The Travel Startup that Beat Covid

What does the future of travel really look like - and how is AI reshaping the way we explore the world? In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Andrae, co-founder and CEO of HomeToGo, to unpack the evolution of TravelTech - from early marketplace bets to today’s AI-powered platforms. Founded in 2014 in Berlin, HomeToGo has grown into Europe’s leading vacation rental group, with over 20 million listings worldwide and a public listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Patrick shares the original insight behind the company, how traveler behavior has shifted over the past decade, and what it takes to scale from startup to IPO. We also dive into the post-Covid travel reset, the rise of “soulcation” and wellness-driven trips, and why nature is becoming the ultimate luxury. Patrick reflects on Europe’s startup ecosystem, the increasing role of AI in hospitality, and the responsibility platforms have in balancing tourism growth with local communities.