AUSTIN, Texas, November 15, 2023 – Virdee, a leader in guest experience technology and check-in automation, today announced that it has raised USD $12.4 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round led by Moneta Ventures with participation from Silverton Partners, Koch Real Estate Investments, Alumni Ventures, DJR Advisors, Capital Factory and other strategic partners. Virdee will use this funding to further the company’s technological innovation with expanded product features and functionality, while growing its workforce, and deepening its presence in the hospitality sector. 

The investment follows previous Series Seed financing led by Austin-based Silverton Partners in February 2022 as well as a 2020 angel investment led by Rajiv Trivedi, former President of La Quinta Inns & Suites. Virdee’s total funding has now surpassed $21 million. 

“We were drawn to Virdee’s value proposition – tech that improves the guest experience while enabling staff to do more,” said Brent Kelton, Partner at Moneta Ventures, and new Virdee board member. “These weren’t just words. Virdee has a robust customer roster, has grown quickly and with its domain expertise in the hotel sector, is positioned to become a category-defining leader in the hospitality tech space. We are excited to partner with Virdee as it embarks on this new chapter of its growth.”    

Founded in 2020 by Nadav Cornberg and Branigan Mulcahy, Virdee has seen massive expansion over the past two years, registering nearly 600% revenue growth in 2022 with similar expectations for 2023. Virdee’s platform connects guests and hotels via digital applications and AI, seamlessly automating all front desk transactions. Everyone from large hotel brands to boutique properties can plug Virdee’s solution into their existing digital experience – elevating the guest experience, eliminating lines, and turning front desk staff into guest relationship managers. Virdee’s installation base includes four of the largest casino hotels in Las Vegas and several other major hotel brands. 

“We are pleased to announce the completion of our oversubscribed Series A funding from Moneta Ventures and others to support Virdee’s ongoing vision to transform the digital guest experience at hotels,” said Branigan Mulcahy, Co-Founder of Virdee. “Moneta Ventures’ expertise and experience in helping scale businesses like Virdee is an irreplaceable asset to the company as we continue to penetrate the hospitality sector. As we already support some of the leading hospitality brands in the world, we are pleased to receive this Series A funding and excited to write the next chapter in our success story.” 

“For hospitality brands, Virdee’s pursuit of streamlining and simplifying the hotel check in process and the digital guest experience has resulted in an offering that is truly a value-add with incredible speed-to-market via our SDK,” said Nadav Cornberg, Co-Founder of Virdee. “As we innovate and add new features, we see our client base expand in kind. In founding a company such as Virdee, our key goal has always been to deliver unparalleled value to the hospitality marketplace.”

Virdee is dedicated to enabling technological transformation across the hospitality industry while helping clients successfully deploy a virtual reception. The company’s contactless hotel check-in experience works anywhere and with any system while supporting 100% of guest check-ins. For more about Virdee and its solutions, visit www.virdee.io. 

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About Virdee 
Based in Austin, Texas, Virdee is an innovative software company serving the hospitality industry. Virdee Virtual Reception reduces costs and increases revenue while improving the guest experience. Web, app, kiosk, and SDK options cover 100% of guests, enabling a truly contactless experience that puts the guest in control. Virdee was founded in 2020 by Branigan Mulcahy and Nadav Cornberg. Visit www.virdee.io to learn more. 

About Moneta Ventures 
Moneta Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Austin, TX, and Folsom, CA. The firm invests in high-growth B2B technology companies along the US West Coast and in Texas. Founded by serial entrepreneurs with a track record of building and exiting large technology companies, Moneta works closely with founders to help companies scale operationally alongside capital investment. Moneta Ventures has invested in more than 45 companies in underserved and emerging venture markets since 2014, including Aumni, VideoVerse, Grin, Mindtickle, Sibros, and App Orchid. 

About Silverton Partners 
Silverton Partners is focused on funding and mentoring early-stage businesses led by founders who share in its commitment to disrupt growth markets and build enduring companies. Founded in 2006, the firm brings the benefits of its vast network and decades of rich experience to each partnership. Austin-based Silverton is the most active venture capital investor in Texas and has been the initial investor behind visionary companies including WP Engine, Storable, SailPoint, Silicon Labs, TurnKey Vacation Rentals, The Zebra, AlertMedia, Aceable, Self Financial, Wheel, and Billie.  

Contact info:  
Joanne Hogue
Smart Connections PR for Virdee
joanne@smartconnectionspr.com
+1 (410) 658-8246

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SALT LAKE CITY (July 25, 2023) — LivAway Suites, the developer-centric, economy-extended stay hotel brand, has announced a partnership with innovative software-as-a-service company, Virdee, to strengthen their technology-forward brand standards for guests.

The collaboration with Virdee will implement a variety of user-friendly technologies in order to enhance and streamline the overall guest experience. These technologies include self-serve check-in, around-the-clock virtual reception, and pre-check-in options, as well as other web, mobile, and kiosk services. Through the digital guest engagement platform, customers will enjoy 24/7 touchless check-ins and digital room keys all from the palm of their hand.

For developers, this partnership will provide a competitive advantage, operational efficiencies, and the ability to drive more revenue through cross-sale opportunities within the check-in process and add-ons available through the app.

“Contactless technology is a boon for our industry, and our partnership with Virdee provides a seamless digital guest service solution through mobile, kiosk and online – at the same time offering additional revenue streams and reducing operational costs at each LivAway Suites hotel,” remarked Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer of LivAway Suites. “Our partnership with Virdee doubles down on our commitment of being the most tech-forward brand in our segment ‘because our guest deserves better.’”

“LivAway Suites’ technology-centered, developer-focused approach makes them an ideal hospitality partner for Virdee”, said Branigan Mulcahy, Co-Founder of Virdee. “Leveraging the operational efficiencies that Virdee offers, gives LivAway Suites an innovative leg up on their competition in the extended stay segment.”

LivAway Suites, created “for developers, by developers,” currently has over 25 locations in various phases of development across the United States. Over the past few months, LivAway Suites has broken ground on locations in metro areas of Tennessee, Washington, and Utah, with many more markets to follow in the coming months.

To learn more about LivAway Suites, visit www.livawaysuites.com

ABOUT LIVAWAY SUITES

LivAway Suites, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a new economy extended stay hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests “everything they need and nothing they don’t” with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation of “for developers, by developers,” LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved return on investment. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com.

ABOUT VIRDEE

Based in Austin, Texas, Virdee is an innovative software company serving the hotel industry. Its API-first approach provides the most comprehensive solution of check-in/out, identity verification, payment collection, and remote support. Virdee helps clients elevate the customer experience, reduce costs and generate ancillary revenue. Virdee was founded in 2020 by experienced real estate operators and visionary technologists – Branigan Mulcahy and Nadav Cornberg. Visit www.virdee.io to learn more.

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Personalized experiences

Technology has allowed hotels to personalize their guests’ experiences, starting from the booking process. For example, customer data is being used to tailor guests’ preferences, such as room selection and personalized amenities. Additionally, technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enabling hoteliers to analyze guests’ behavior in real-time and recommend personalized experiences based on their preferences and spending habits.

Enhanced communication

Clear communication between guests and hotel staff is essential for a positive guest experience. Technology, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, have reduced in-room service times while providing 24/7 customer service options and assisting guests with any inquiries. With the increasing popularity of mobile devices, hotels can also reach guests through SMS, social media, and in-app messaging, creating effortless communication channels and memorable experiences.

Increased efficiency

A significant advantage of technology in the hotel industry is the increase in efficiency. For example, automated services such as check-in/out kiosks and self-serve vending machines reduce wait times, allowing guests to check in and out quickly and efficiently. Moreover, integrating Property Management Systems (PMS) to automate routine tasks such as inventory management, staffing schedules, and housekeeping activities enable hotels to operate efficiently and provide an exceptional and consistent guest experience that leads to guest success.

Establishing expert status

Technology has generated fierce competition within the hotel industry. However, hotels that understand emerging technologies and how they can enhance guests’ experiences are setting themselves apart from the competition. Establishing the hotel as an expert authority on various technologies not only enhances the guest experience but also builds brand awareness and contributes to increased customer loyalty and guest success.

Creating a safe environment

Recent events have highlighted the importance of safety and health metrics. Fortunately, technology has empowered hotels to implement policies aimed at ensuring guest safety. High-tech security measures such as contactless check-ins, sanitization stations, and temperature screening tools make guests feel safe and secure when staying in your hotel. Additionally, technologies such as biometric security, IoT-controlled smart locks, and safety surveillance systems contribute to ensuring optimal guest comfort and safety.

Embracing technology in the hotel industry has become a necessity. By keeping up with emerging technologies, hotels can personalize guests’ experiences, increase communication channels, reduce wait times, establish expert status, create a safe environment, and ultimately enhance guest success. With emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and Machine Learning seeking to revolutionize the hotel experience, hoteliers that embrace them will gain a competitive advantage, gain customer loyalty, and realize a return on investment that positively impacts the bottom line. The key takeaway is that every hotel can achieve guest success by understanding how technology can effectively impact guests’ experiences.

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AUSTIN, Texas, April 20, 2023  — Virdee, a leader in guest experience technology and check-in automation, announced today that it achieved top honors at the 2023 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, by winning the AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition, Co-Powered by HFTP. Virdee was recognized for its Virdee Virtual Reception platform, which elevates the guest experience and delivers operational efficiency at hotels with its industry-leading identity validation, payment, digital key and guest communication features.

The AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, known as AAHOACON, touts over 6,000 attendees and is the nation’s largest event aimed exclusively at hotel owners. Held this year in Los Angeles, the show’s Tech Pitch Competition identifies the latest and greatest technologies that are solving everyday issues for hotel owners, their team members, and guests. Virdee won the competition from a field of eight finalists.

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious honor from AAHOA. To be recognized for a product that we’ve all worked so hard to bring to the market, is very exciting for Virdee,” said Branigan Mulcahy, Co-Founder of Virdee. “I cannot tell you how unbelievable it was to win. This is further proof for us that Virdee is absolutely on the right track with our solutions and corporate roadmap. We look forward to continuing to offer technology that really supports hotels in providing a positive guest experience.”

Branigan’s award-winning presentation may be seen at this link.

Virdee was formed in 2020 to bring a contactless experience that would work anywhere and with any system while supporting 100% of guest check-ins to owners and operators of hotels. For more about Virdee and its solutions, visit www.virdee.io.

About Virdee
Based in Austin, Texas, Virdee is an innovative software company serving the hotel industry. Its API-first approach provides the most comprehensive solution of check-in/out, identity verification, payment collection, and remote support. Virdee helps clients elevate the customer experience, reduce costs and generate ancillary revenue. Virdee was founded in 2020 by experienced real estate operators and visionary technologists – Branigan Mulcahy and Nadav Cornberg. Visit www.virdee.io to learn more.

About AAHOA
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA Member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. Visit https://www.aahoa.com/home  to learn more.

Contact info:

Joanne Hogue
Smart Connections PR for Virdee
(410) 658-8246
joanne@smartconnectionspr.com

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Fewer listings and ads can significantly impact visibility, particularly for hotels and OTAs that rely on search and ads to attract visitors to their websites. With the rise of AI-powered conversational bots, SEO and SERPs may become less relevant as bots provide users with direct answers to their queries. Although ads are still possible, the ad space available may be reduced compared to the search page results. This could lead to fewer visibility possibilities for hotels and OTAs, resulting in less website traffic and lower revenue. Additionally, as the demand for advertising stays the same, fewer ads may increase the cost of advertising, making it more expensive for hotels and OTAs to attract visitors to their websites. Ultimately, the shift towards conversational bots poses a challenge for businesses to adapt and find new ways to attract users and increase their visibility to remain competitive in the industry.

To increase visibility in the age of conversational bots, hotels, and OTAs should focus on the following strategies:

• Optimize their online presence: Provide excellent websites with relevant content and offers aligned with customers’ expectations. This content should be high quality and very specific, making it easier for conversational bots to reference the information in response to users’ inquiries.

• Invest in influencer marketing: Collaborating with influencers increases brand awareness and trust, increasing website traffic and bookings.

• Embrace social media marketing: Use social media platforms to promote your brand, engage with customers, and encourage them to leave reviews.

• Leverage customer reviews: User-generated content, such as customer reviews, is crucial to building trust, improving brand recognition, and attracting more visitors to your website.

• Improve user experience (UX): Enhancing UX through streamlined, easy-to-use booking processes and mobile optimization can help improve search engine ranking and customer engagement.

• Increase Direct Bookings: Hotels can drive more visibility by increasing direct bookings or bookings through their website rather than relying on third-party platforms.

• Take advantage of paid search ads: While the ad space available may be reduced compared to the search page results, paid search ads can still attract visitors to your website and increase visibility.

In conclusion, the rise of AI-powered conversational bots will disrupt the hospitality industry by changing how guests search for information and make reservations. While this poses challenges for hotels and OTAs that rely on search and ads to attract visitors, the shift towards conversational bots also presents an opportunity for businesses to adapt and find new ways to increase their visibility, attract users, and improve their customer experience. By optimizing their online presence, investing in influencer and social media marketing, leveraging customer reviews, enhancing UX, increasing direct bookings, and taking advantage of paid search ads, hotels and OTAs can stay competitive in the industry and provide their customers with the best possible experience. Ultimately, as the industry evolves, businesses must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies to stay ahead of the game and succeed in the long run.

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As a hotelier, keeping a pulse on the latest industry trends is crucial. In a highly competitive and fast-moving sector, staying ahead of the curve is key, particularly when meeting guests’ new and evolving expectations. With 93% of travelers agreeing that a hotel stay can make or break a trip, tapping into guest needs and demands is essential.

2022 was a whirlwind year for the hotel industry. There was a stronger-than-expected rebound for demand across the year; we learned that guests are increasingly favoring digital service encounters over face-to-face interactions, and technological advances continued to play a significant role in the evolution of the hotel industry.

In 2023, hotel daily room demand is headed to an all-time high – with this in mind, hoteliers must tap into the latest trends to ensure they stay ahead.

Here are the top five hotel trends to watch over the next 12 months.

1. Digital hotel experiences

Technology offers hoteliers an opportunity to hyper-personalize stays – and with 86% of travelers looking for personalization during their 2023 travel experiences and interactions, we should expect to see an increase in digital hotel experiences moving forward.

For example, 3D room tours and interactive hotel maps may lead the beginning of the guest journey, enabling guests to choose the right room and explore a hotel before booking. Virtual concierge services will become more commonplace, allowing guests to personalize their stay with additional requests, services, and amenities without visiting the front desk or leaving their room.

An increase in voice-activated rooms will enable guests to personalize their stay further through simple voice commands – for example, adjusting the lighting, setting the room temperature, or requesting a morning alarm.

2. Mobile check-in and virtual reception

2022 saw a huge employment crisis in the hotel industry, with a startling 87% of hotels reporting staffing shortages. Moving into 2023, we’ll continue to see the replacement of human-driven interactions throughout the guest journey, with more hotel automating tasks where possible. Rather than having someone manually check in guests, handle requests and extend stays, the key will lie in automation. The digitalization of check-in will free up staff time and resources to focus on other aspects of the guest journey.

Investment in mobile check-in technologies will continue to be essential as hotels work to tackle the employment crisis – and as guests increasingly come to expect a seamless check-in experience too. Hotels will continue implementing smarter and more efficient operations, with digital check-in at the forefront of the guest experience.

3. Digital identity verification

As the shift to a fully contactless hotel experience continues, digital identity verification will also become more commonplace. Rather than standing in line and handing over a physical ID card to a receptionist, guests can easily verify their identity on their mobile device – like authenticating a Uber profile or verifying someone on Airbnb.

This shift will not only benefit the guest experience but also provide an additional layer of security for hoteliers, helping to protect against fraudulent activity and unwelcome chargebacks.

4. Mobile wallets and digital payments

As the concept of a cashless society continues to drive forward, more guests will expect to use mobile wallets and one-tap digital payments to make purchases throughout their hotel stays. Hotels must start facilitating mobile payments to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the competition. These one-click experiences will fuel a smoother, frictionless guest journey.

Digital wallets will likely become more widely used and accepted, enabling guests and travelers to store their credit cards, hotel keys, loyalty cards, and vouchers all in one place on their mobile devices.

5. Future of hotel apps

Over the next year, we predict an acceleration in the advancement of hotel apps and the offerings available to guests. Apps will evolve to address 100% of guests’ needs, extending beyond check-in and check-out to allow guests to personalize their stay from their own devices. Requests and actions that previously required a trip to the front desk have the ability to be controlled from a centralized platform in guests’ mobile phones – such as extending check-out, ordering room service, or requesting more towels.

Virdee: a virtual reception for your guests

At Virdee, we provide hotels with the best-in-class, guest-facing hotel technology. Our mission is to provide seamless interactions, improve hotel efficiencies, and help hoteliers save money with our fully mobile virtual reception. We’re proud to be the leading all-in-one guest experience solution, providing hotels with an unparalleled in-lobby experience that covers all check-in needs, including physical key cards, ID check, room upgrades, and remote assistance.

To learn more about our all-in-one mobile and web app, visit https://virdee.io/.

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AUSTIN, Texas – April 26 – Virdee, which delivers digital check-in and virtual concierge services to the lodging industry, has announced a partnership with The Chicago Hotel Collection, a group of five boutique hotels in Chicago’s premier neighborhoods: River North, Magnificent Mile, Wrigleyville, and Millennium Park.

Currently, the Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile location utilizes Virdee Virtual Reception to offer a fully contactless check-in experience, empowering 100% of hotel guests to check-in either via mobile device or kiosk, receive a physical key and head straight to their room without ever standing in line at the front desk. Other properties are in the deployment phase.

The partnership empowers The Chicago Hotel Collection to manage its properties and the guest experience through well-integrated technology. The user-friendly mobile application from Virdee automates tasks and frees up staff to focus on providing more value to the guest throughout their stay—especially important amid today’s labor challenges and scarce resources.

“Check-ins can be exhausting. For my remote property managers, Virdee is just a dream for them – they can work on other tasks and improve other areas rather than being stuck in that check-in loop,” said Jill Morgenthaler, spokeswoman for The Chicago Hotel Collection. “What I’ve been astounded by is the communication with the leadership and development teams at Virdee, who’ve been incredibly responsive and helpful.”

“The world has gone digital, and today’s travelers are looking for a seamless contactless experience,” said Branigan Mulcahy, Virdee Co-Founder. “We’re happy to partner with The Chicago Hotel Collection to empower them to provide such experiences for their guests. Guests can now expect a smoother and more enjoyable stay, from booking to check-out, including an improved check-in and rooms access.”

About Virdee

Virdee is a technology company providing best-in-class virtual reception and user interaction software for clients and their tenants, guests, and other stakeholders. Virdee helps building owners reduce costs and generate ancillary revenue by automating front-of-house workflows via its mobile application and in-lobby experiences. Using an API-first approach, Virdee connects platforms for ID verification, payment collection, access control and remote assistance while serving customers in lodging, multifamily and commercial real estate industries. Visit www.virdee.io to learn more.

About The Chicago Hotel Collection

The Chicago Hotel Collection is a group of five boutique hotels located in Chicago’s premier neighborhoods – River North, Magnificent Mile, Wrigleyville, and Millennium Park. Each pet-friendly 4-Star hotel offers everything the guest needs for a perfect city stay. New rooms deliver a high level of comfort along with thoughtful amenities, artistic touches, and bespoke details perfect for business, leisure, extended stays and group travel. Experience the finest Chicago hospitality, where a Guest Services Team will attend to your every need. Visit www.thechicagohotelcollection.com to learn more.

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AUSTIN, Texas – March 22, 2022 – Virdee, a SaaS company delivering digital check-in and virtual concierge services to the hospitality and commercial real estate industries, has announced a partnership with Mews, a cloud-based Property Management System designed for the hotel industry. Virdee is now available as a partner in the industry leading Mews Marketplace.

The Virdee Virtual Reception provides a fully contactless check-in experience, enabling 100% of hotel guests to check-in either via mobile device or kiosk, receive a digital or physical key and head straight to their room without ever visiting the front desk.

Similarly, Mews is designed to simplify and automate all operations for modern hoteliers and their guests. From the booking engine to check-out, from front desk to revenue management, every process is easier, faster and more connected. And with the integrated Mews Payments ecosystem, every transaction is secure and seamless.

The partnership further helps empower hoteliers to manage their properties and the guest experience through seamless, user-friendly – and now contactless – technology. Tasks can be completed seamlessly from the palm of the hand via Virdee’s mobile platform—especially important amid today’s labor shortage and scarce resources. Currently, six properties using both Virdee and Mews have eliminated their front desks entirely, and all check-ins and check-outs are handled via digital tools.

“A partnership with Mews is a natural fit for the two technologies – and one that will drive business forward for our hotel partners,” said Virdee Co-Founder Nadav Cornberg. “We look forward to providing hotel operators with solutions for seamless interactions that will only work to enhance the guest experience, which is critical today as the industry faces a sea change spurred by the pandemic.”

“Virdee and Mews are aligned in their efforts to create a more seamless and user-friendly hospitality operations platform,” said Richard Valtr, Mews Founder and CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with Virdee to further enhance our offerings and forward our mission to make hoteliers’ properties remarkable with an ecosystem of hospitality solutions that maximize revenue and enhance the guest experience.”

About Virdee

Virdee is a technology company providing best-in-class virtual reception and user interaction software for clients and their tenants, guests, and other stakeholders. Virdee helps building owners reduce costs and generate ancillary revenue by automating front-of-house workflows via its mobile application and in-lobby experiences. Using an API-first approach, Virdee connects platforms for ID verification, payment collection, access control and remote assistance while serving customers in lodging, multifamily and commercial real estate industries. Visit www.virdee.io to learn more.

About Mews

Founded in 2012 by a team of former hoteliers, Mews is transforming the hospitality industry with a cloud-based property management system. The Mews Hospitality Cloud acts as a central nervous system for properties of all sizes from small independents to large group brands. Over 2,500 properties across 62 countries run their hotel operations, booking, payments, and guest management on Mews. Customers include Accor, Autocamp, The Student Hotel, Generator-Freehand, Life House, and the Wythe Hotel. For the second year in a row, Mews was voted as the #1 Best Place to Work in 2022 in the HotelTechReport awards. For more information, please visit: www.mews.com.

Contact: Michael Frenkel
Email: michael@mfcpr.com
Phone: 201-317-7035

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