LONDON, 20 October 2025 — More than half a billion dollars has been invested in short-term rental (STR) technology in the last year, according to Abode Worldwide’s Short-Term Rental Tech Index 2026.
The Index, which tracks over 300 technology providers worldwide, captures a year of continued funding and consolidation across the STR ecosystem. Investment spanned property management, guest operations, booking technology, and insurtech, reflecting the sector’s growing maturity and depth of innovation.
The year’s total was heavily influenced by Hostaway’s $365 million private equity raise, the largest single transaction ever recorded in the STR technology space and a deal that alone accounted for more than half of all capital tracked.
Beyond that, venture activity remained steady. Holidu (€46 million) and Wander ($50 million Series B) both secured significant growth funding, joined by a mix of mid- and early-stage rounds from Steadily ($30 million, Series C), Apaleo (€20 million, Series B), Boom ($12.7 million), SuiteOp ($3 million, seed), and Conduit ($3.1 million, seed). Together, these illustrate how investment continues to support both established platforms and new entrants across the STR tech stack.
The Index also records notable merger and acquisition activity, including Casago’s $130 million acquisition of Vacasa in North America and OYO’s Belvilla acquiring MadeComfy in Australia — evidence of continued consolidation and cross-market expansion across the sector.
While global venture funding across travel and technology has remained below the highs of 2021–2022, Abode Worldwide’s analysis shows that capital continues to flow through STR technology – increasingly concentrated among larger, established players but still reaching early-stage innovators focused on automation, efficiency, and guest experience.
Jessica Gillingham, CEO and Founder of Abode Worldwide, said: “The data paints a picture of a maturing sector where investment is becoming more strategic. Large-scale funding rounds are still shaping the headlines, but what’s most telling is the steady stream of capital supporting specialist tools and operational technologies.
“Investment is now gravitating toward platforms that solve real operational challenges and underpin professional growth. It’s less about disruption and more about dependable, scalable technology. The continued flow of capital, even in a more selective market, underlines both the resilience of the STR sector and its long-term significance within the wider accommodation economy.”
The Short-Term Rental Tech Index 2026 maps the companies, products, and funding shaping the STR ecosystem across 26 technology categories – including property management, guest experience, revenue optimisation, sustainability, and safety. The Index also includes insight from senior industry figures such as Richard Vaughton (YES Consulting), Rebecca Cribbin (Holiday Rental Specialists), and Terry Whyte (Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals).
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Notes to editors:
All funding figures and company activity referenced are accurate as of October 10, 2025.
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About Abode Worldwide
Abode Worldwide is an award-winning strategic communications and public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profiles of transformative technology solutions and enterprise-level operators in the global short-term rental, multifamily, hotel, student accommodation, coliving, and senior living sectors. Situated at the intersection of work, life, and play in the property and hospitality markets, Abode Worldwide delivers strategic PR programmes that drive innovation and growth. Learn more at abodeworldwide.com.
