Morocco-based SaaS startup Userguest, which specializes in hotel revenue optimization, has secured $2.4 million in Seed funding. The investment round was led by Al Mada Ventures, with additional contributions from CDG Invest, Saviu Ventures, UM6P Ventures, Kalys VC, Plug & Play, and experienced business angels Philippe Limes and Thane Kuhlman. This financial boost positions Userguest for substantial growth and further product enhancements as it aims to expand its footprint in the hospitality sector.
Founded in 2018 by Ahmed Chami, Assil Bernossi, and Hicham Benyebdri, Userguest addresses a crucial issue within the hotel industry: maximizing revenue from direct bookings. The startup’s software automates website engagement for hotels, using personalized messages and smart incentives to encourage guests to book directly through the hotel’s own platform. This approach helps hotels increase revenue and avoid the hefty commissions typically paid to third-party booking platforms.
Userguest’s platform enhances the traveler’s online experience by delivering tailored messages at the optimal time, prompting guests to make decisions that benefit both them and the hotel. This solution not only increases direct bookings but also improves the overall profitability of hotels by cutting out intermediaries.
The newly secured $2.4 million will be channeled towards expanding Userguest’s sales team, a critical move to support the company’s international scaling efforts. By strengthening its sales force, Userguest plans to enter new global markets and establish partnerships with more hotel chains. The company seeks to position itself as a leader in direct revenue optimization technology within the hospitality sector.
In addition to sales team expansion, part of the funds will be dedicated to the further development and innovation of Userguest’s core platform. As the hospitality industry evolves, Userguest aims to stay ahead of the curve by enhancing its technology for user engagement and conversion optimization. Ongoing updates will ensure the platform remains cutting-edge, offering hotels more sophisticated tools to increase direct bookings.
The successful Seed round underscores investor confidence in Userguest’s business model and growth potential. Co-founder Hicham Benyebdri noted that the funding validates the company’s vision and enables them to scale operations further. “We are committed to helping hotels optimize their direct revenues while enhancing the overall user experience for travelers,” Benyebdri stated.
Yassine Soual, from Al Mada Ventures, praised Userguest for its innovative approach, adding, “Userguest has proven its ability to improve hotel bookings and revenue management. We are excited to support their next growth phase as they continue to bring value to the hospitality industry.”
Userguest’s expansion plans are focused on entering key markets where demand for hotel optimization tools is increasing. By building a stronger sales team and boosting its market presence, the company aims to partner with more hotel brands seeking to increase direct booking revenues. Additionally, Userguest’s platform is designed to be adaptable, ensuring hotels of all sizes can benefit from its services, whether small independent hotels or large chains. This adaptability positions Userguest as a valuable partner for a diverse range of businesses in the hospitality sector.
