Berlin-based travel startup Tourlane has secured $26 million (€25 million) in a Series D funding round led by Sequoia Capital. The round also included new investor Target Global, Jared Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics, and existing partner HV Capital.
Why it matters: The investment signals growing confidence in AI-powered travel planning, as the global travel industry heads toward $11 trillion in revenue this year.
Details: Tourlane combines AI technology with human travel experts to create custom multi-stop journeys. The platform helps you plan complete trips, bundling flights, accommodations, and activities.
- Funding Purpose: CEO Julian Weselek says the new funding will help Tourlane move toward profitability, advance its AI capabilities, and expand internationally.
- AI Investment: Tourlane is focusing heavily on generative AI to enhance the front end of its service, making trip planning smoother and more intuitive while keeping human expertise in the loop for added value.
The bigger picture: As travel rebounds globally, the industry is moving beyond "revenge travel" to embrace experiences with a personal touch. Tourlane wants to be a leader in this evolution, leveraging AI to craft bespoke, multi-stop adventures across the globe.
The bottom line: While Tourlane's 100,000-customer reach remains modest compared to the 790 million global travelers in early 2024, the investment from Sequoia – known for backing Airbnb and Kayak – suggests confidence in the company's AI-human hybrid approach.