Italian Startup WeRoad Raises $58M for US Expansion with Group Travel Platform

Italian startup WeRoad, based in Milan, has announced a $58 million Series C funding round, with Airbnb as the lead investor. The total investment in WeRoad now exceeds $100 million. The primary goal of this new funding is to enter the US market, starting with Austin.

WeRoad positions itself as part of the growing "IRL economy" (In Real Life) trend, where business thrives on offline interactions rather than digital services. Unlike traditional travel platforms, the startup focuses on fostering social connections among travelers. Groups are formed based on interests and age, with trips including shared activities to help participants bond quickly.

A key feature of WeRoad’s model is its collaboration with "group leaders," who act more as facilitators of communication than traditional guides. Before trips, participants join WhatsApp chats to get acquainted in advance. In 2025, the company launched the WeMeet app to organize local gatherings, such as dinners, walks, and sports events. According to the startup, WeMeet saw 150,000 downloads last year, with over 50,000 attendees across 35 cities.

In the US, WeRoad plans to start small, initially focusing on Austin to recruit group leaders and host events. Co-founder Paolo De Nadai cited the city’s vibrant cultural scene as a key factor in its selection. The company reported a 30% revenue growth in 2025, reaching €130 million, and served over 100,000 travelers in the past year.