Cardiff-based travel platform Lovetovisit has raised £3.2 million in a new investment round, signalling a significant step in its growth trajectory. The funding is aimed at enhancing its technological capabilities and expanding its market reach both domestically and internationally.
Investment Details and Key Stakeholders
The latest investment round for Lovetovisit, a Cardiff-based travel platform, was led by notable venture capital firms Venrex and Redrice Ventures. Additional contributions came from Active Partners, Velocity Partners, and several angel investors. This strategic financial injection is earmarked for scaling operations in the UK and exploring new international markets, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s expansion strategy.
Growth and Technological Advancements
Lovetovisit aims to double its growth and inventory year-on-year over the next three years. The £3.2 million investment will drive enhancements in the platform’s AI capabilities, further optimising the user experience. By focusing on AI and data-driven technology, Lovetovisit seeks to improve its service offerings and user engagement significantly.
The platform’s innovation lies in its ability to send real-time personalised recommendations to users, leveraging AI to make travel planning seamless. This technological edge is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring user satisfaction.
Background and Founding Vision
Founded in 2021 by twin sisters Georgia and Alice Aubrey, alongside tourism expert Fed Pereira, Lovetovisit was born from a shared vision to simplify the booking of local attractions. The founders identified a gap in the market for an easily accessible platform that could deliver diverse experiences to users.
Since its inception, the company has generated £7.4 million in total revenue and facilitated hundreds of thousands of experiences. Lovetovisit’s platform lists over 2,700 products, reaching a user base exceeding 3.2 million, illustrating rapid growth and strong market acceptance.
The company’s founders, who previously collaborated at a tourism marketing agency, recognised the challenges consumers faced in finding and booking local activities. Their solution through Lovetovisit has been to provide an intuitive, user-friendly interface that connects users with unique attractions and experiences.
Partnerships and Market Presence
To expand its market presence, Lovetovisit has partnered with renowned attractions such as Alton Towers, Chester Zoo, and ZipWorld. These collaborations have enhanced the platform’s credibility and broadened its range of offerings.
Notably, 85% of the experiences available on Lovetovisit are situated outside of London, reflecting the company’s commitment to highlighting regional attractions across the UK. For example, days out in Devon have attracted over 25,000 visitors via the platform since early 2024.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Co-founder Alice Aubrey expressed pride in the company’s achievements, highlighting the esteemed investors backing Lovetovisit. She emphasised the shared passion for promoting UK events and attractions, which drives their mission to digitise and scale unique experiences.
CEO Fed Pereira noted that the investment and support from reputable firms is a strong endorsement of Lovetovisit’s mission to bolster domestic tourism. He believes this will provide the necessary resources to fuel their ambitious growth plans both within the UK and on an international stage.
Venrex Investment Management’s Lilac Watt remarked on Lovetovisit’s innovative approach to meeting consumer demands, showing confidence in the founders’ capability to grow the business significantly.
Investor Confidence and Market Potential
Investors have shown strong confidence in Lovetovisit’s market potential, recognising its platform’s exceptional depth in supplier inventory. Redrice Ventures’ Andrew Sutcliffe pointed out the growing consumer desire for local experiences in the post-pandemic era, which Lovetovisit is uniquely positioned to cater to.
Sutcliffe’s endorsement underscores the strategic foresight of Lovetovisit in capitalising on the shift towards in-person activities. By filling a gap in the market, the company is on track to becoming a key player in the travel and leisure industry.
The emphasis on creating memorable experiences and leveraging technology to simplify discovery and booking is a testament to the platform’s forward-thinking approach.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Lovetovisit is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation. The recent funding round not only represents financial support but also a vote of confidence from key industry stakeholders.
As Lovetovisit expands its reach and enhances its platform, it is set to redefine how people discover and engage with cultural and leisure activities.
Lovetovisit’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth has positioned it for a promising future in the travel industry. With strong investor backing and a clear vision, the platform is well-equipped to enhance its offerings and scale its operations both domestically and abroad.
