Payments-first OTA Laters.com raises $1.5M in seed funding
The fresh capital will help the startup grow, expand its core business and add new products and verticals., CredSpark is a powerful, interactive content platform that helps organizations maximize the potential of their audience. What don't
Source
PhocusWire https://www.phocuswire.com/news/startups/laters-raises-seed-funding
What It Says
Laters.com, an Online Travel Agency (OTA) formerly known as Fly Fairly, has secured $1.5 million in seed funding. The round was led by XBO Ventures, the investment wing of digital asset platform XBO.com. The platform distinguishes itself through a "payments-first" approach, offering flight bookings via Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and cryptocurrency. The capital is earmarked for brand growth and expansion into additional travel products and verticals.
Why It Matters
This funding highlights a shift in how travelers, particularly younger and tech-savvy demographics, prefer to finance high-ticket travel purchases. As travelers move away from traditional credit card networks toward digital assets and flexible installment plans, the friction of payment becomes a competitive battleground. For the short-term rental industry, the successful scaling of a payments-centric OTA suggests that property managers and tech vendors may soon need to support a broader array of alternative payment rails to capture this market share.
Useful Signals
- Company: Laters.com (formerly Fly Fairly)
- Lead Investor: XBO Ventures
- Core Technology: Alternative payment integration (Crypto and BNPL)
- Growth Target: Expansion into new verticals beyond flight search
STR Tech Report Take
While Laters.com is currently focused on air travel, its intention to expand into "new products and verticals" makes it a startup to watch for STR operators. The "Buy Now, Pay Later" trend is already gaining traction in the rental space through platforms like Affirm or Klarna. However, the integration of cryptocurrency as a primary booking method remains a niche. If Laters.com successfully applies its model to the private accommodation sector, it could provide a new distribution channel for hosts targeting digital nomads and crypto-native travelers who prefer to "turn digital assets into something people actually spend."
Original Source
https://www.phocuswire.com/news/startups/laters-raises-seed-funding
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