Startup Model – Experiencing your Dream Job

THE MODEL: A platform for users to live their dream jobs for a short period without having to leave their current jobs. Users (hosts) can offer ‘descapes’ for a fee based on the professional skills they possess. Other users can apply to be part of a descape and are connected to the hosts through the platform. Descapes are basically trips around activities which from a jungle safari, video shooting, wine making, photography etc.

STARTUP: Descape (German startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Travel options around activities are becoming increasingly popular. Also it gives users an experience of an activity which they want to pursue full time.

Benefits to Users – Hosts can get money for the skills they possess. Professionals can experience different activities and also network with other professionals having similar interests.

Use Case – The use base built around self realization is a great. A lot of professionals are not happy with what they do and this service offers them a chance to pursue an alternate career for a short period before taking the final call.

CONCERNS

Competition – Selling new and exciting experiences is the new trend in travel. A lot of startups and existing businesses are entering this space.

Startup Model – Virtual Travel Agent for Hotel Bookings

THE MODEL: A platform where users book a hotel room for their travel plans. This ensures that the customer has a confirmed hotel room. The platform then starts looking for better deals on that hotel, such as a cheaper price, free wi-fi, free upgrades, free breakfast etc. upto 2 days before the date of travel. If it is able to find a better deal, it automatically cancels the earlier booking and rebooks.

STARTUP: TripRebel (German startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Enabling users to book hotels at the better deals.

Benefit for Customers – Customers get the best deals without having to put in any effort or pay any additional fees.

Scalable – The business is innovative and replaces human effort with a back end system, thus making it scalable.

CONCERNS

Competition – Travel is a competitive space. Travel agents, online travel websites make this sector difficult for new entrants.

Startup Model – Travel Packages & Inspiration

THE MODEL: A platform for users to find the best tour packages and deals and book them online. Also packages based on events and fairs are listed on the portal. These packages are sourced from the leading travel agencies in Singapore.

STARTUP: TripZilla (Singapore startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Customers want solutions. Travel packages are complete solutions.

Data Representation – Clear categorization of packages, on the basis of themes and destinations, will ensure that a user can browse easily and find the most suitable package for himself/herself.

CONCERNS

Competition – It is relatively easier for existing travel portals to create a section for packages as they already have relationships with vendors and agencies. Curated packages can help the startup differentiate it in the longer term.

Startup Model – Selling Travel Packages

The Model: A platform selling travel packages based on different interests, activities and user details (single/married, children/no children etc.).  Also 6 travel offers are negotiated by the company and featured on the website.

Startup Doing It: Travelbird (Dutch startup)

What I Like:

Core Idea – Offering a travel solution is a great idea. Having packages based on interests, activities, demographics etc. makes it much easier for the user to browse and select the best package. Also the 6 daily featured travel offers lure the customer as he/she knows they will last for only 24 hours.

Great User Experience – The look and feel of the website is great and the site is very easy to browse. Also the booking and payment mechanism is easy to use.

Curation – I believe the next growth cycle in a lot of spaces will be based on good curation. 

Travelbird does a great job at this, when it comes to travel.

My Concerns:

Competitive – Competition is high in this space. A lot of big travel websites are also offering packages. Package designing and display has a very important role to play.