Hosco has built the largest network specially designed for the hospitality industry, connecting more than 350,000 professionals and more than 4,500 employers around the globe. The investment will be used to accelerate Hosco’s growth, from expanding its global reach, to strengthening its product offering and tripling its team within the next 24 months.
Hosco, the hospitality network, has secured €5.4 million on its latest funding round led by Pan-European VC Nauta Capital, with existing investors, Athos Capital, and Business Angels joining. Hosco was founded by Olivier Bracard and Carl Julien in 2011 in Lausanne. The company is still incorporated in Switzerland, however both founders are nowadays based in Barcelona. With investors and serial entrepreneur Steve Savioz, one member of the board is still in Switzerland. In addition, one director of the company, Marion Amacker who serves as head of talent search works also from Switzerland.
Since the start Hosco has developed a unique three-sided concept, currently supporting +350,000 hospitality students and professionals throughout their entire career with job opportunities, connections, industry insights, and expert advice. Providing an advanced career and alumni management platform to +250 top schools and universities worldwide. And, becoming the best partner for +4,500 international employers to effectively attract and recruit qualified talent, saving them time and money.
“Hospitality is one of the largest and fastest growing industries on earth. However, it's also one of the most fragmented sectors and is currently suffering from a significant talent shortage,” said Olivier Bracard, Hosco’s Co-founder and CEO. “Through our innovative technology, tailored content, and service we are not only consolidating the industry, but we are also helping each stakeholder to accomplish their objectives. We are committed to making a significant impact on the lives of hospitality professionals, business ventures, and the industry as a whole.”
This formula is making Hosco the dominant recruitment partner for hotels and restaurants as well as travel and leisure businesses in key EMEA markets. Adoption rate in 5* hotels in destinations such as Paris, London, Geneva, Barcelona, and Dubai range from 40 to 85 percent.
“We are thrilled to join such a passionate team on their journey to empower an industry that represents 10 percent of global employment,” said Jordi Viñas, General Partner at Nauta Capital, a VC firm based in London with offices in Barcelona and Munich. “The investment fits with our thesis about disruption in large, non-efficient human capital spaces, as Hosco has become the go-to place for many in hospitality. We are excited to contribute our resources, expertise, and network to propel its aggressive expansion plan.”
The financial injection of €5.4 million will be used to accelerate growth in all facets of the business, “involving a strong focus on product development and expansion of Hosco’s global reach,” said Carl Julien, Hosco’s Co-founder and COO. “Plans involve the launch of offices in the Americas in the first half of 2019 and to increase the team to 180 in the next 24 months.”
(Press release / SK)
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