Overview
Headout is a dynamic platform facilitating the booking of high-quality real-world experiences. Established in January 2015 in New York by Varun Khona (CEO), Vikram Jit Singh (CTO), and Suren Sultania (COO), the company utilizes an on-demand mobile marketplace to connect travelers with tours, events, and local activities on a global scale. Headout's mission is to redefine how travelers access cultural, educational, and entertainment activities, bringing these magical experiences closer to the user.
Leadership Profiles
- Varun Khona, Co-Founder and CEO, is based in Bengaluru and has been instrumental in leading the company to profitability and significant growth. His focus is on recruiting talent in product management, strategy, and operations.
- Vikram Jit Singh, Co-Founder and CTO, graduated from IIT Guwahati and advances the company's technological prowess with a rich background in technical innovation, including previous roles at Oracle.
- Suren Sultania, Co-Founder and COO, directs strategic operations and brings extensive experience in performance marketing and operations management to drive Headout’s success.
Financial Growth and Achievements
Headout has shown significant financial growth since its founding. By September 2015, the company crossed $1M in total sales, surpassing $300M by August 2019. Operational profitability was achieved in October 2019, and the company reached EBITDA profitability in July 2021, experiencing a 9.3x growth during that year. The Series C funding round in December 2021 raised $30 million, contributing to a total of $70.5 million over nine funding rounds, backed by investors like Nexus Venture Partners and 500 Global.
Platform and Operations
Based in New York, with offices in Bangalore, Berlin, New York, Barcelona, and London, Headout operates in over 150 cities worldwide. The platform offers more than 40,000 experiences and has served over 30 million guests. The Headout app caters to the demand for last-minute bookings, allowing users to access same-day, in-destination activities seamlessly.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
Recently, Headout has enhanced its brand portfolio by offering tours and activities under its name. Recognized by platforms like Andreessen Horowitz's Marketplace 100 list, the company is dedicated to innovation in the travel industry, supported by strong investment backing for continued global expansion.
Contact and Accessibility
Headout offers 24/7 customer support via a dedicated help center, live chat, and direct contact through phone and email, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Competitor Profiling
Understanding Headout's competitive landscape is crucial, with several strong contenders in the travel experience booking market.
Key Competitors
- GetYourGuide: A major player in booking tours, excursions, and activities globally, with 26.25 million visits, an authority score of 69, a bounce rate of 53.07%, and 3.5 pages per visit.
- Viator: Known for a wide range of curated travel activities, competing closely with GetYourGuide.
- Klook: Founded in 2014, significant in the Asia-Pacific region with over half a million activities in 2,700 destinations and strong emphasis on seamless user experiences.
- Tiqets: Focuses on online ticketing for museums and cultural attractions with a $106 million funding, providing last-minute, mobile-optimized bookings.
- Thrillophilia: Specializes in adventure travel, appealing to a demographic seeking unique and thrilling experiences.
This comprehensive understanding of competitors' strengths, user engagement metrics, and market positioning provides strategic insights for Headout to enhance its offerings and maintain its competitive edge in the dynamic travel experience market.
