Runnr.ai, a leading AI platform for automated guest communication in the hospitality industry, has raised an additional funding round led by Arches Capital, bringing its total funding to $2 million (€1.91 million). This investment follows a €1 million round secured in January 2024 and marks a significant step in the company’s expansion across Europe.
The platform enables hotels and holiday parks to enhance guest interactions through AI-driven automation, offering services such as proactive messaging via WhatsApp and SMS, AI-powered conversations, digital key access, automatic upselling, and a 24/7 virtual concierge. By integrating with Booking.com’s inbox, Runnr.ai centralizes guest communications, reducing operational complexity and improving efficiency.
Michiel de Vor, co-founder and CEO of Runnr.ai, stated that AI software for the hospitality industry is projected to become a $70 billion market by 2031, emphasizing that hotels and holiday parks struggle to manage guest interactions while optimizing revenue. He explained that Runnr.ai eliminates inefficiencies by automating messaging, upsells, and service requests through deep integrations with hospitality software, ensuring a seamless guest experience with minimal operational effort.
Since its last funding round, Runnr.ai has expanded its reach to over 10 countries, increasing its weekly user base from 4,000 to 16,000 hotel guests. Major clients such as Center Parcs, AG Hotels, and Hotel Casa Amsterdam have adopted the platform to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. The company plans to leverage the latest investment to further develop AI automation, improve product capabilities, and expand into new markets, beginning with the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom before extending to the rest of Europe.
Frank Appeldoorn, Managing Partner at Arches Capital, remarked that Runnr.ai is setting a new benchmark in AI-powered hospitality automation. He highlighted the platform’s ability to drive guest engagement and revenue while optimizing operational workflows, calling it an essential solution for accommodations of all types. He expressed confidence in the company’s long-term potential and stated that Arches Capital is excited to support Runnr.ai’s next phase of growth.
Featured image: Founders of Runnr.ai, Steven Oliemans, Michiel de Vor and Maarten Fugers. Credit: Runnr.ai
