Company Profile: kimkim

Background

Founded in 2015, kimkim is a travel platform that connects travelers with local experts to plan and book personalized trips. The company aims to simplify travel planning by integrating human expertise with technology, offering customized itineraries that cater to individual preferences. With offices in Boulder, Colorado; San Francisco, California; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, kimkim operates globally, providing services in over 90 destinations.

Key Strategic Focus

kimkim's core objective is to enhance the travel planning experience by combining advanced technology with a network of local travel specialists. This approach allows the company to offer tailored travel experiences that align with each traveler's unique interests. By leveraging local expertise, kimkim ensures authentic and memorable journeys for its clients.

Financials and Funding

As of April 2025, kimkim reported an annual revenue of approximately $3.8 million. The company has raised a total of $4.35 million through multiple funding rounds, including a $1.5 million seed round in December 2015 and a $2.2 million seed round in June 2017. Notable investors include Cennini Holding, iAngels, and several angel investors.

Technological Platform and Innovation

kimkim differentiates itself by integrating human expertise with technology to streamline the travel planning process. The platform employs a conversation-based interface that connects travelers directly with local specialists, facilitating personalized trip planning. This model emphasizes the human element in travel planning, ensuring that itineraries are crafted with local insights and tailored to individual preferences.

Leadership Team

Joost Schreve: Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Yenyi Fu: Chief Operating Officer and Head of Product.

Chris McCarty: Head of Engineering.

Chelsey Wallace: Destination Development Manager.

The leadership team brings extensive experience in travel technology, having previously contributed to successful travel applications such as TripAdvisor, EveryTrail, and TrekkingPartners.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The personalized travel planning industry is experiencing growth as travelers seek customized and authentic experiences. The market is characterized by a blend of traditional travel agencies and technology-driven platforms that offer tailored itineraries.

Competitor Analysis

kimkim faces competition from several companies offering similar services:

Zicasso: Provides personalized travel planning by connecting travelers with travel specialists.

PickYourTrail: Assists consumers in planning and booking experiential international vacations.

Journera: Develops an experience management platform for the travel industry.

Emerging Travel Group: Offers online travel services, including accommodation and other travel-related services.

These competitors emphasize personalized travel experiences, leveraging technology to connect travelers with experts or to streamline the booking process.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

kimkim collaborates with a global network of local travel specialists who are carefully vetted through an interview and training process. These partnerships enable the company to offer authentic and personalized travel experiences, ensuring that travelers receive expert advice and support throughout their journey.

Operational Insights

By integrating human expertise with technology, kimkim offers a unique value proposition in the travel industry. The company's focus on personalized, conversation-based trip planning sets it apart from competitors that rely solely on automated processes. This approach allows kimkim to cater to the specific needs and preferences of each traveler, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

kimkim is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for personalized travel experiences. Potential future directions include expanding its network of local specialists, enhancing technological capabilities to further streamline the planning process, and exploring new markets to broaden its customer base. By continuing to prioritize authentic and customized travel experiences, kimkim aims to strengthen its position in the travel industry.