SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wingz, a scheduled airport ride startup that leverages innovative scheduling technology to provide travelers with a simple, hassle-free passenger booking and riding experience, has closed an $11 million Series B funding round led by Expedia, Altimeter Capital, and Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff. Wingz also named Chris Brandon, who brings a proven track record of successfully growing early to mid-stage technology companies, as CEO.
Founded in 2011, Wingz allows travelers to schedule private, fixed-price door-to-door airport rides in advance of their planned travel date – eliminating any unexpected costs and unpredictability associated with on-demand transportation. At the heart of the Wingz “scheduled ride system” is a technology platform that links to the entire airline flight schedule grid: the mobile app automatically suggests a pickup time based on flight details, and matches rider loads (passenger number + bags) with drivers who have the correct car size.
More than 20,000 active customers use the Wingz app to book airport transportation supported by thousands of drivers. Wingz service is currently available at most major airports across the western U.S. The funding will be utilized to extend the company’s U.S. footprint, as well as to continue to invest in the Wingz technology platform.
“We are thrilled that technology visionaries such as Marc Benioff, travel category leaders such as Expedia, and respected venture capital firm Altimeter Capital recognize what we believe is a huge market opportunity to reshape an airport transportation market that currently saddles travelers with unpredictable costs and hassles,” said Wingz CEO Chris Brandon. “The efficiency of the Wingz system drives down costs and offers peace of mind for travelers, and generates more income for drivers than any other rideshare.”
Brandon brings to Wingz more than two decades of C-level experience with strategic business development, operations, and financial management, as well as a strong track record of raising capital for fast-growing technology and travel companies in the business-to-consumer (B2C) category.
Supporting Quotes:
Nikki Krishnamurthy, Wingz Board Member, and Expedia Vice President
“Wingz
offers a unique experience for getting to and from airports. We have
found that travelers really want the security of scheduled rides.
Expedia and Wingz share a common goal of delighting customers through a
stress-free travel experience.”
Hab Siam, Wingz Board Member, and Altimeter Capital General Counsel
“While
on-demand transportation services have received most of the attention,
Wingz has quietly carved out a leadership position in the
rapidly-growing scheduled airport ride category, which offers a superior
customer and driver experience.”
Robert Bradley, Wingz Board Member
“Wingz’s success to date
reflects the huge opportunity that exists for a unique user experience
when booking rides to airports. Wingz is well positioned with the
technology and leadership team to change the way travelers start and end
their trips.”
About Wingz
Founded in 2011, Wingz Inc. enables travelers to schedule private, fixed-price, and door-to-door airport rides. Rides are provided by local drivers using their own cars. As local residents, these drivers have a vast knowledge of their cities and provide travelers with a real local and social experience. All drivers have their backgrounds and DMV records checked. In addition, all drivers go through a vehicle inspection at an authorized automotive repair facility, such as Firestone, and are covered by a $1M per incident liability insurance policy furnished through Wingz. To book your next airport ride, download our app or visit http://wingz.com/.
