How TravelCloud is changing travel — and the world — for better

by Doug Pitorak
July 18, 2016
Austin-based TravelCloud is a metasearch that aggregates about three million vacation rental properties across the globe. With listings from HomeAway, VacationRentalHomes.com, and TripAdvisor, TravelCloud aims to be a reliable spot for travelers who want to stay at local homes, apartments, and condos.
 
But if CEO and co-founder Matthew Woods gets his wish, then TravelCloud will eventually offer much, much more.
 

Building a travel package

“Our goal is to create the ultimate travel experience,” Woods said. “Our goal is to focus on collaboration and helping people find innovative ways to see the world when they travel, mostly through shared services.” 
 
Soon, an update to the two-year-old platform will move TravelCloud closer to Woods’ vision. In the coming days, TravelCloud will integrate with its property listings a site called trip4real, an online booking platform for tours and activities organized and operated by locals. 
 
On trip4real, travelers can book a tour titled “Barcelona’s graffiti history with a street art expert.” Going to Rome? Enjoy an “Organic picnic in the Borghese Gardens with Daniela.” 
 
“The goal is to create almost like a cart like you would have on Amazon where people are building their travel package,” Woods said. “The new [features] will … allow people to experience places like they never have, from local accommodations to tour guides.”
 
In addition, TravelCloud owns SkipperMyBoat.com, which allows people to rent boats. Once SkipperMyBoat.com reaches 1,000 in inventory, Woods said he will consider integrating the boat listings with the property search.
 

Planning on organic growth

TravelCloud launched in 2014 and started gaining revenue that same year, Woods said. He founded the startup with two others, both of whom stepped back to advisor roles last year after each had children. Woods is currently the sole full-time employee and contracts out much of the work. 
 
Though he plans to hire more employees after the update, he is attracted to the lean startup approach and aims to keep operating costs low. By introducing new features — and with potentially more shared services to be integrated in the future — Woods hopes travelers will return to TravelCloud when looking for activities to do on their vacations. 
 
“By adding these additional features, I think it will really add value to the customers, as well as increase our organic growth,” he said.
 

Seizing every opportunity

Despite turning a profit in year one, TravelCloud has yet to find the right investor to support its bootstrapping efforts. Woods admits that TravelCloud’s partnership with Opportunity International might be a deal breaker for many investors. The union with the ambitious microfinance company — which aims to end global poverty — is indefinite and requires that TravelCloud donate 50 percent of its annual profit. 
 
It's also a partnership that Woods hopes to keep. 
 
“This really interested us because we’re able to create jobs around the world,” Woods said. “People can travel and at the same time change the world by helping others in different countries and provide jobs.” 
 
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