Czech-founded startup Mews secures major investment from US firm

In a major milestone for the Czech business world, Mews, the world's leading hotel-management system provider, has secured a USD 100 million (CZK 2.25 billion) investment from the U.S. Vista Credit Partners firm. This brings the total value of the company to well over USD 1 billion (CZK 22.5 billion) – it is only the third Czech company in history to reach this milestone.

The success of Mews, founded by Richard Valtr in 2012, is largely attributed to its innovative, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software for hotels. Over 5,500 accommodation facility brands in 85 countries now use the company's systems, including major players such as hotel chains Strawberry, The Social Hub, and Airelles Collection.

According to Mews, 75,000 hotel employees actively use the system, which automates processes such as reservations, check-ins, room pricing, cleaning, and accounting. A key feature of the platform is the Mews Payments system (an online gateway for charging credit cards without terminals), which has seen a 54-percent increase in volume since the beginning of the year, reaching over USD 8 billion (CZK 180 billion).

The investment from Vista Credit Partners will primarily be used for technology and development, with a focus on creating cloud-based solutions that allow hotel employees to spend less time in front of screens and more time attending to guests, according to Mews.

Mews plans to utilize the funding to expand its portfolio and make strategic acquisitions. The company has seen significant growth in North America, with a 250-percent increase in customers. Founder Valtr shared: "The market is ripe for consolidation, and we have already successfully acquired nine companies.”

The company's latest offerings include an AI-powered assistant and the Mews Kiosk system, which significantly reduces check-in time. "In five years, the way hospitality brands interact with guests will be completely different," Mews CEO Matt Welle said earlier this year.

Well-known food-services firm Rohlík and product management software Productboard are the two other Czech-founded firms that have reached a valuation of over USD 1 billion. Earlier this year, Mews became only the third unicorn company – a privately owned startup that has reached a valuation of over USD 1 billion – after investments from finance firms and shareholders Goldman Sachs and Notion Capital.