US: California start-up Akia has announced an additional round of funding from GSR Ventures in order to expand its AI-enables SaaS platform.
The platform is used to provide guests with contactless solutions to check-in, staff communications, and beyond.
Akia was founded by a set of ex-Facebook engineers in 2018, with the goal of changing the way businesses around them engage. It primarily focuses on improving hotel safety by enabling contactless communications and hotel/guest messaging.
Evan Chen, CEO of Akia, said: “Akia’s messaging platform helps hotels provide superior service, collect guest feedback, and streamline operations. In the wake of COVID-19, hotels are accelerating adoption to engage guests in a contactless manner, which helps to ensure the continued safety of both guests and staff.”
The company has currently partnered with major brands like Hyatt, Marriott, and NoMad, as well as a variety of luxury boutique properties. Those who adopt their messaging platform see 72 per cent of guests using text to interact with staff, and 84 per cent opted to check in with text messages.
According to the company’s CEO, this technology could free up 200 hours per month for service in a 500-room property. Many that implement the technology see a major guest satisfaction boost as well, with one hotel experiencing a 142 per cent boost in positive reviews.
Yuechen Zhao, Partner at GSR Ventures, said: “Today, Akia is playing an important role in helping hotels reopen safely. Looking forward, the platform will dramatically shift how businesses view their relationship with customers.”
Technology has been seen as a major solution for post-COVID development. Avion Group launched a set of contactless hand sanitisers this week, while ALICE has launched a free guidebook on how operators can use contactless technologies in their hotels.
