Amsterdam-based NeoKe, a traveltech startup, announced on Wednesday that it has secured €1.3M in a pre-seed round of funding.
The startup says it will utilise the funds to enhance its technology and go-to-market plans as it pioneers developments for digital identity in the travel sector.
Investors supporting NeoKe
The investment came from Dreamcraft Ventures, ff Venture Capital, GHARAGE: Vision Hub of Gebr.Heinemann, and Plug & Play.
Kenneth Dambo of Dreamcraft Ventures says, “We’re thrilled to support NeoKe in its mission to create a safer and more convenient travel experience.”
“Data breaches are happening at an increasing pace and there are clear regulatory tailwinds pushing companies to become better stewards of data and consumers want to regain control over their information.”
“The travel use case is the perfect testing ground for a solution given the high friction, sensitive information and regulatory requirements involved. The potential of NeoKe’s technology is huge, and we’re excited to see the impact it will have on the travel industry,” adds Dambo.
Making travel more seamless and secure
Founded in 2022 by Vikas Bhola and Sebastian Honores Espejo, both entrepreneurs and former executives at Booking.com, NeoKe aims to disrupt the travel industry by developing a platform that makes travel easier and more connected for both travellers and providers.
Travellers have complete visibility and control over their data thanks to NeoKe’s platform, which leverages blockchain and cloud-based technology to securely store and distribute users’ verified identities.
By streamlining processes like check-in, guest authentication, access control, and data management for travel services, the platform makes it possible to create a tailored single-passenger profile.
The startup’s two main products include Neoke Connect, an identity management and automation platform for travel companies, and Neoke Wallet, a digital wallet that enables travellers to securely store and exchange their personal data at their discretion.
Bhola says, “We finally have the technology to tackle this issue of making travel more seamless and connected. In our modern age, nothing is more precious than one’s own data and identity.”
“Sebastian and I are incredibly excited to be partnering with Dreamcraft, ff Venture Capital, GHARAGE and Plug & Play to fulfil our vision of creating ‘the connected trip’ enabling secure, seamless and personalised information exchange spanning all stages, from planning and booking to the actual travel experience,” adds Bhola.
Microsoft is NeoKe’s technological partner and they won the Microsoft Hackathon last year on a worldwide scale.
“Our version of NeoKe for corporate travel allows employees to book and check in to hotels using incorruptible proofs of identity and reservation, powered by Microsoft’s technology,” says the company.
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