetYourGuide has raised €114 million in convertible note financing led by the private investment firm Searchlight Capital. Existing investors SoftBank Vision Fund, KKR, Battery Ventures, Highland Europe, Spark Capital, Lakestar, Heartcore Capital and NGP Capital, as well as the company’s own founding team also participated in the round.
GetYourGuide is the online marketplace and booking platform for travel experiences. According to the company, travellers from over 170 countries have booked more than 45 million tours, activities, and attraction tickets through GetYourGuide since its founding in 2009. Powered by a global team of over 550 travel experts and technologists, GetYourGuide has offices in 14 countries around the world.
Citing the UN World Tourism Organization data, the company emphasizes that 2021 and 2022 will feature a double-digit rebound for global tourism. Due to the tendency, “GetYourGuide’s mission to give the whole world access to incredible experiences matters more than ever. This new financing is a vote of confidence in GetYourGuide’s readiness to lead the recovery of global tourism,” said Johannes Reck, CEO and co-founder of GetYourGuide.
The company is planning to invest the raised capital into strategic initiatives, further developing its digital product, and building out its global inventory to cater to post-pandemic travellers’ latest preferences and hygienic standards.