Bandwango
Overview
Bandwango is a travel technology company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was established in 2012 by Monir Parikh. Bandwango specializes in creating platforms for tourism and destination marketing, using its signature product, the Destination Experience Engine (DXE), to enable clients to curate free and paid experiences into passports, trails, and marketplaces. This platform helps local businesses and attractions connect with visitors, driving both engagement and revenue. Bandwango has raised a total of approximately $9.2 million in funding to date, sourced from various investors including Next Frontier Capital and Kickstart Fund.
Recent Developments
- December 19, 2023: Bandwango raised $1 million in a funding round led by Ocean Azul Partners and Kickstart Fund. This funding is part of their strategy to expand their offerings and client base.
- April 27, 2023: Bandwango partnered with Simpleview to integrate its pass-based data into Simpleview's CRM and CMS platforms. This partnership aims to enhance data utilization for destination marketing organizations, providing a seamless user experience.
- 2024 Impact: The company launched 845 new passes globally, generating $1.82 million in revenues for local businesses and connecting with communities through over 1.2 million check-ins and redemptions.
- November 2024: Bandwango supported ICT Restaurant Week in Kansas, which included digital passes that contributed over $41,411 to local charities.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Founders | Monir Parikh |
| Revenue | $1.82 million (2024) |
| Key Investors | Next Frontier Capital, Kickstart Fund, Signal Peak Ventures |
| Industry | Travel and Tourism Technology |
| Number of Employees | 55 |
Early History
Bandwango started as an innovative solution in Murray, Utah, to revolutionize how communities engage with local businesses and attractions. Founded by Monir Parikh in 2012, the company quickly identified the growing need for digital solutions in destination marketing. They developed the Destination Experience Engine (DXE), which allowed local businesses to connect with both tourists and local citizens through curated experiences and digital passes. Bandwango gained traction by enabling local businesses to collaborate with destination marketing organizations, offering integrated solutions that included merchant and inventory management, redemption technology, and real-time data analytics.
Company Profile and Achievements
Bandwango operates primarily through its Destination Experience Engine, creating custom digital experiences that help various organizations, including DMOs, CVBs, and chambers of commerce, to drive economic growth via increased tourism and local engagements.
- Key Achievements:
- Developed over 845 custom passes in 2024 alone.
- Created partnerships with over 280 destination marketing organizations across North America.
- The platform facilitated more than 1.3 million participant interactions annually, strengthening community presence and enhancing visitor experiences.
- Introduced self-serve functionality in its platform, allowing for quicker deployment and customized solutions by clients themselves.
- Bandwango's solutions have been integral in campaigns such as the Newport Beach Dine Pass and the Travel Iowa State Passport, each recognized for innovation in destination marketing.
Current Operations and Market Position
Bandwango continues to expand its operations by offering innovative technology solutions that cater to both regional and local needs in the tourism sector. Through its various passes and curated experience offerings, Bandwango has secured a significant share of the destination marketing space. The company is recognized for its ability to drive substantial visitor engagement and economic impact metrics via its technologically advanced platforms. Its primary competitive advantage lies in its flexibility and ease of integration, which allow for seamless customer experiences and robust data collection for its clients.
Conclusion
Bandwango stands as a leader in the travel technology industry, particularly in the niche market of destination marketing facilitation through digital passports and experiences. As the company continues to grow, its emphasis on creating scalable solutions that enhance community-based tourism opens new pathways for client and economic growth. Looking forward, with ongoing investments and developments in their platform, Bandwango is poised to further extend its impact and scope in the global tourism landscape.