The unusual business idea that tops Sifted’s latest ranking

2026-05-20 · Source: Sifted · Field: Business & Management — Entrepreneurship & Start-ups, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Milan-based Hotiday, a hybrid holiday booker, has topped Sifted's latest ranking of fastest-growing southern European companies, achieving over 1,000% revenue growth in three years since its 2020 inception. Unlike traditional hotel chains, Hotiday manages properties without owning them, blending elements of hotel operation with technology. The company offers property owners professional services, including housekeeping, maintenance, marketing, and pricing, taking up to 80% of gross profit. Hotiday currently operates 700 units across Spain, France, and Italy, with plans to expand into Greece, Portugal, and the UK. Recently, it raised €5.5m in funding and acquired vacation rental software Lodgify, emphasizing technology and automation, particularly in pricing tools, to provide a branded experience and competitive advantage.

Key takeaway

For entrepreneurs or investors evaluating opportunities in the hospitality sector, Hotiday's success demonstrates that an asset-light, technology-driven property management model can yield significant growth. You should consider how professionalizing and automating guest experiences and owner services, rather than owning physical assets, can differentiate your offering. Focus on building a strong technology stack for pricing and operations to scale efficiently and attract both property owners and guests.

Key insights

A hybrid asset-light model combining professional management with technology can drive rapid growth in hospitality.

Principles

• Asset-light models enable rapid scaling.
• Professional management elevates guest experience.
• Technology-driven automation boosts operational efficiency.

Method

Hotiday's method involves managing third-party properties, offering comprehensive services like marketing and pricing, and leveraging proprietary technology for automation.

In practice

• Implement a hybrid asset-light operational model.
• Invest in proprietary pricing and automation tools.
• Offer comprehensive property management services.

Topics

• Hybrid Business Models
• Vacation Rental Management
• Hospitality Technology
• Property Management Software
• Startup Growth
• European Startups

Best for: Entrepreneur, Investor, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Sifted.