Bob W with €40 million Series B funding

Bob W's Series B financing round, led by Evli Growth Partners, strengthens the company's position as a provider of technology-enabled hospitality. The funds will be used for pan-European expansion and further development of the hospitality experience

Helsinki, February 13, 2024 - Finnish technology-driven hospitality operator Bob W today announced €40 million in Series B funding. Led by Evli Growth Partners and backed by growth equity investors as well as prominent European entrepreneurs including Taavet+Sten, the investment firm of Wise founder Taavet Hinrikus and Sten Tamkivi, Flashpoint, and Supercell co-founder Mikko Kodisoja, this round, together with existing investors, marks a new era of growth for Bob W in its mission to deliver a local, five-star hospitality experience to every guest at scale.

Bob W introduces a new category of true technology-enabled hospitality by offering a smart and sustainable alternative to hotels and vacation rentals. The company operates design-led, full-service apartments in 10 countries and 17 cities across Europe. Each Bob W apartment features a customized local design and technology that offers guests the best of both worlds: the consistency and quality of a lifestyle hotel combined with the local authenticity and amenities of a real home.

With the support of our investors, we are ready to enter a new phase of growth and expand the Bob W travel experience across Europe.

Niko Karstikko, Co-Founder and CEO Bob W

Bob W's proprietary technology and apps provide a seamless digital front desk experience, backed by robust digital customer service and other safeguards to ensure guests always feel well looked after. Super-early check-ins or late check-outs can be instantly and automatically guaranteed based on live availability. The mainly chat-based "perfect host" Bob W was developed to give guests the feeling of receiving the best customer service with a human touch, despite minimal on-site staff. In addition to a seamless online experience, Bob W's "marketplace" connects guests with local breakfast spots, gyms, amenities and a variety of digital products to ensure a truly local experience.

Leading the transition to sustainable hospitality

A hallmark of the Bob W experience is its commitment to local design and sustainability. The company partners with local brands, artists and makers and sources décor from close proximity to each location. This practice aligns the guest experience with the local community and further solidifies Bob W's role as a leader in sustainability. As a provider in the hospitality industry, Bob W is committed to transparency and honesty and actively advocates these values while working towards carbon neutrality. The company also offsets the emissions of every stay.

Investors and entrepreneurs support growth

Launched in 2019, Bob W has quickly become a market leader in technology-enabled hospitality. In 2023, the company has expanded significantly, opening 20 new properties in 11 European cities. The recently closed Series B funding round was led by Evli Growth Partners, with participation from Taavet+Sten and notable European entrepreneurs, including Mikko Kodisoja of Supercell, as well as existing investors.

The hospitality industry needs bold disruptors like Bob W.

Mikael Hed, Growth Partner at Evli Growth Partners

Mikael Hed, the driving force behind the growth story of Finnish gaming company Rovio and Growth Partner at Evli Growth Partners, says: "The hospitality industry needs bold disruptors like Bob W. The team is a pioneer in the new hybrid hospitality category, offering authentic, seamless travel experiences enabled by cutting-edge technology. Bob W's growth demonstrates the team's unique understanding of customers' needs. We look forward to supporting the team in its next phase of growth."