Valpas Revolutionizes Pest Control Industry with Innovative Bed Bug Solution
June 27, 2024, 3:35 pm
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Helsinki
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2013
Total raised: $4.29M
Valpas, a pioneering startup based in Helsinki, Finland, has recently secured a substantial €4 million in Seed funding to address the escalating issue of bed bug infestations in hotels worldwide. The funding comes at a critical time as bed bugs are rapidly developing immunity to traditional pesticide-based products, posing a significant threat to public health and the hospitality industry.
Hotels have been identified as "superspreaders" of bed bugs, with an alarming statistic revealing that one in every 33 hotel rooms is infected by these resilient pests. The financial toll on the hospitality sector is staggering, with an estimated €15 billion lost annually due to bed bug-related incidents. These blood-sucking insects are adept at hitching rides in luggage, quickly infesting rooms, and spreading to new locations, making them a formidable challenge for hotel operators and travelers alike.
Founded in 2017, Valpas has emerged as a beacon of hope in the fight against bed bugs with its innovative, pesticide-free solution. At the heart of Valpas' technology is a set of smart anti-bed bug bed legs that effectively neutralize bed bugs carried by guests during their first night in a room, preventing them from spreading and ensuring a clean and safe environment 24/7. The bed bugs, attracted to the CO2 humans exhale while sleeping, are lured into the legs by a unique material design, and subsequently identified and disposed of using IoT and AI-enabled mobile app technology.
Valpas has already made significant strides in the industry, partnering with over 300 hotels under premium brands such as Accor Hotels, The Luxury Collection, and Design Hotels in more than 40 destinations across Europe, Mexico, and Japan. This strategic collaboration has sparked a revolution among hoteliers, who are now committed to offering guests rooms that are permanently bed bug-safe and pesticide-free, setting a new standard of hospitality excellence.
Martim Gois, CEO and Co-Founder of Valpas, emphasized the critical importance of their solution, stating, "No travel or home insurance covers the cost and pain of a bed bug infestation at home. Nearly every infestation at home comes after a night in a hotel or rental bed. By staying at a Valpas affiliated hotel, travelers know the room they get is clean and the hotel keeps them safe."
The recent Seed funding round was led by Zenith VC, with participation from prominent investors such as Icebreaker VC, Finnish Industry Investment, Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund, Activum SG Ventures, Houghton Street Ventures, Rockaway Ventures, and Morrow Ventures. Erik Lindblad, Partner and CEO at Zenith VC, expressed confidence in Valpas' potential to become a global leader in the pest control industry, citing their seamless and effective solution to a pressing industry challenge.
The infusion of capital will enable Valpas to scale up production of their innovative technology, ensuring that rooms are kept bed bug-safe around the clock to meet the anticipated surge in demand ahead of major international events such as the Paris Olympics and European Football Championship. Additionally, the funds will be allocated towards forging key partnerships with travel booking agents and platforms, streamlining the process for travelers to identify and select bed bug-safe accommodations.
In conclusion, Valpas is at the forefront of transforming the pest control landscape with its groundbreaking bed bug solution. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to safety and sustainability, Valpas is reshaping the hospitality industry and setting a new standard for cleanliness and guest satisfaction. With the support of strategic investors and a dedicated team, Valpas is poised to become a global category winner in the fight against bed bugs.
Hotels have been identified as "superspreaders" of bed bugs, with an alarming statistic revealing that one in every 33 hotel rooms is infected by these resilient pests. The financial toll on the hospitality sector is staggering, with an estimated €15 billion lost annually due to bed bug-related incidents. These blood-sucking insects are adept at hitching rides in luggage, quickly infesting rooms, and spreading to new locations, making them a formidable challenge for hotel operators and travelers alike.
Founded in 2017, Valpas has emerged as a beacon of hope in the fight against bed bugs with its innovative, pesticide-free solution. At the heart of Valpas' technology is a set of smart anti-bed bug bed legs that effectively neutralize bed bugs carried by guests during their first night in a room, preventing them from spreading and ensuring a clean and safe environment 24/7. The bed bugs, attracted to the CO2 humans exhale while sleeping, are lured into the legs by a unique material design, and subsequently identified and disposed of using IoT and AI-enabled mobile app technology.
Valpas has already made significant strides in the industry, partnering with over 300 hotels under premium brands such as Accor Hotels, The Luxury Collection, and Design Hotels in more than 40 destinations across Europe, Mexico, and Japan. This strategic collaboration has sparked a revolution among hoteliers, who are now committed to offering guests rooms that are permanently bed bug-safe and pesticide-free, setting a new standard of hospitality excellence.
Martim Gois, CEO and Co-Founder of Valpas, emphasized the critical importance of their solution, stating, "No travel or home insurance covers the cost and pain of a bed bug infestation at home. Nearly every infestation at home comes after a night in a hotel or rental bed. By staying at a Valpas affiliated hotel, travelers know the room they get is clean and the hotel keeps them safe."
The recent Seed funding round was led by Zenith VC, with participation from prominent investors such as Icebreaker VC, Finnish Industry Investment, Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund, Activum SG Ventures, Houghton Street Ventures, Rockaway Ventures, and Morrow Ventures. Erik Lindblad, Partner and CEO at Zenith VC, expressed confidence in Valpas' potential to become a global leader in the pest control industry, citing their seamless and effective solution to a pressing industry challenge.
The infusion of capital will enable Valpas to scale up production of their innovative technology, ensuring that rooms are kept bed bug-safe around the clock to meet the anticipated surge in demand ahead of major international events such as the Paris Olympics and European Football Championship. Additionally, the funds will be allocated towards forging key partnerships with travel booking agents and platforms, streamlining the process for travelers to identify and select bed bug-safe accommodations.
In conclusion, Valpas is at the forefront of transforming the pest control landscape with its groundbreaking bed bug solution. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to safety and sustainability, Valpas is reshaping the hospitality industry and setting a new standard for cleanliness and guest satisfaction. With the support of strategic investors and a dedicated team, Valpas is poised to become a global category winner in the fight against bed bugs.