Travelstart

The company was founded in Sweden in 1999 by Stephan Ekbergh. An experienced entrepreneur in the travel sector, Ekbergh had previously launched Mr. Jet, Northern Europe's first transactional online travel site, in 1997. After an early sale and subsequent buy-back following the dot-com bust, Ekbergh shifted the company's focus. In 2010, the European arm of the business was sold, and the headquarters were relocated to Cape Town, South Africa, a city Ekbergh had resided in since 2004, to capitalize on the emerging African online travel market.

Travelstart's business model is centered on aggregating travel options and simplifying the booking process. Its platform integrates global distribution systems like Amadeus IT Group for flights and other suppliers for car rentals and hotels, offering a wide inventory to its customers. Revenue is generated through commissions on bookings and an extensive affiliate network. The company serves individual travelers and has expanded its services to the corporate market, offering tailored travel management solutions. A key growth strategy has been adapting to local market needs, such as offering varied payment options including credit cards, EFT, and formerly cash on delivery, to build trust in online transactions.

Over the years, Travelstart has expanded its footprint through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. A notable milestone was the 2019 acquisition of Jumia Travel from Jumia, which expanded its customer base across Africa. The company has also acquired the Club Travel Group. To fuel its growth, Travelstart has secured significant funding, including a $40 million round from investors such as Amadeus Capital Partners and HarbourVest Partners.