TLDR:
- Helsinki-based hospitality operator Bob W has completed a €40m Series B funding round led by Evli Growth Partnership.
- The investment will be used to further develop Bob W’s technology and support its growth throughout Europe.
Helsinki-based hospitality operator Bob W has raised €40 million in a Series B funding round led by Finnish venture capital firm Evli Growth Partnership. The funding will be used to develop Bob W’s technology and to support the company’s growth across Europe. Bob W currently operates design-led, sustainably-focused aparthotels in 10 countries and 17 cities. The company aims to provide guests with a seamless digital experience through its proprietary technology and apps. The funding round is the largest investment to date for Bob W, which has previously raised €22.5 million in funding.
Niko Karstikko, co-founder and CEO of Bob W, said that the company’s aim is to offer “locally rooted, seamless travel experiences” that combine “local authenticity, hotel-grade quality, and tech to elevate the experience.” Bob W’s apartments incorporate their own bespoke local design and technology, offering guests the quality of a lifestyle hotel and the amenities of home. The company’s technology includes a chat-based customer service platform and a digital marketplace that connects guests to local amenities and experiences. Evli Growth Partnership’s Mikael Hed said that Bob W is a pioneer in the hospitality industry, offering “authentic, seamless travel experiences enabled by cutting-edge technology.”
In addition to its focus on technology, Bob W is committed to local design and sustainability. The company partners with local brands, artists, and manufacturers to create a guest experience that aligns with the local community. Bob W also offsets the emissions from each stay and is working toward climate net neutrality. Karstikko stated that the company is transparent about its carbon footprint and believes in sharing data to help guests make informed decisions.
