WeRoad, Backed by Airbnb, Raises $58M to Grow Its Group Travel Platform in the US

WeRoad, a startup based in Milan that specializes in group travel, has raised $58 million in a Series C funding round led by Airbnb. This marks its first significant expansion beyond Europe. The new funds bring the company’s total capital to around $100 million, and will aid WeRoad’s entry into the U.S. market, starting with Austin.

This financing indicates a growing belief that the future of travel companies may tilt toward social platforms that foster authentic real-world interactions, rather than just traditional booking sites.

WeRoad’s U.S. launch comes at a time of increasing concerns about loneliness, particularly among younger people. This issue has become both a significant public health concern and a potential business avenue. While many tech companies are pivoting towards AI, WeRoad is focusing on the expanding “IRL economy,” which emphasizes monetizing offline connections instead of time spent in front of screens. Other companies like Timeleft, 222, and Pie are also exploring event-driven and community-based experiences.

The idea for WeRoad emerged from founders Paolo De Nadai, Fabio Bin, and Erika De Santi, who sought to create real connections.

“The concept originated from a personal need. Post-college, it can become increasingly difficult to find travel partners. Friends settle down, have children, move, or struggle to coordinate their schedules,” De Nadai shared with TechCrunch. “Fabio and I tried other companies catering to solo travelers on group trips. While these were enjoyable, something felt lacking. The guides were experienced locals, yet groups sometimes had a wide age range, leading to disconnect. Travelers were present but not genuinely engaged.”

In response, the founders redefined group travel to prioritize shared interests. WeRoad’s trips are designed mainly for younger travelers and revolve around common themes and travel styles. Customers can choose trips based on categories like beach getaways or skiing excursions.

“We asked ourselves, ‘What if we crafted trips for Millennials and Gen Z, bringing together peers with shared cultural references from diverse backgrounds, to encourage authentic connections?’” De Nadai explained.

Before any trip, participants are added to a WhatsApp group run by the trip leader, giving them a chance to connect before embarking on their adventure. Group sizes generally vary from eight to fifteen travelers.

“What people worry about most isn’t the destination,” De Nadai pointed out, “but whether they will bond with the group. To ease this concern, WeRoad curates its itineraries to enhance social interactions. More engaging or collaborative activities are typically planned at the start to build rapport.”

Most itineraries last between 10 to 12 days, but the company has also introduced shorter weekend options for newcomers. According to WeRoad, around 60% of travelers return to book additional trips.

WeRoad employs “group leaders” instead of traditional tour guides. These coordinators are usually closer in age to the travelers and act as companions throughout the journey. Currently, WeRoad partners with over 4,000 group leaders globally.

“We aren’t focused on having specialists for each destination, but rather on individuals with travel experience and strong interpersonal abilities. Can they manage a group, resolve conflicts, adapt to changes, and help strangers connect?” De Nadai highlighted.

Additionally, WeRoad has started to branch out beyond travel. In 2025, the company launched WeMeet, an app focused on local gatherings, including dinners, hikes, yoga sessions, running clubs, after-work socials, and board game nights. Last year, WeMeet hosted over 50,000 participants across 35 cities, and the app reached 150,000 downloads.

WeRoad plans to integrate WeMeet into its U.S. growth strategy. Rather than a widespread national launch, the company intends to focus on a few select cities initially, starting with Austin—recruiting group leaders, organizing local events, and building community partnerships before broader expansion.

“We aim to conduct WeMeet events in various U.S. cities throughout 2026, starting in Austin, known for its vibrant atmosphere and active community,” De Nadai mentioned.

The sustainability of establishing long-term businesses aimed at alleviating loneliness and enhancing social connection remains uncertain. Nevertheless, investor confidence in the potential demand is growing.

WeRoad reported revenue of €130 million in 2025, marking a 30% year-on-year increase, while serving over 100,000 travelers last year alone. Since its inception in 2017, the company has organized travel for more than 300,000 customers across over 1,000 itineraries worldwide.