Utrecht-based Runnr.ai, a hospitality communication platform enhancing guest experiences through conversational AI and integrations, has secured €1M in a fresh round of funding.
The startup specialises in generative AI for hotels, automating guest communication to enhance engagement and operational efficiency, while maximising upselling opportunities. This funding will fuel the company’s international expansion.
The investment came from Arches Capital and Golden Egg Check, along with angel investors Roland Zeller, Marnix van der Ploeg, and Hans Pieters.
GenAI for better guest experiences and additional turnover
According to Runnr.ai, the hospitality industry faces a challenge as guest expectations rise while a 97 per cent staff shortage persists. Despite technology’s efficiency benefits in various sectors, only 11 per cent of hotels use it for guest communication.
Runnr.ai, founded by industry veterans Michiel de Vor, Maarten Fugers and Steven Oliemans, aims to revolutionise the industry and establish a new standard.
The startup introduces an AI tool enabling hotels to automate proactive communication with guests via WhatsApp. The technology, driven by generative, self-learning AI, surpasses traditional chatbots, offering guests prompt and tailored responses.
With over 50 per cent guest engagement, Runnr.ai’s approach enhances communication quality, earning over 90 per cent approval for improved stay experiences.
Runnr.ai’s technology not only boosts customer satisfaction but also brings “significant” time and cost savings to hotels. With up to 95 per cent of guest queries handled automatically, staff workload is also reduced.
The messaging approach facilitates upselling, potentially generating up to €65 additional profit per room each month. Integration with Hotel Property Management Systems ensures instant billing for added services, including breakfast, restaurant reservations, late check-out, and room upgrades.
“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.
Fund to expand internationally
Established in November 2022, Runnr.ai has onboarded over 100 hotels, handling 60,000+ unique guest queries monthly.
Frank Appeldoorn, Managing Partner at Arches Capital says, “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 hotels’ needs and wishes as the best, are data-driven and full of ambition.”
Runnr.ai will use the funds for product development and expanding its automated customer service across the Benelux, the UK, and Germany in 2024, with subsequent plans for a European-wide expansion in 2025 and a global presence thereafter.
The goal is to become the international market leader in automated customer service for hospitality.
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