Authenticity in Hospitality
In an era where the hospitality industry often relies on the influence of social media and traditional reviews, a new player is emerging from Rome. Bestie Bite, a startup dedicated to transforming the landscape of restaurant and hotel reviews, has developed an innovative app that leverages genuine video testimonials from everyday diners. This approach seeks to provide a more accurate reflection of user experiences, shifting away from the polished narratives that often accompany influencer-driven content. Recently, the company announced it has successfully closed a funding round of $700,000, aimed at enhancing product development, expanding its team, and launching internationally, with initial plans to enter the U.S. market.
Funding and Future Plans
The funding was led by Techstars, with participation from Zooga VC, which was co-founded by industry veterans who have seen significant exits in the hospitality space, and Mamba Ventures, which is supported by notable entrepreneurs such as Pietro Maria Picogna and Giacomo Gentili. Additional investments came from angel investors including Christian Marcon, Angelo La Rocca, and Claudio Vaccaro, the founder of Epicode. With a current team of four, including CTO Placido Falqueto and developer Simone Ferretti, Bestie Bite is gearing up to establish itself in the U.S. The founders are scheduled to visit San Francisco and New York in January to form commercial partnerships and solidify their presence in the American market.
A New Approach to Reviews
Co-founders Carlotta Robbe Di Lorenzo and Caterina Vertefeuille built Bestie Bite on the premise that video can convey the ambiance of a venue more effectively than written reviews. Users can share their experiences, whether positive or negative, through short clips, allowing potential guests to gauge the “vibe” of a restaurant or hotel before making a reservation. This method addresses a common issue where traditional reviews are often overshadowed by promotional content and influencer marketing. By incentivizing users with cashback and gamified interactions, the app promotes authentic contributions, steering clear of paid promotions.
The app has gained substantial traction, boasting over 70,000 registered users and 60,000 video uploads from across more than 70 countries. At certain peak moments, Bestie Bite even ranked among the top ten most downloaded apps in Italy.
Empowering Businesses with User-Generated Content
For the hospitality sector, authenticity has become a valuable asset, and Bestie Bite is transforming average customers into effective marketing tools. The app automates the process of converting user-generated videos into content that restaurants and hotels can easily publish. Business owners receive curated video clips via WhatsApp, simplifying their social media marketing efforts without the need for costly agencies or professional shoots. Additionally, the app’s AI-driven insights offer restaurants real-time feedback on customer perceptions, helping them identify service strengths and weaknesses based on direct user feedback.
One of the early adopters, Pescaria, has utilized Bestie Bite to maintain a steady stream of reusable content and gather analytics on customer experiences. Martin Olczyk, Managing Director at Techstars, shared his enthusiasm about investing in the startup, highlighting the clarity and resilience of the founders. He emphasized the importance of their mission, stating that choosing a restaurant should not rely on chance or exhaustive searches through unreliable reviews.
As Carlotta Robbe Di Lorenzo articulated, the goal is to restore authenticity to the dining experience and equip restaurants with straightforward communication tools. Caterina Vertefeuille added that while their roots are in Italy, the ambition is to make Bestie Bite the standard for discovering dining options globally, marking the upcoming funding round as a crucial step toward achieving that vision.
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