Plug and Play helps startups up in the technology space grow their businesses and connect with established major players in their sectors, like American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT). Across all of its verticals, Plug and Play has more than 100,000 startups in its orbit, based in over 60 countries.
As an anchor member of the travel and hospitality vertical, Amex GBT will have greater influence over the startup ecosystem at Plug and Play, having input into its strategic direction and the technologies and startups selected for the vertical.
“Startups bring fresh perspectives, bold ideas and the agility to challenge how we think,” said Amex GBT’s vice president of complete and select solutions, Erica Antony.
“By collaborating with emerging innovators through accelerators like Plug and Play, we gain access to breakthrough technologies and diverse thinking that push us to innovate faster – while helping these startups grow.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the next generation of travel innovators to learn, test new approaches and bring the best ideas to our customers.”
Managing partner of Plug and Play, Amir Amidi, called Amex GBT “an ideal member” for the travel and hospitality startup accelerator due to the company’s “commitment to innovation and deep customer relationships across a variety of sectors”.
“We look forward to connecting their teams with strategically-aligned technologies to solve for the business travel industry’s unique challenges and drive innovation through connection.”
Other members of Plug and Play in the travel and hospitality sector include Flight Centre Travel Group, Accor, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, All Nippon Airways and several airports.
