TrovaTrip

About TrovaTrip

TrovaTrip, established in 2017, operates a three-sided marketplace tailored for the creator economy, connecting content creators (Hosts), their followers (Travelers), and certified local tour operators. The Portland-based company was founded by University of Oregon graduates Nick Poggi (CEO) and Lauren Schneider (CRO), who were later joined by Brandon Denham (CTO). The founders combined their varied backgrounds in finance, sales, and technology, driven by a shared passion for creating human connections through travel. Poggi has a background in analytics and strategy, while Schneider's experience is in sales and digital marketing, and Denham comes from a software engineering background.

The business model empowers creators to monetize their communities by hosting group trips around the world. TrovaTrip provides the platform and tools for Hosts to survey their audience, select from over 500 curated itineraries across more than 49 countries, and set their own trip prices to determine their earnings. The company manages the logistical complexities, including payment processing, booking management, pre-trip communications, and customer support, while partnering with vetted local operators who execute the trips on the ground. This structure allows Hosts to focus on engaging with their community rather than the intricacies of trip planning. Revenue is generated through a service fee, averaging 15-20% of the trip's revenue, and a credit card transaction fee paid by the Traveler. The majority of the trip's cost, typically around 60%, goes to the local Trip Operators.

The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for its users. For Hosts, this includes audience research tools, a pricing tool, marketing support, and CRM functionalities to manage their community and trip promotions. For Travelers, the platform and mobile app facilitate booking, payment plans, and communication with the Host and other trip participants through a group chat feature before and during the trip. All itineraries, designed in partnership with local experts, are fully managed and led by a local guide, ensuring safety and an authentic experience. This model proved resilient, as the company managed to grow bookings 10x to $15 million in 2021, even amidst the global pandemic, by providing a vital new income stream for creators. The company has raised a total of $20.1 million in funding, including a $15 million Series A round in September 2022 led by Madrona Venture Group.