Dnata, an air services provider that is part of the Emirates
Group, has acquired a majority stake in Bd4travel for an undisclosed amount.
Bd4travel uses artificial intelligence to determine intent
and interests as users search and shop on travel websites. The system’s machine
learning algorithms generate anonymous user profiles and instant
recommendations for products, content and services to personalize the digital experience
for each customer.
“Our experience of working with Bd4travel as one of their customers
convinced us of the relevance and potential of their offering,” says Iain
Andrew, divisional senior vice president of travel services for Dnata.
“We find their technology a game-changer in the travel industry
and, as a global company, we are pleased to bring the team onboard to deliver
on a broader scale.”
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Bd4travel has clients in 17 markets running more than 40 websites,
including Expedia, Travel Republic and HolidayCheck. It will operate as an independent
company within the Dnata group.
Travel Republic, which is also owned by Dnata, began using bd4travel technology to aid its personalization drive in early 2017.
“Gaining a company like Dnata as a new majority shareholder
was important for us,” says Andy Owen Jones, founder of Bd4travel.
“Their global baking will enable us to grow the business in
areas of the world where we are not represented today. They will also support
us to expand our service for existing customers.”
Jones and co-founders Melanie Sickenberger and Ibrahim
Husseini launched Bd4travel in 2013 to improve the way travel is sold. Since
then the company has raised $4.2 million in a Series A round. The three
co-founders will remain on as minority owners.