Freebird looks to consumer channels following $8M investment

Freebird has raised $8 million in Series A funding.

The company, which provides a mobile-based flight rebooking service for travelers during disruptions, says the boost has come from both existing and new investors.

The round was led by American Express Ventures while Citi Ventures, PAR Capital Ventures and existing investors General Catalyst and Accomplice were also involved.

Freebird says the funds will go towards accelerating growth as well as the pursuit of “new channel opportunities.”

Up until now, Freebird has predominantly worked in the corporate travel segment and says it has direct partnerships with more than 100 corporate clients as well as 10 travel management firms including BCD Travel.

The company says it will continue its corporate travel focus while exploring consumer travel channels in 2019.

Freebird attracted $5 million in funding in April 2017, which came on top of an initial $3.5 million round around the time of its launch in late-2015.

Other previous industry investors and ongoing advisors include Tripit founder Scott Hintz, CWT boss Kurt Ekert and Ellen Keszler, former boss of Travelocity Business and GetThere.

The aviation industry estimates the annual cost of disruption at $60 billion, or 8% of total airline revenue.