Finnish tech-enabled hospitality operator Bob W announced its Series B funding of €40 million to revolutionize the European hospitality sector. This funding round – which was led by Evli Growth Partners and joined by growth capital investors and prominent European entrepreneurs, including Taavet+Sten, the investment firm of Wise’s founder Taavet Hinrikus and Sten Tamkivi, Flashpoint, and Supercell’s co-founder Mikko Kodisoja along with existing investors – marks a new era of growth for Bob W in its goal to give every guest a local, five-star hospitality experience at scale.
Launching a new category of true tech-enabled hospitality, Bob W offers a smarter and more sustainable alternative to hotels and short-term rentals. And the company operates design-led, sustainability-focused, full-service apart-hotels in 10 countries and 17 cities across Europe today. Every Bob W apartment features a bespoke local design and technology that give guests the consistency and quality of a lifestyle hotel, combined with an actual home’s local authenticity and amenities.
Bob W’s proprietary tech and apps offer a seamless digital front desk experience backed by robust digital customer service and other fail safes so guests always feel looked after. Super-early check-ins or late check-outs could be instantly and automatically guaranteed based on live availability. And the mainly chat-based perfect host ‘Bob W’ was designed to make guests feel like they’re receiving the best customer service with a human touch, despite minimal on-site staff. Plus, Bob W’s ‘marketplace’ connects guests to local breakfast spots, gyms, facilities, and a host of digital products to ensure a truly local experience.
Bob W partners with local brands, artists, and manufacturers, sourcing décor from close proximity to each property. And this practice aligns the guest experience with the local community and further cements Bob W’s role as a leader in sustainability. As a pioneer in the hospitality industry, Bob W is committed to transparency and honesty and actively advocates for these values while working towards climate net neutrality. The company also offsets emissions of each stay.
Launched in 2019, Bob W rapidly grew into a market leader in tech-enabled hospitality. Last year, the company expanded significantly and opened 20 new properties across 11 European cities. And the recent Series B funding round was led by Evli Growth Partners, with participation from Taavet+Sten, and notable European entrepreneurs, including Supercell’s Mikko Kodisoja, as well as existing investors.
KEY QUOTES:
“There is a surging demand for locally rooted, seamless travel experiences that technology enables. Yet, the short-term rental sector has had a shortage of standards and professional operators who can offer local authenticity, hotel-grade quality, and tech to elevate the experience. At Bob W, we are leading this category. Our growth and market-leading customer satisfaction prove that we are heading in the right direction. With support from our investors, we’re eager and well-prepared to enter into a new phase of our company’s growth and expand the Bob W travel experience across Europe.”
“Commitment to sustainability is at the core of our mission. We consider measuring and reducing our carbon footprint is a fundamental aspect of our business, and the principles penetrate our procurement practices, operations, and how we work with property owners. We acknowledge that we aren’t perfect, as no one is, but we believe in transparency with our guests and peers. By openly sharing our data, we help our guests make more informed decisions, particularly with our emissions per guest night (in kg CO2-eq) metric. We are pushing the industry to follow suit. Consumers deserve the facts laid bare.”
“Despite the challenging times in the capital markets, this investment is proof that top-performing companies continue to attract funding. We are thrilled to have these top-tier investors backing us, many of whom are successful entrepreneurs themselves and crucially, our happy customers. We are excited to scale up and solidify our expansion across Europe. This funding enables us to further develop our technology, recruit top talent, and reinforce Bob W as Europe’s most loved hospitality brand.”
- Niko Karstikko, Co-founder and CEO
“The hospitality industry needs bold disruptors like Bob W. The team is a pioneer in the new hybrid hospitality category, offering authentic, seamless travel experiences enabled by cutting-edge technology. Bob W’s growth demonstrates the team’s unique understanding of customer needs. We are excited to support the team in their next growth phase.”
- Mikael Hed, the force behind the Finnish game company Rovio’s growth story and a Growth Partner at Evli Growth Partners
