Travel tech firm’s team relocates to New York as part of Barclays programme
Manchester-based travel tech firm, Taptrip has been selected as one of just nine start-ups to join the fintech-focused 2019 New York Barclays Accelerator programme.
Taptrip enables business travellers to search and book travel, track employees and record expenses in one unified platform.
Established in 2014, the Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is an intensive 13-week programme designed to fast-track the next generation of fintech startups.
As part of the programme Taptrip will benefit from the mentorship of experienced ‘titans of industry’ including representatives from companies such as Barclays, Google, TechCrunch, Capital One and JP Morgan, all of whom are famed for disrupting their respective markets.
Neil Ruth, Taptrip CCO and co-founder said: “We are so honoured to be a part of this ground-breaking programme, which has been instrumental in accelerating the growth of some of the world’s most innovative fintech companies.
“As the only travel company, in fact, the only non-fintech company to have been accepted, I couldn’t be prouder of our team and all that we have achieved so far.”
He added: “We are looking forward to working with our mentors over the coming months and are excited to put what we have learned into practice – turning our vision of making business travel frictionless, into a reality.”
Taptrip was selected following an extensive four-month application process involving panel interviews, transatlantic meetings, and presentations to Barclays executives and Techstars investors.
Four members of Taptrip’s management team, including co-founders Neil Ruth, Thomas Young and Jack Timblin, relocated to New York last month to start the programme and have already received high praise, including Jon Zanoff, managing director, Techstars, who led the investment and noted: “Taptrip’s platform brings leading-edge booking and compliance technology to the small business market, representing a tremendous and ‘untapped’ opportunity.
“What has impressed me most, however, is the tenacity in which the Taptrip team is tackling this opportunity.
“This culture and mindset is clearly reflected in their plans for growth and there is a real will to make a difference. It’s exciting for me to be involved and experience just a little bit of the Taptrip camaraderie and to play a part in shaping their future.”
Taptrip, along with their fellow New York classmates, will participate in a demo day showcase on December 6, where they will pitch to top-tier investors from around the globe.
Following the programme, Taptrip will continue to receive support from Barclays’ Group Innovation Office, furthering business opportunities within the bank, and will also benefit from Techstars’ vast network of alumni companies, entrepreneurs and investors.
