CapsuleT Travel & Hospitality Accelerator Presents ‘Phase 1’ Greek Startups

Nine Greek tourism startup groups accepted into phase 1 of Capsule T, Greece’s first travel and hospitality accelerator, had the chance to present their projects to sector professionals, angel investors, and media during the 1^st Pitch & Demo Day held at the Stratos Vassilikos hotel this week.

Companies that made into the first cycle of the Capsule T accelerator program (September-December 2019) – a Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) initiative – are:  travel experiences booking platform Greekaddict; self-guided gastronomy excursion app Dishcover; best dine-out options provider Allindining Inclusive; Escapades, which connects travelers with locals for immersive travel; fishing tourism info provider Fisea; hotel brand reputation firm GuestFlip; hotel experiences booking platform HotelStand; hoteliers solutions and services company HotelToolbox; and Nable Solutions, which brings through its “Assistant” software people with disability in contact with enabling organizations and institutions.

Alexandros Vassilikos

Referring to the accelerator’s key role in linking technology and startup activity with the Greek tourism market, HCH President Alexandros Vassilikos praised the collaborative spirit of the participating groups, which is expected to generate concrete results in the upcoming period.

Information on the EU tools in this direction was provided by the event’s keynote speaker Eva Kaili, member of the European Parliament (MEP) and member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.

Eva Kaili, MEP.

Kaili gave a speech on “Unlocking Investment in Infrastructure, Innovation and Business in Greece: The New EU Tools” and spoke in regards to the European Investment Advisory Hub, which provides access to funding from the European Investment Bank; the European Commission’s FinTech action plan, which fosters a more competitive and innovative European financial sector; and other relevant initiatives of the European Parliament that provide new opportunities for the development of startups.

CapsuleT Director Katerina Saridaki.

The HCH’s Capsule T program is aiming to provide a growth environment  to tech startups focusing on travel and hospitality solutions. Each cycle lasts for three months with a resident option open for an additional three months for free. The program includes workshops, mentoring sessions, events, pitching opportunities, meetups, industry site visits and networking activities.