Hello Scout Selected as Most Innovative Startup at HITEC Pitch Competition
HFTP announces that Hello Scout is named the Judge's Choice at the annual HITEC E20X entrepreneurship competition
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) held its second Entrepreneur 20X pitch competition during its 2016 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) last month in New Orleans, LA USA. 17 companies pitched their products. After deliberating, the 11-member panel of judges selected Hello Scout as the most innovative new startup.
Hello Scout connects hotel guests with local experts who can help them find hidden gems and book activities. All the interaction takes place over text message or app so that guests can use it while they're out exploring. Hello Scout has found that the service can dramatically improve a hotel's TripAdvisor rankings.
"Hotels are under enormous pressure to deliver cutting-edge and personalized service, while simultaneously keeping costs low," said David Temple, CEO and cofounder of Hello Scout. "Our service allows hotels to provide personal messaging to their guests without hiring or training staff. There's no recurring monthly cost to hotels since we make money via a service fee when guests book activities."
The three hour pitch competition took place on Monday, June 20, 2016. After the competition, Hello Scout was presented with a $5,000 USD check, a trophy and a Tech Talk speaking opportunity at HITEC 2016.
"This year's E20x competition featured top notch talent and judges," said E20X emcee and HFTP Global Vice President Lyle Worthington, CHTP. "All of the entrepreneurs inspired the large audience with their passion for technology and innovative, revolutionary ideas. This year's panel of judges was exceptional in the feedback and questions they provided each entrepreneur—their selection process for the Judge's Choice winner was meticulous and well deserved."
Hello Scout has launched in San Francisco and San Diego, and is currently working with hotels from brands like Viceroy, Joie De Vivre and Hilton.
About Hello Scout
Hello Scout offers a free personalized text messaging solution for hotels. The company has gained significant traction in the past year, working with brands like Viceroy and Joie de Vivre, as well as being named the 2016 Most Innovative Startup at HFTP"s HITEC conference. Hello Scout was founded in January 2015 by David Temple and Matt Sperling, with investment from Launch Fund, Slow Ventures, Social + Capital, and Click Ventures. For more information, visit www.helloscout.com.
