Key Takeaways
- WeRoad raised $10.0M (Series C) from Unicredit, Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking, FSI.
- Sector: Consumer, Technology, Software & Gaming.
- Geography: Italy, United States, Europe.
Analysis
WeRoad, the European travel-tech innovator focused on community-driven group experiences, has successfully closed a significant funding round totaling €10 million. This capital infusion was orchestrated through a sophisticated club deal, expertly coordinated by UniCredit, which brought together over 100 Ultra High Net Worth individuals as co-investors.
The transaction, initiated in mid-May, not only injects fresh capital but also facilitates a strategic shift in the shareholder base. A portion of the funds will be utilized to acquire shares from long-standing investors, providing them with an exit opportunity while welcoming a new cohort of sophisticated private investors. This move aligns with WeRoad's ambition to solidify its presence across key European markets and accelerate its expansion into the United States.
This latest funding follows a substantial $58 million Series C round concluded in May 2026, which was led by strategic partner Airbnb. Other key shareholders in WeRoad include OneDay Group, the parent company founded by WeRoad CEO Paolo De Nadai, and Annapurna, an investment vehicle backed by the prominent H14 family office of the Berlusconi family. The current €10 million round saw the issuance of nearly 382,000 new shares at approximately €29.50 per share, with existing shareholders, barring A&B Trustee Partners, waiving their pre-emptive rights.
The travel and experience sector, a segment of the broader 'experience economy,' has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth potential. WeRoad's asset-light model, leveraging proprietary technology, a strong community ethos, and curated itineraries, has proven effective. Since its inception in June 2018, the company has facilitated over 300,000 traveler journeys across more than 1,000 distinct itineraries, with 100,000 travelers participating in the last year alone. This growth trajectory is reflected in its financial performance, with revenues reaching €66 million in the 15-month fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, a significant leap from €8.9 million in 2021.
Massimiliano Mastalia, Head of Wealth & Large Corporates at UniCredit Italia, highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, "The synergy between Wealth Management & Private Banking, Corporate, UHNW Strategic Development, Private Capital Markets, and the Group's product factories enabled us to present clients with a unique investment opportunity in a company operating at the nexus of technology, community, and the experience economy."
Paolo De Nadai expressed his satisfaction with the capital raise, emphasizing its broader implications for Italy's venture and growth capital ecosystem. He noted, "This transaction represents a crucial moment for ownership structure evolution within the Italian venture and growth capital scene. It provides liquidity for early investors and introduces private wealth clients to this vital asset class, fostering a positive cycle of increased confidence and interest in Italian startups and scale-ups."
The successful structuring of this club deal by UniCredit's UHNW Strategic Development team underscores the growing appetite among high-net-worth individuals for direct investment in high-growth technology companies. This trend is particularly relevant in the current market, where discerning investors seek opportunities beyond traditional asset classes, especially within the dynamic travel and technology sectors.