Latest news with #hospitalitytech
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
One Startup. One Shot. $50K on the Line: Techne Infinite Ventures and GAIN Launch the Nextwave Seed Investment Challenge at HITEC ‘25
Indianapolis, USA - Techne Infinite Ventures and Growth Advisors International Network – GAIN, are proud to announce the Nextwave Seed Investment Challenge @ HITEC '25, a bold new initiative giving one hospitality tech startup, attending or exhibiting at HITEC '25 in Indy, the chance to secure a $50,000 investment and game-changing strategic commercial support. One Startup. One Shot. $50K on the Line. This is more than a pitch - it's a high-stakes opportunity for founders to fast-track their growth, skip the noise, and connect directly with Silicon Valley investors and commercial advisors at the hospitality tech industry's premier event. And this year, we want YOUR help nominating the most deserving startup. Nominate a game-changing hospitality tech startup, who is confirmed to be attending or exhibiting at HITEC '25, for a shot at $50K from Techne Infiniti Ventures and GAIN. Nomination applications are open from June 2 – 10, 2025. Out of the overall nominations received, eight short listed startups will have the unique opportunity to meet 1-on-1 with Techne and GAIN, during the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) HITEC conference. One final standout will be selected and announced on Thursday June 19th during the final day of HITEC '25, to advance to Techne's due diligence process for a potential $50,000 investment through Techne's Scaler Program, along with 20 hours of high-impact professional commercial advisory support from GAIN. Hospitality innovation needs activation platforms like the Nextwave Seed Investment Challenge @ HITEC'25, that are bold, founder-first, and focused on real outcomes. At GAIN, we're proud to stand beside Techne in launching this initiative at HITEC '25, that delivers true impact and streamlines direct engagement with some the top founders in our industry. Michael Cohen, Managing Partner of Growth Advisors International Network - GAIN To qualify, startups must be registered as HITEC attendees or exhibitors. This ensures only active, engaged start-up companies attending the conference get a shot at the prize, and that every conversation at HITEC is real, relevant, and growth-focused. Techne is a hospitality focused fund investing in transformative technologies. Our Scaler Program is designed to help high potential startups get from traction to scale with a custom engagement for each company focused on go-to-market and ecosystem led growth. Our world class advisors come from Silicon Valley tech, top hospitality and travel industry leadership, and the venture investment community. With this proven model, we expect our portfolio companies to create outsized value and drive disruption to the industry. At HITEC '25, we are proud to be partnering with GAIN and we're raising the stakes. Anjali Arora, Founding Partner at Techne Infiniti Ventures Ready to Nominate? Email [email protected] with the startup company name, website, LinkedIn page and contact info of the founders, to nominate a deserving startup who is also confirmed to be attending or exhibiting at HITEC '25. Let's shape the future of hospitality tech — one startup at a time. Founders, self-nominations are welcome! About Techne Infiniti Ventures Techne is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm investing in next-generation AI-driven hospitality & travel technologies. With deep industry, technology and investment expertise, and an extensive global network of experts in hospitality and travel, Techne operates a venture studio, a scaler program, and makes direct investments. About Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN) GAIN, the leading global travel & hospitality advisory firm for growth & innovation, is a specialized network of travel and hospitality industry veterans, innovators, and strategists. Through strategic industry access, networking and VIP events activations, and highly focused product, go to market and AI-enhanced advisory services, GAIN enables startups, scaleups and enterprise entities, to accelerate innovation and efficiently scale, in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Zoe Koumbouzi GAIN - Growth Advisors International Network
Hospitality Net
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Claudia Infante: A Chief Data Officer's take on hotel tech, integration, and data strategy
How do you balance guest experience with data security in an industry built on personal connections? In this episode of The Turndown, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares her perspective on the evolving role of technology in hospitality—what's working, what's missing, and what needs to change. From guest data management to AI and facial recognition, Claudia breaks down how hotels can leverage technology without losing the heart of hospitality. She also shares her thoughts on the next generation of industry leaders and why seamless tech integrations are still one of the biggest pain points in hospitality. Plus, we hear about her career journey from banquet server to hospitality tech leader and what earning a Lifetime Achievement Award means to her. About Cloudbeds Cloudbeds is the leading platform redefining the concept of PMS for the hospitality industry, serving tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries worldwide. Built from the ground up to be masterfully unified and scalable, the award-winning Cloudbeds Platform brings together built-in and integrated solutions that modernize hotel operations & finance, distribution & marketing, guest experience, and revenue & analytics. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System and Channel Manager (2021-2025) by Hotel Tech Report, World's Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider (2022) by World Travel Awards, and recognized in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 in 2024. Paula Carreirao PR & Partner Marketing Specialist
Travel Daily News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
HBX Group integrates Civitfun into its portfolio
HBX Group acquires Civitfun to enhance hotel operations with digital check-in, guest communication, and upselling tools across global distribution channels. LONDON – HBX Group ( a leading independent B2B travel technology marketplace, announces the acquisition of Civitfun, a hospitality tech innovator based in Spain with deep expertise in digitalising hotel operations. With this strategic investment, HBX Group takes a further step in its ongoing strategy to simplify the travel ecosystem and empower hotel partners with next-generation technology. By combining HBX Group's global reach and marketplace capabilities with Civitfun's tech infrastructure and integrations, spanning 60 PMS platforms and more than 3500 clients across 36 countries, the partnership sets the stage for a new era of connected data-driven hospitality. Together, HBX Group and Civitfun will develop a platform of intelligent hotel solutions to enhance guest experience, optimise operations and unlock new revenue streams for hotels. The roadmap includes expanding capabilities in areas such as contactless check-in and check-out, enhanced hotel & guest communications, and flexible upselling & cross-selling options. As an immediate a result of this partnership, HBX Group hotel partners will now have access to Civitfun's best-in-class online check-in capabilities, available both remotely via URL and onsite at front desk, allowing guests to complete check-in seamlessly, without waiting in line. This unique platform supports hotel direct channels, major OTAs, and the leading B2B player, making it the only online check-in tool globally designed to serve all main hotel distribution channels. Nicolas Huss, CEO at HBX Group, said: 'We chose to invest in Civitfun because their technology truly makes a difference to hotels and their guests. Our goal at HBX Group has always been to simplify complex processes and help our hotel partners grow. This collaboration will do exactly that – reducing operational headaches, improving efficiency and allowing hotel staff more time to do what they do best: looking after their guests.' Mariano de Oleza, Managing Director of Civitfun, added: 'Joining the HBX Group family is an exciting milestone for us. Together, we will create new opportunities for hotels worldwide, from smooth online check-in to up-sell & cross-sell possibilities'.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
OKKAMI's Cornelius Phanthanh to Speak at the 4th Hospitality Thailand Conference
As part of the Guest Experience Track at the Hotel Revenue Summit, Cornelius will present his forward-thinking vision for a seamless, tech-enabled guest journey 'From mobile keys to fully contactless guest journeys, we're helping properties deliver smarter, more personalized experiences, something we believe is no longer optional, but essential.' — Antony Goddard SUKHUMVIT, BANGKOK, THAILAND, May 6, 2025 / / -- OKKAMI is pleased to announce that Cornelius Phanthanh, one of its senior leaders in technology innovation, will be a featured speaker at the 4th Hospitality Thailand Conference (#HTC2025). He will take the stage on May 14, 2025, at the Grand Eastin Hotel Sathorn Bangkok as part of the Guest Experience Track at the Hotel Revenue Summit. Cornelius will present a forward-looking session on how a fully integrated webapp experience can reshape the hospitality landscape—enabling guests to unlock hotel doors, pay via QR codes, connect with third-party vendors, and enjoy an end-to-end digital journey without ever having to visit the front desk. His vision aligns with the increasing demand for seamless, mobile-first guest experiences that are both intuitive and efficient. 📅 Date: May 14, 2025 📍 Venue: Grand Eastin Hotel Sathorn, Bangkok Antony Goddard , COO of OKKAMI, shared his excitement ahead of the event: 'We are honored to participate in HTC2025 and proud to have Cornelius representing OKKAMI on such a forward-looking stage. Our mission has always been to enhance the way guests interact with hotels, and this conference is the perfect opportunity to showcase the innovation we're bringing to the industry. From mobile keys to fully contactless guest journeys, we're helping properties deliver smarter, more personalized experiences, something we believe is no longer optional, but essential.' Join industry leaders and hospitality professionals as Cornelius unveils how OKKAMI is redefining guest engagement through cutting-edge technology. For updates, follow #HTC2025 and stay connected with OKKAMI. About OKKAMI Founded to bridge the gap between traditional hospitality and modern digital expectations, OKKAMI is a leading provider of guest engagement and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for hotels, resorts, and luxury residences. The company empowers properties with a single, integrated platform that enhances every step of the guest journey, from pre-arrival to post-stay. OKKAMI's core offering is its white-labeled guest app and webapp, which allows properties to provide services like mobile check-in, digital key access, in-room controls, service requests, spa bookings, restaurant reservations, and integrated payments, all through a unified interface. The platform seamlessly integrates with major Property Management Systems (PMS), Point of Sale (POS) systems, door lock providers, payment gateways, CRM tools, and even wellness and F&B vendors. By reducing friction across touchpoints and giving guests control over their stay via their own devices, OKKAMI helps hospitality brands boost operational efficiency, increase ancillary revenue, and elevate customer satisfaction. Its clientele includes global hotel chains, boutique resorts, branded residences, and serviced apartments across more than 25 countries. In addition to its core product, OKKAMI offers a range of modules including loyalty program integration, guest messaging via WhatsApp/LINE/WeChat, multilingual AI-powered chatbots, and marketing automation tools. With a strong focus on data security and scalability, the platform is built to serve the diverse and evolving needs of the modern hospitality industry. Sally Keen Tech News Asia email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
