Bedbug Safety Tech Scale-up Valpas Attracts €4M to Accelerate Innovative Prevention Technology
2024年6月26日 - 4:00PM
ビジネスワイヤ(英語)
Valpas, the world’s only provider of a tech-based solution for
bedbug-safe stays in hotels and rentals, has secured €4m in seed
funding led by Zenith VC, alongside Icebreaker VC, Finnish Industry
Investment, Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund, Activum SG Ventures,
Houghton Street Ventures, Rockaway Ventures and Morrow Ventures.
Already working with over 300 hotels flagged under premium brands
including Accor Hotels, The Luxury Collection, Design Hotels,
ARP-Hansen and Bob W in over 40 destinations - amongst others
across Europe, Mexico and Japan, beginning a revolution by
hoteliers to offer guests rooms that are permanently bedbug-safe
and pesticide-free via a new ‘hospitality standard’ guarantee.
The investment will primarily be used to ramp up production of
Valpas’ tech that ensures rooms are kept bedbug-safe around the
clock, ready to meet increased demand ahead of a summer of
international sport and travel. The funds will also be used to
build key partnerships with travel booking agents and platforms
making it easier for travellers to identify and choose bedbug-safe
hotels.
Valpas’ solution centres on smart anti-bedbug bed legs that free
guests from the bed bugs they carry during the first night upon
entering a room, before they infect the guest or room, keeping both
clean and safe 24/7. Valpas’ IoT and AI-enabled mobile web app then
provides in-app image recognition to identify and dispose of the
pests. The solution is completely free from any chemicals.
Martim Gois, CEO and Co-Founder of Valpas said: “No
travel or home insurance covers the cost and pain of a bedbug
infestation at home. Nearly every infestation at home comes after a
night in a hotel or rental bed. By staying at a Valpas affiliated
hotel, travellers know the room they get is clean and no matter
where they go around town the hotel keeps them safe. Hospitality
companies that get affiliated early on are reaping the benefits in
higher bookings and happier guests.”
Erik Lindblad, Partner and CEO at Zenith VC said: “Valpas
is addressing a significant and growing industry challenge with a
seamless and effective solution. We believe it is a clear leader in
this segment and has the potential to become a global category
winner. We are highly impressed with what Martim and the Valpas
team have achieved, especially in terms of product excellence and
customer satisfaction.”
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Reggie Okehie reggie@fieldhouseassociates.com