16 hours ago
Hotel101 Becomes First-Ever Filipino Company to Join Nasdaq
The hospitality tech brand, under the umbrella of DoubleDragon Corporation, was listed on June 27, 2025, with shares set to begin trading under the ticker symbol HBNB starting July 1. The milestone follows its successful business combination with JVSPAC Acquisition Corp. (JVSA), approved just days earlier.
To celebrate, co-founders Edgar 'Injap' Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong (yes, the Jollibee legend himself) led the Opening Bell ceremony at Nasdaq's New York headquarters, marking a proud moment not just for their brand — but for Filipino entrepreneurship on the global stage.
"This is a historic moment for DoubleDragon... and we're just getting started," said Sia. "We aim to redefine the industry and become a leading global hospitality brand."
What Is Hotel101 and Why Is It Different?
Described as a 'one-room hotel concept for the world,' Hotel101 is built on a prop-tech, asset-light model that's designed for scale. Think Airbnb's flexibility meets Marriott's consistency — with a tech twist. Each Hotel101 property is composed of pre-sold, standardized units that generate revenue upfront and continue to earn through daily bookings post-construction.
CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini called it a 'revolutionary idea' and reaffirmed Hotel101's goal of hitting 1 million rooms across 100 countries — an ambitious move that now feels more tangible than ever.
A Pipeline Packed With Global Potential
Hotel101 already has two operating properties in the Philippines, with many more in the pipeline — and the expansion is anything but local:
Spain: Hotel101-Madrid (680 rooms) opens December 2025, next to the new Formula 1 track in Valdebebas.
Saudi Arabia: Plans for 10 hotels under a joint venture with Horizon Group, aligning with Vision 2030.
Japan: Hotel101-Niseko (482 rooms) is already under construction in Hokkaido.
United States: Land secured in Los Angeles, marking its U.S. entry.
Worldwide: Active negotiations are underway in five additional markets.
Why This Listing Matters
Hotel101's Nasdaq debut puts it on the global map — not just as a hospitality company, but as a tech-driven real estate innovator. The model, dubbed 'condotel,' blends hotel stays with unit ownership, attracting both travelers and investors.
More importantly, it signals a growing trend: Filipino-founded brands going global, not just through food chains or call centers — but through bold, tech-powered platforms.
From Manila to Madrid and now Nasdaq, Hotel101's journey is just beginning — and if its ambitions are any indication, the next Filipino unicorn might already be here.
