Meet Travel Technology Europe’s Launchpad innovators

[Sponsored News]
On 22-23 February, Travel Technology Europe returns to Olympia London and will host its second Launchpad, where attendees will get the chance to discover 15 of the most innovative start-ups and products coming to market.

Until 10 February, buyers can vote for their favourite Launchpad exhibitor, whittling 15 to five, who will become Travel Technology Disrupt Awards finalists. Those five will pitch to the judges at the show and the winner will receive a stand at Travel Technology Europe 2018 worth £8,000 plus marketing support. Simply click here to place your vote.

One of the innovative start-ups chosen to exhibit in the Launchpad is Winding Tree, which aims to radically simplify travel distribution. We spoke to Maksim Izmaylov, the founder, to find out more.

When did you launch?
We haven’t yet! We are planning to launch our first version of the platform in April.

How many people are working for the company?
Currently there are just four people.

Why is it unique?
We are one of the first Blockchain companies in travel and there are many aspects of what we do that’s different from what other travel companies are doing. Our project will be open-source and owned by the community; it’s also a project created for engineers by engineers.

Why is it disruptive?
Winding Tree is a tectonic shift in how we do travel distribution. The fact that we use Blockchain allows us to simplify the complicated travel space and streamline all the processes around travel distribution and fulfillment. Our platform is designed to allow other projects to be built on top of it: pricing algorithms, personalisation engines, etc.

What problem does it solve?
It solves the problems in the travel distribution space that prevent start-ups from innovating. On the supplier side the problem is that OTAs and GDSs are charging exorbitant fees and use outdated technologies. On the travel agent / travel startup side the problem is that it’s very hard to access the data from suppliers, because only a handful of companies control 95% of that data.

What platforms is it available on and can integrate with?
We’re building Winding Tree MVP (minimum viable product) on Ethereum. We could potentially expand to other platforms, like Rootstock, in the future.

What markets is it available in?
Winding Tree will be available globally.

Which companies are using it already?
We’re having conversations with major international airlines, hotels, property management systems, etc.

What does the travel industry like about it?
It simplifies a lot of things for suppliers of travel (hotels, airlines, tour and activity providers, etc.). It also helps the travel agents and start-ups to access supplier inventory in a radically simplified way.

Why do travellers like it?
Our platform helps to reduce the cost of travel. It also helps travel agents to access supplier data more easily. It means, for example, that now travel agents have more time on their hands to combine travel (flights, hotels) in interesting ways.

What are your growth plans?
Our plan is to allow the new generation of software engineers to build amazing travel products in no time. We believe that in five years most travel companies, be it hotels, airlines or travel agencies, will be software companies. As Marc Andreessen famously said: "Software eats the world." In the travel space, Winding Tree will fuel that process. 

Why are you looking forward to exhibiting at the Travel Technology Europe?
We’re looking forward to connecting with new partners and industry experts.