Spain-founded Directo has emerged from stealth mode after raising $1 million in seed funding for its travel price comparison software.
Directo is a Chrome extension that helps travelers compare fee-free accommodations. The software has gained 100,000 users since its beta release in September 2023.
French venture capital firm Kima Ventures, Calafia, an angel group for global female tech leaders, and travel-focused fund Derive Ventures participated in the round, along with 26 other angel investors.
Hotel and vacation rental rates have been rising since 2019, highlighting the need for travelers to find the best deals. Hotels also have the advanced technology they need to sell directly through their own websites, but they are losing control over distribution.
The Directo Chrome extension is a tool that helps you find the direct web pages of hotels and vacation rentals you are interested in without having to search on Google. The company aims to operate as a traveler club where users can share, access, and rate direct hotel and short-term rental deals.
The company was founded last year by Pierre Becerril, Julian Toledo, Sofia Canepa and Marina Guastavino.
Pierre has over 10 years of experience in the travel industry and has focused on the challenges hoteliers and property managers face with online booking platforms. Marina has 10 years of experience in direct-to-consumer marketing and has taken inspiration from her own travel experiences to create tools that help travelers find the best deals. Julien has previously worked with Pierre and has extensive technical expertise and experience in the travel industry.
