Klook, short for “Keep Looking,” has raised $200 million in a Series D funding round led by big name global VCs.
Klook is a travel activity and services booking firm that is reportedly on track to generate over $1 billion in bookings during 2018. The Hong Kong based Unicorn has raised $300 million to date making it the most funded name in the tour & activities sector.
Series D round investors include Sequoia China, Matrix Partners, Goldman Sachs, Boyu Capital, TCV, global crowdfunding platform OurCrowd and some family offices. Sequoia China, Matrix Partners and Goldman Sachs also led the Series C in October 2017. As a crowdfunding platform, OurCrowd provides unique access to compelling investments like Klook for smaller (accredited) investors.
Klook said this investment will further strengthen its position as a global player in the travel sector, and accelerate its expansion in the US and Europe, along with perquisite tech improvements. Founded in 2014 by Ethan Lin, Eric Gnock Fah and Bernie Xiong, Klook enables booking of events, travel and more. Today, over 50,000 activities and service are on the platform in partnership with 5000 vendors. Klook has opened offices in London and Amsterdam, and employsover 600 people across 16 offices around the world. Klook says its growth has been driven by the rise of independent travelers and an increasing appreciation for travel experiences – not just bus tours.
Klook will open an office in the US at some point this year and will also be adding more US and Europe-based curated activities and services onto the platform to fulfill an increasing demand from Asian travelers for diverse and unique in-destination experiences . On the flip side, expect more US and Euro tourists to visit Asia.
Lin says their mission is to empower travelers to build their own unique journey;
“This round of funding marks an important milestone for us. The funding and extensive experience from our new investors will let us to further solidify our merchant portfolio and provide travelers with even more activities and destinations to explore around the world.”
Neil Shen, Founding and Managing Partner of Sequoia China, said that by leveraging their strength in digitally transforming their suppliers of tours and activities and tapping into the new generation of mobile-first travelers, Klook is emerging as the clear leader in the online tours and activities sector.
“We look forward to seeing Klook help more and more travelers connect to suppliers, and become a key source of inbound demand for Asia and beyond.”
Denes Ban, OurCrowd Managing Partner Asia, said that OurCrowd is pleased to invest for the second time in Klook, one of the world’s leading travel activities and services booking platforms and communities.
“Klook was our first investment in Greater China, and we are investing alongside top Asian VCs and institutions. We will continue to further expand our investment footprint in Asia.”
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