Milan-based startup WeRoad has raised $58 million in a Series C funding round led by Airbnb. This investment brings the company's total capital to nearly $100 million. The funds will be used for the platform's first major expansion outside of Europe, specifically targeting the US market, starting in Austin. This is reported by Techcrunch.com reports .
The new investment is a bet that the next generation of travel companies will not just be booking platforms, but social networks that facilitate real-life connections. WeRoad positions itself as part of the growing "IRL (In Real Life) economy." Startups in this sector focus on monetizing offline interactions and meetings rather than time spent in front of screens.
Founders Paolo De Nadai, Fabio Bin, and Erika De Santi have redesigned group travel around shared interests. WeRoad trips are primarily aimed at Millennials and Gen Z, with participants grouped by age and cultural background. Before the trip begins, travelers join a WhatsApp group, allowing them to get to know each other in advance.
Groups typically consist of 8 to 15 travelers, and itineraries are designed with social dynamics in mind. For example, adventure activities are scheduled for the first days of the trip to "break the ice" among participants. Reports indicate that nearly 60% of customers rebook through the platform after their first trip.
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