WeRoad secures $58 million Series C led by Airbnb for US expansion
The investment brings total capital raised to approximately $100 million, funding entry into the American market and the scaling of the WeMeet app amidst a broader industry shift toward offline connection.
Milan-based group travel startup WeRoad has secured a $58 million Series C funding round led by Airbnb, marking the company’s first major expansion outside of Europe. The investment brings the firm’s total capital raised to approximately $100 million and will finance its entry into the US market, with initial operations centred on Austin, Texas. The funding also supports the scaling of WeMeet, a local events application designed to facilitate in-person social gatherings.
Founded in 2017 by Paolo De Nadai, Fabio Bin, and Erika De Santi, WeRoad positions itself within the “IRL economy,” a sector focused on monetising offline interaction rather than screen time. This strategy contrasts with the broader technology industry’s current pivot toward artificial intelligence. The company targets Millennials and Gen Z travellers, grouping participants by shared interests and age to foster real-world connections, addressing a market gap identified by founders who sought better social dynamics in group travel.
The startup reported €130 million in revenue for 2025, representing a 30% increase year-on-year. Since its inception, WeRoad has organised travel for more than 300,000 customers across over 1,000 itineraries globally. The company now employs more than 4,000 group leaders worldwide, who act as travel companions rather than traditional guides, utilising soft skills to manage group dynamics and encourage bonding among strangers.
In addition to its core travel business, WeRoad launched WeMeet in 2025 to host local in-person events such as dinners, hikes, and after-work drinks. The app recorded 150,000 downloads and facilitated attendance at over 50,000 events across 35 cities last year. The US launch will prioritise Austin, where the company will recruit local leaders and build community partnerships before expanding to other cities in 2026.
The expansion arrives as loneliness among younger demographics has become a significant public health concern and an emerging business opportunity. While the long-term viability of businesses built around social connection remains an open question, investors are increasingly backing models that prioritise human interaction. WeRoad’s strategy relies on high retention, with approximately 60% of travellers booking subsequent trips, and a focus on structured social itineraries to ensure meaningful engagement.
