Indonesian travel tech unicorn Traveloka led the Series B investment round in Singapore-based event technology platform, PouchNation, which was also joined by SPH Ventures.
PouchNation offers B2B event solutions based on Near Field Communication (NFC). It started as a cashless payment wristband for events in 2014. Over time, PouchNation has evolved to offer a range of solutions for event organizers, theme parks and hospitality venues from registration, to access control or security, cashless payments, brand activations, and data collection.
The startup has worked with a number of big events in the region including Zoukout and Beerfest Asia in Singapore, Good Vibes in Malaysia, Bali Marathon in Indonesia, and Sensation in Thailand.
The partnership between Traveloka and PouchNation further strengthens Traveloka’s commitment to grow beyond its core businesses of flight and hotel tickets. Earlier this month, the company launched a sub-brand called Traveloka Xperience which allows users discover travel and lifestyle-related activities, ranging from travel tours, salons and spas, event and film tickets, to various courses and workshop recommendations. Users can book these activities from Traveloka’s website and app.
“PouchNation technology is focusing on offline execution while Traveloka is more on online ticket sales. As part of the partnership, PouchNation and Traveloka’s system will be integrated and we will be Traveloka’s on-ground technology partner,” PouchNation’s CEO Ilya Kravtsov told KrASIA.
Moreover, PouchNation aims to move forward from being just a service provider for events and venues to being a leading entertainment platform. It will connect event-goers and attraction seekers across Asia with e-commerce giants, brands and other players seeking to get visibility and exposure among their target customers.
In addition to its two existing products, PouchEvents and PouchVenues, the company will launch its third line of product called PouchDigital this year, providing low-cost solutions for low budget with high-volume events. The company currently has offices in Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.