Baoku

About Baoku

Established in 2007, Beijing Baoku Online Network Technology Co., Ltd., operating as Baoku, has carved out a niche in China's corporate travel sector. The company was founded by Wang Xuesong, who serves as the Chairman and CEO. Baoku provides a comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to streamline corporate travel and expense management for enterprises.

The firm's core offering is a cloud-based, one-stop solution that integrates a company's internal approval processes with the reservation systems of various travel suppliers. This end-to-end platform covers the entire business travel lifecycle, from initiating travel requests and gaining managerial approval to booking, payment, expense claims, and reimbursement. Key features include tools for managing multiple suppliers, controlling internal processes, handling payments and clearing, and providing data analytics. By consolidating these functions, Baoku helps businesses manage complex and often fragmented travel arrangements, addressing issues like non-transparent pricing and process inefficiencies.

Baoku's business model is primarily focused on the B2B market, charging enterprise clients for the use of its services. The company asserts that its system can generate significant cost savings for clients, estimated between 20% and 50%. Its client base includes major Chinese corporations and airlines such as Air China, Hainan Airlines, and搜狐 (Sohu). Beyond the corporate-facing SaaS tool, Baoku has also developed application software and ticket platforms for major Chinese airlines.

Financially, Baoku has attracted notable venture capital investment. The company secured a Series A funding round of nearly $10 million in April 2014, led by China Broadband Capital (CBC) and AsiaInfo-Linkage. This was followed by a Series B round in August 2015 from Matrix Partners China and a Series C in November 2016. Reports indicate the total funding raised is approximately $60 million over three rounds. In April 2018, the company was acquired by Shiji Group, marking a significant milestone in its journey.