Trivago, the pan-European hotel metasearch company, got a funding infusion and began testing the waters in the U.S. with a 30-second TV advertisement.
The company, with headquarters in Dusseldorf, intends to invest in the U.S. market "to fuel further growth," says Malte Siewert, cofounder and head of sales, finance and business development.
Siewert confirms that New York City-based Insight Venture Partners recently invested in Trivago, highlighting the company's U.S. ambitions. Citing a nondisclosure agreement, Siewert declined to specify the funding amount.
The late-stage venture capital company reportedly took up to a 25% stake in Trivago.
"We believe there is a big opportunity for Trivago in North America," Siewert says. "Our unique approach and the unmatched comprehensiveness of our rate search with European partners that frequently offer superior deals shall drive U.S. customers to Trivago."
Trivago recently entered into contracts with major U.S. players with the exception of Orbitz, Siewert says.
Orbitz is known to seek online travel agency exclusivity in metasearch agreements and Siewert cited Orbitz's "restrictive metasearch policy" as a reason for its lack of participation in Trivago.
Here's the Trivago spot that currently is running on TV in the U.S.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYpMfgLA0T4