Acai Travel Secures $4M Seed Funding to Revolutionise Travel Operations with AI

Acai Travel, headquartered in Barcelona and New York, leverages AI to transform travel operations, enhancing efficiency and customer service.

Acai Travel, a software platform pioneering AI in travel operations, announced today a $4M Seed round led by Nauta, with contributions from DraperB1 and One Travel Ventures. This funding will support Acai Travel’s mission to build a comprehensive operating system for travel, providing an all-in-one solution to double agent efficiency, streamline call centres, and improve traveller experiences.

Acai Travel’s platform serves a growing client base across various travel segments, with notable customers including Kiwi.com, lastminute.com, World Travel Inc., and Goway.

Founded in 2023 by Riccardo Vittoria (Co-founder and CEO) and Henry Chen Weinstein (Co-founder and Executive Chairman), Acai Travel builds on the founders’ experience in travel technology.

Vittoria and Weinstein previously collaborated on 30SecondsToFly, a startup later acquired by American Express Global Business Travel (NYSE: GBTG), the world’s largest travel management company.

Vittoria went on to lead AI initiatives at AMEX GBT, while Weinstein has advised and managed funds for leading industry players, including Boeing, Lufthansa, EL AL, Gate Group, and Avolta.

Transforming Travel Operations with AI

Over 50% of travel services are handled by agents, yet the tools available to them have not kept pace with industry changes. The complexity of travel operations has intensified with the emergence of new systems and distribution methods, which accelerated post-COVID.

Mass attrition during the pandemic has also led to a shortage of trained agents, leaving airlines, online travel agencies, travel management companies, and hotels struggling with inefficiencies and rising demand.

Riccardo Vittoria, Co-founder and CEO, said

Acai is modernising travel operations by providing fast and intuitive tools so agents can focus on what they do best—delivering exceptional travel experiences. It’s exciting to have raised a Seed round from investors who understand the industry’s challenges and are committed to supporting us.

Intelligent Solutions for Today’s Challenges

Acai Travel’s core solutions offer operational flexibility in the face of hiring shortages and increasing costs. Key tools include:

• AI Helpers that provide instant access to policy details, such as fare rules and cancellation terms, through conversational AI.
• GDS Overlay, which translates complex “GDS speak” into plain English.
• AI Translation, which enables seamless communication between the agent’s native language and the traveller’s.
• Intelligent Routing, which connects travellers with the most appropriate agent based on their needs.

Together, these tools can reduce operational costs for large agencies by 50% without compromising service quality. For example, combining Intelligent Routing, AI Translation, and AI Helpers allows low-cost agents to serve accounts in any language.

Meanwhile, Intelligent Routing with GDS Overlay and AI Translation enables non-GDS trained agents to manage complex requests.

Henry Chen Weinstein, Co-founder and Executive Chairman, says

In under four months, we reduced average handling time by 20% for one of our TMC clients. As we roll out our full suite, including support for non-GDS trained agents on complex cases, we anticipate cost reductions of up to 70%. It’s time to bring travel operations into the 21st century, and AI is the key.

Driving Data-Driven Insights and Enhanced Traveller Experiences

Acai’s technology also empowers travel companies to gain deeper insights into traveller preferences, enabling continuous improvement in service offerings. Acai helps companies increase customer loyalty and improve the traveller experience by analysing feedback and identifying areas for enhancement. This data-driven approach equips travel businesses with a competitive edge, enabling them to anticipate trends, reduce costs, and optimise operations like never before.

Jordi Viñas, General Partner at Nauta, commented

COVID-19 restrictions led to a drastic drop in travel demand, and many agents left the sector. As demand rebounded, companies have struggled to restore efficiency and profitability.

Acai Travel’s platform, leveraging large language models (LLMs) and deep industry expertise, transforms travel operations by enabling shorter handling times, allowing untrained agents to work, and creating a flexible, cost-effective workforce. We’re impressed by the founding team’s experience and excited about the impact they will make in the long run.