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US: Airbnb has led a $58 million Series C investment round in adventure travel platform WeRoad, as the company prepares to expand into the US market.
The Italy-based group travel startup said the funding round brings its total capital raised to $100 million since launching in 2017.
Existing investors also participated in the round, which comes as WeRoad looks to grow beyond Europe for the first time.
WeRoad specialises in curated group travel experiences focused on social connection and shared trips, primarily targeting younger travellers. The company said more than 300,000 travellers have used the platform to date.
The investment also reflects Airbnb’s growing focus on community, experiences and social travel as it expands beyond accommodation bookings.
WeRoad launched its WeMeet initiative last year, offering in-person social events and meetups across European cities. The company said more than 50,000 people have attended WeMeet events across 35 cities so far.
Paolo De Nadai, founder of WeRoad, said travellers are increasingly looking for “real-world connections through shared travel experiences”.
The funding news comes as WeRoad CEO Andrea D’Amico prepares to join Airbnb as vice president of hotels. D’Amico will remain on WeRoad’s board.
Highlights
- Airbnb has led a $58 million investment round in travel startup WeRoad
- WeRoad plans to use the funding to expand into the US market
- The company specialises in curated social and adventure group travel
- More than 300,000 travellers have used the platform since 2017
- WeRoad CEO Andrea D’Amico is joining Airbnb as vice president of hotels
