Tsewang Wangkang (Embargo)
Overview
Tsewang Wangkang is an influential entrepreneur known as the co-founder of Embargo, a hospitality tech startup that focuses on CRM and loyalty solutions for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the hospitality industry. Embargo was launched to address the technological gap faced by smaller businesses in managing customer relationships and automating engagement strategies, traditionally the forte of large hospitality chains. Under Wangkang's leadership, the company has leveraged technology—including AI and machine learning—to offer SMEs accessible tools for enhancing customer loyalty and driving sales growth.
Recent Developments
In the past couple of years, Embargo, co-founded by Tsewang Wangkang, has seen significant advancements and achievements, which include:
- August 2025: Embargo raised €3 million to enhance its AI-driven CRM platform, focusing on expanding its services across Europe. The funding round included notable investors such as Paul Statham and Christo Georgiev, emphasizing Embargo’s strong growth trajectory and potential for scaling globally.
- UK Smart Grant: The company was awarded a £350,000 UK Smart Grant to further develop its CRM and loyalty platform, targeting the incorporation of advanced AI models. This development is set to enhance SMEs' ability to capture and analyze customer data, ultimately refining their marketing and loyalty strategies.
- Revenue Growth: Embargo reported a 200% revenue growth over the past two years, achieving this milestone without increasing its team size, highlighting its efficient business model and scalability.
- Partnerships and Strategic Moves: Embargo formed partnerships with Square and Lightspeed, U.S.-based payment and POS providers, to broaden its service offering and increase its market reach.
- User Base and Transactions: As of 2025, Embargo had processed over 13 million transactions, with a strong footprint in the UK and growing presence in Europe. Its platform is utilized by nearly 3,000 venues, reinforcing its prominence in the hospitality SME sector.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tsewang Wangkang |
| Born | Not publicly specified |
| Nationality | Tibetan, raised in Switzerland |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Co-founder of Embargo |
| Known For | Co-founder of Embargo |
| Education | Finance at University of Zurich |
Early Life and Education
Tsewang Wangkang was born to Tibetan parents and grew up in Switzerland, where he pursued his education. He attended the University of Zurich, earning a degree in Finance. This academic background provided him a robust foundation in financial principles and strategic business management, skills that would later prove invaluable in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Wangkang’s multicultural upbringing, encompassing elements of Tibetan, Swiss, and broader European culture, has contributed to his versatile approach in business, enabling him to adapt and integrate diverse perspectives into business solutions. After completing his studies, Wangkang worked in various capacities across London, Hong Kong, and Switzerland for large multinational banks, gaining extensive experience in finance and global markets.
Career and Notable Achievements
Tsewang Wangkang's professional journey is marked by significant milestones:
- Co-founder of Embargo (2017): Teaming up with Frederick Szydlowski, Wangkang launched Embargo to address the CRM needs of SMEs in hospitality.
- AI and CRM Innovation: Embargo developed a robust platform offering loyalty solutions and CRM functionalities, making sophisticated digital tools accessible to SMEs.
- Funding Rounds: Under Wangkang’s leadership, Embargo successfully raised significant capital across multiple funding rounds, securing €3 million in 2025 alone to enhance product capabilities and market expansion.
- Partnerships: Established strategic partnerships with major firms, such as Square, to enhance the platform’s offerings and expand its geographic reach.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, Tsewang Wangkang continues to serve as a visionary force behind Embargo. He focuses on leveraging technological advancements to provide innovative solutions that empower SMEs in the hospitality sector. Wangkang’s emphasis on sustainable growth and technology-driven improvement aligns with Embargo’s mission to democratize sophisticated CRM tools for smaller businesses.
Conclusion
Tsewang Wangkang’s journey from his multicultural upbringing to his pivotal role in revolutionizing CRM solutions for hospitality SMEs highlights a trajectory characterized by innovation, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to empowerment through technology. His work at Embargo not only emphasizes the importance of inclusive technological access but also sets a new standard in how small businesses can compete with larger chains by leveraging advanced digital tools. As Embargo looks to extend its reach further into international markets, Wangkang’s leadership is likely to continue leaving a lasting impact on the hospitality industry and beyond.