Mezi an AI-Powered Travel-as-a-Service Platform Brings Consumer Travel Technology to the Corporate Travel Industry was acquired by multinational financial services company American Express in an all-cash deal.
Mezi, an artificial intelligence-powered travel app was developed by Pune-born twins Swapnil and Snehal Shinde. For travelers looking for the best way to get where they need to go, Mezi puts a personal travel assistant in your pocket that brings superior service and unparalleled delight to the travel industry. Mezi is building the most advanced AI for travel which powers the most comprehensive, simple to use booking platform available so all travel feel like a first class experience. Founded in 2015 by serial entrepreneurs Swapnil Shinde and Snehal Shinde, Mezi is now available as a business solution product for Travel Management Companies, Corporates and Travel Agents, as well as for consumers through iOS and Android apps, and via email or SMS.
Phil Norman, vice-president at American Express Digital Labs, while talking about this development mentioned,
“Mezi’s AI-powered (artificial intelligence) experience opens up exciting new ways for us to connect with and serve our card members and creates opportunities for us to build more meaningful relationships with them,”
He further added,
“With messaging emerging as the channel of choice for many, and the demand for unique experiences increasing, we believe the combination of Mezi’s capabilities with our global network of expert travel counselors creates a differentiated, high-touch service experience for our card members,”
Nexus Ventures Partners is an early investor in Mezi. It put $2.5 million in December 2015 and a part of the company’s $9-million fund-raise in July 2016, which also saw participation from Saama Capital and American Express Ventures, the strategic investment arm of American Express. After its investment, American Express tested out Mezi’s chat platform for servicing its card customers through an app called AskAmex, which managed customer loyalty programmes and bookings for hotels and restaurants.
Snehal Shinde, chief technology officer at Mezi while addressing the occasion mentioned,
“We’ve built Mezi to become better with each and every interaction and based on the success of our pilot with American Express, we are excited to bring Mezi’s mobile capabilities to more card members,”
While it will continue to power American Express’ AskAmex, Mezi will focus on developing its core technologies and enhance its capabilities in digital travel concierge services, the two companies said. Mezi founders will report to Phil Norman.
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