Sherpa

Sherpa, legally Visa Run Inc., is a Toronto-based travel technology company founded in 2015 by Max Tremaine and Ivan Sharko. The company operates on a B2B model, providing solutions that integrate travel requirement information and electronic visa (eVisa) application services directly into the booking platforms of its partners. These partners include major airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), and travel management companies (TMCs) such as American Airlines, British Airways, Expedia, and TripActions.

The firm's core business revolves around simplifying the complexity of international travel documentation. By aggregating and constantly updating data from thousands of sources, Sherpa provides real-time information on visa requirements, travel restrictions, and health protocols. This service became particularly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in demand for Sherpa's platform as it helped travelers navigate frequently changing international travel rules. The company's API processed over a billion requests per month during this period, a significant increase from a few hundred thousand pre-pandemic.

Sherpa's product suite is designed to be embedded into its partners' customer journeys. Offerings include a white-label web application, embeddable elements for websites, and a comprehensive API. These tools allow travelers to check requirements and apply for eVisas and other travel authorizations directly on the partner's site, creating a new ancillary revenue stream for the travel provider. The company's business model is primarily a revenue-share based on the eVisa applications facilitated through its platform. Partners have reported significant increases in ancillary product add-ons and average booking values.

Financially, Sherpa has secured significant backing from the venture capital community. In April 2021, the company announced an $8.5 million Series A funding round led by Narrative Fund and True Ventures, bringing its total funding to approximately $11 million. This capital has supported the expansion of its services and team. The platform boasts a high success rate on visa applications, contributing to a high Net Promoter Score from travelers.

Keywords: travel technology, visa services, eVisa, travel documentation, ancillary revenue, B2B, API, travel restrictions, airline industry, online travel agencies