European short-term rental marketplace Bob W secures $43M

Bob W, a Finland-based tech-enabled hospitality operator, has secured a significant €40M ($43M) in a Series B funding round.

• Full-Stack Hospitality Operation: Unlike traditional short-term rental platforms, Bob W, founded by Niko Karstikko and Sebastian Emberger, manages and operates its properties directly, utilizing technology to streamline processes and reduce overheads.

• Regulatory Resilience: By focusing on commercial properties rather than residential units, Bob W navigates regulatory challenges with ease, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks associated with short-term vacation rentals.

• B2B and Individual Market Focus: While catering to both individuals and businesses, Bob W sees significant demand from B2B clients, including tech scale-ups and creative industry players, for temporary accommodations and work trips.

• Impressive Growth Trajectory: Bob W's revenue soared eight-fold in 2022 and tripled again in 2023, marking substantial profitability despite rapid expansion.

• Strategic Expansion Plans: With previous funding rounds totaling around €31M and this fresh injection of capital, Bob W aims to further penetrate European markets, with recent launches in Copenhagen and Amsterdam, and eyes potential expansion beyond Europe in the future.

The Series B round was led by Evli Growth, with participation from investors including Flashpoint, Supercell co-founder Mikko Kodisoja, and Taavet+Sten, backed by Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus and Teleport co-founder Sten Tamkivi.