WeRoad, a group travel startup based in Milan, has successfully raised $58 million in a Series C funding round, spearheaded by Airbnb. This investment boosts the total capital raised by the company to about $100 million, paving the way for its ambitious expansion into the United States, starting with Austin.
This funding reflects a shift in the travel industry, where new companies are increasingly emphasizing social connections over traditional booking platforms. As loneliness, particularly among younger demographics, emerges as a public health concern, WeRoad aims to tap into this growing demand for meaningful offline interactions.
The founders, Paolo De Nadai, Fabio Bin, and Erika De Santi, recognized a personal need for connection after finishing college and entering the workforce. De Nadai explained, "It became challenging to find travel companions as friends settled into their lives." Their experience with other group travel services highlighted a gap in genuine connections among travelers, inspiring them to create WeRoad.
WeRoad's approach centers on designing trips that cater to shared interests, targeting Millennials and Gen Z travelers. Customers can select trips based on themes like beach getaways or skiing adventures, fostering connections among peers with similar backgrounds and cultural references.
To enhance social dynamics, travelers are added to a WhatsApp group prior to their journey, allowing them to connect before the trip starts. Groups typically consist of eight to fifteen participants, and itineraries are crafted to include collaborative activities early on, easing any initial awkwardness.
While most itineraries span 10 to 12 days, WeRoad has introduced shorter weekend trips to attract first-time travelers. Remarkably, around 60% of participants choose to book additional trips after their initial experience.
Instead of conventional tour guides, WeRoad employs "group leaders" who are closer in age to the travelers, acting as companions rather than experts. The company currently collaborates with over 4,000 group leaders worldwide, focusing on individuals with travel experience and strong interpersonal skills.
WeRoad has also ventured into local community engagement through its WeMeet app, launched in 2025, which facilitates in-person gatherings such as dinners and outdoor activities. The app saw over 50,000 attendees at events across 35 cities last year, with 150,000 downloads overall.
As part of its U.S. strategy, WeRoad will prioritize building community connections in Austin before expanding to other cities. De Nadai expressed excitement about launching WeMeet events in multiple U.S. cities throughout 2026, starting with Austin's vibrant community.
With WeRoad generating €130 million in revenue in 2025, a 30% increase year-over-year, and having organized trips for over 300,000 customers since its inception in 2017, the company is poised for a promising future. The focus on fostering social connections through travel positions WeRoad at the forefront of a new trend in the travel industry.
