HipWay

HipWay operates as an online travel company based in Moscow, Russia, founded in 2010 by Mikhail Reider and Irina Reyder. The firm functions as a multifaceted travel enterprise, managing two distinct web platforms: hipclub.ru and hipway.ru, which is also accessible via tripvenue.ru. Hipclub.ru serves as a private, members-only travel club that features flash sales, offering 10-15 deals per week on hotel stays and flight-plus-hotel packages. In contrast, hipway.ru (tripvenue.ru) is a travel package specialist, providing a broad selection of hotel and flight packages from various Russian tour operators.

The company's business model centers on providing curated travel deals and experiences. It serves travelers seeking packaged holidays and unique local tours. The tripvenue.ru marketplace, in particular, connects travelers with local guides, offering a variety of tours, activities, and local experiences, in addition to accommodation bookings like hotels, flats, and houses. Revenue is generated from the sale of these travel packages and experiences. The platform emphasizes authentic travel by featuring local guides who offer deep insights into their cities.

Since its inception, HipWay has successfully navigated the competitive online travel market. The company secured angel funding in 2010 from notable investors, including Michael van Swaaij and Chamath Palihapitiya. Over three funding rounds, HipWay has raised a total of $2.75 million. Its investors include institutional firms such as FJ Labs, Point Nine, and IIDF, as well as angel investors like Fabrice Grinda.

Keywords: online travel agency, travel packages, flash sales, private travel club, local guides, tour marketplace, hotel booking, flight packages, Russian travel market, Moscow startup, Mikhail Reider, Irina Reyder, travel experiences, accommodation booking, daily deals, travel tech, tripvenue, hipclub, FJ Labs, Point Nine