Travel technology start-up Taptrip has been selected as one of nine young companies to join the fintech-focused 2019 New York Barclays Accelerator programme.
The Manchester-based company is the first ever travel firm to join the programme since it was established in 2014. Powered by Techstars, it allows start-ups to join an intensive 13-week programme designed to fast-track the next generation of fintech start-ups.
As part of the experience, Taptrip will receive the mentorship of experienced industry players, including Barclays, Google, TechCrunch, Capital One and JP Morgan.
Commenting on the announcement, CCO and co-founder Neil Ruth said: “We are so honoured to be a part of this ground-breaking programme, which has been instrumental in accelerating the growth of some of the world’s most innovative fintech companies. As the only travel company – in fact the only non-fintech company to have been accepted – I couldn’t be prouder of our team and all that we have achieved so far. We are looking forward to working with our mentors over the coming months and are excited to put what we have learned into practice – turning our vision of making business travel frictionless into reality.”
Taptrip was selected for the programme following a four-month application process involving panel interviews, transatlantic meetings and presentation to Barclays executives and Techstars investors.
Ruth and three other members of the team – including Thomas Young and Jack Timblin – relocated to New York in September to start the programme.
Jon Zanoff, MD of Techstars, said of the start-up: “Taptrip’s platform brings leading-edge booking and compliance technology to the small business market, representing a tremendous and ‘untapped’ opportunity. What has impressed me most, however, is the tenacity in which the Taptrip team is tackling this opportunity. This culture and mindset is clearly reflected in their plans for growth and there is a real will to make a difference. It’s exciting for me to be involved and experience just a little bit of the Taptrip camaraderie and to play a part in shaping their future.”
Following the programme, Taptrip will take part in a ‘Demo Day’ on 6 December, during which it will pitch to investors from around the globe.
Taptrip won this year's Business Travel Disrupt Award at the Business Travel Show and was named as 'One to Watch' in the 2019 BBT Hotlist.
taptrip.co