Roomer Company Profile
Background
Overview
Roomer is a private travel marketplace company headquartered in New York, NY, specializing in connecting travelers who are unable to use their non-refundable hotel reservations with those seeking discounted accommodations.
Mission and Vision
Roomer's mission is to make travel easy, flexible, and enjoyable by providing a platform that allows travelers to buy and sell non-refundable hotel reservations, thereby reducing financial losses and offering affordable options to last-minute travelers.
Industry Significance
By addressing the common issue of non-refundable hotel bookings, Roomer has carved a niche in the travel industry, offering a unique solution that benefits both sellers and buyers, and collaborating with hotels and travel companies to expand customer bases and resolve customer service challenges related to cancellations.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
Roomer focuses on:
- Providing a secure and user-friendly platform for the resale of non-refundable hotel reservations.
- Ensuring the authenticity of listings through an automated validation system.
- Collaborating with hotels and travel companies to enhance customer service and expand market reach.
Areas of Specialization
- Facilitating the resale of non-refundable hotel reservations.
- Offering discounted accommodations to last-minute travelers.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Automated validation systems to authenticate each reservation.
- Mobile applications for iOS and Android to enhance user accessibility.
Primary Markets Targeted
- Travelers with non-refundable hotel reservations they cannot use.
- Last-minute travelers seeking discounted accommodations.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
- Seed Round (March 2013): Raised $2 million from BRM Group.
- Series A (November 2014): Raised $5 million from investors including Disruptive Technologies Venture Capital and Michael Auerbach.
- Series B (November 2018): Raised $10.2 million.
Total Funds Raised
Approximately $17.2 million.
Notable Investors
- BRM Group
- Disruptive Technologies Venture Capital
- Michael Auerbach
Intended Utilization of Capital
- Enhancing platform capabilities.
- Expanding market reach.
- Developing mobile applications.
Pipeline Development
Key Developments
- Mobile Applications (2014): Launched iOS and Android apps to improve user experience.
- Video-Based Travel Platform (2024): Introduced a new platform to enhance user engagement.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
- Automated validation system to authenticate hotel reservations.
Significant Scientific Methods
- Utilization of machine learning algorithms to optimize pricing and match buyers with sellers.
Leadership Team
Key Executives
- Gon Ben-David: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
- Ben Froumine: Co-Founder.
Professional Backgrounds
- Gon Ben-David: Co-founded Roomer in 2011, bringing experience in technology and business development.
- Ben Froumine: Co-founded Roomer, contributing expertise in product development and operations.
Key Contributions
- Led the development and launch of Roomer's platform.
- Secured multiple funding rounds to support company growth.
Leadership Changes
No recent significant changes or appointments within the company's leadership have been reported.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
- Market Size: The global online travel market is substantial, with significant growth potential driven by increasing internet penetration and mobile usage.
- Growth Potential: The market is expected to continue expanding as more consumers prefer online booking platforms.
- Industry Trends: Trends include the rise of mobile bookings, personalized travel experiences, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance user experience.
Competitor Analysis
- SkyTouch Technology: Offers a cloud-based hotel operations platform with features like reservations, direct billing, and housekeeping management.
- StayNTouch Cloud PMS: Provides a mobile hotel property management system with guest-facing solutions to improve operations.
- Oracle Hospitality OPERA Property Management System: A cloud-based platform offering comprehensive hotel management functionalities.
- 360HMS: Delivers a cloud-based hotel management software supporting multi-language and multi-currency operations.
- Cvent Supplier & Venue Solutions: Offers a platform for managing hotel room blocks and venue sourcing.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
- Partnership with ABC Global Services (October 2014): Aimed to expand Roomer's reach and enhance service offerings.
Operational Insights
Strategic Considerations
- Market Position: Roomer occupies a unique niche by facilitating the resale of non-refundable hotel reservations.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a secure platform with an automated validation system, providing value to both sellers and buyers.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Strategic Roadmap
- Continue enhancing platform features to improve user experience.
- Expand partnerships with hotels and travel companies to increase inventory.
- Leverage data analytics to optimize pricing and matching algorithms.
Opportunities for Expansion
- Entering new geographic markets.
- Developing additional services related to travel accommodations.
Positioning for Future Objectives
- Building on current strengths in technology and partnerships to achieve growth and market leadership.
Contact Information
- Website: Roomer Travel
- Twitter: @roomertravel