Runnr.ai Secures €1 Million Funding for Revolutionary AI Guest Communication Tool in Hospitality Industry
EN Press release:
Runnr.ai raises €1 million for the first fully generative AI tool for guest communication
in the hospitality industry. On the 16h of January 2024, Runnr.ai announced the successful raise of €1 million in funding.
The technology startup developed software that allows hotels to automate
communication with guests, which results in more engagement, operational time
savings, and additional turnover through upselling.
Runnr.ai is the first company in the hospitality industry to completely exchange common ‘legacy’ chatbot technology for generative AI, therefore ensuring the highest possible quality in conversations. Backed by the funding provided by Arches Venture Capital, with participation from Golden Egg Check, angel investors Roland Zeller (ex-GetYourGuide), Marnix van der Ploeg (ex-Booking.com), and hotel entrepreneur Hans Pieters, the company will kick off its international expansion.
Generative AI for increased guest experiences and additional turnover
Runnr.ai developed an AI tool that allows hotels to proactively communicate with guests
automatically via WhatsApp. Its technology completely replaces preset flows and older chatbot technology with generative, self-learning artificial intelligence.
Because of this, guests enjoy the highest possible quality in conversations, getting the most fitting answer to their questions or requests within seconds. This leads to increased guest satisfaction, from the moment of booking their room until the moment they check out. Automatic translations of messages for both customers and the reception into their native language provide additional convenience.
By now, Runnr.ai has proven the effects: more than 50% of guests actively use Runnr.ai’s messaging, and 90%+ say that the communication has improved the quality of their stay. Besides leading to happier customers, Runnr.ai’s technology results in substantial time and cost savings for the hotel. Up to 95% of the questions and requests of guests, that would normally have to be handled by employees, are now answered automatically.
The innovative way of messaging can also generate up to €65 extra profit per month, per room, through upselling. These extra items, such as breakfast and late check-out are added instantly to the bill because of a direct integration with the current Hotel Property Management Systems (PMS), streamlining all activities.
“Our technology creates a unique combination of service, efficiency, and commerce. Something that’s needed more than ever in the hospitality industry due to the staff shortages and the rise of generative AI,” says Michiel de Vor, CEO of Runnr.ai.
€1 million for international expansion
Since its founding in November 2022, Runnr.ai has been working with more than 100 hotels using its customer communication technology, answering more than 60,000 unique questions from guests every month.
Aiming for further growth, the company raised €1 million in a funding round, led by Arches Venture Capital, with the participation of Golden Egg Check, various Angel Investors such as hospitality tech investor and entrepreneur Roland Zeller (ex-GetYourGuide), Marnix van der Ploeg (ex-Booking.com) and Hans Pieters (Utrecht City Concepts). Frank Appeldoorn, Managing Partner, Arches Capital:
“The best evidence for us is customer feedback. It was clear that they deliver value on every front with a compelling ROI for hotels, reducing staff workload and most importantly improving the guest experience. Michiel, Maarten and Steven understand the hotel needs and wishes as the best, are data-driven and full of ambition. We look forward to supporting them in their growth.”
The funding will be used for product development and expanding its activities in the Netherlands to the entire Benelux, the UK, and Germany in 2024. From 2025, this expansion will continue to include all of Europe, followed by the remaining continents. Runnr.ai’s goal is to become the international market leader in automated customer service in hospitality.