Hospitality Communication Technology Provider Akia 6M

Akia, a customer experience automation platform serving the hospitality industry, has announced a $6 million Series A funding round. Venture capital firm Altos Ventures led the financing with additional participation from GSR Ventures. Akia previously landed $1 million from GSR Ventures in 2020.

San Francisco-based Akia was founded in 2018 and started in 2019 by a group of former Facebook engineers.

The company says its artificial intelligence-powered two-way communication platform is designed to help hotels improve guest experience, while its process automation system increases staff efficiency and generates revenue.

“Receiving this new round of funding from Altos is a validation of our vision,” said Evan Chen, CEO of Akia.

“Consumers are tired of poorly-functioning chatbots, waiting on hold in call centers or downloading apps for a single service,” Chen continues. “We are committed to developing new products and services that help businesses respond more effectively and quickly to the changing needs of their customers.”

According to Akia, current market conditions, ongoing labor shortages and the post-pandemic impact have increased the need for a customer engagement framework.

The launch “mini app” requires no download or login and speeds up processes such as identity verification, security deposit collection and contactless hotel check-in.

“Akia is paving the way for the next generation of technology-enabled services,” said Jim Dye, partner at Altos Ventures. “The hospitality sector has faced many challenges in recent years and needs a system like Akia to improve efficiency and delight customers.”