GetGoing

GetGoing is a Redwood City, California-based travel technology company that develops cloud-based corporate travel solutions, including flight, hotel, and package shopping engines for travel management companies and global enterprises. Originally launched as a consumer-focused transparent opaque airfare platform, the business eventually pivoted to a dedicated business-to-business software model serving Fortune 500 corporations, major airlines, hotel chains, and online retailers. Prior to its asset acquisition by corporate travel giant BCD Travel in January 2016, the enterprise operated with a core team of 11 employees and successfully reached operational profitability during 2014. To support its platform development, the software provider raised approximately $10 million in venture capital funding from notable institutional investors including Lightbank, DST, I2BF Digital, and the startup accelerator Y Combinator. GetGoing was originally founded in 2011 by executive team members Alek Vernitsky, Ilya Gluhovsky, and Alek Strygin.

High-Level Overview

GetGoing is a travel technology company focused on simplifying business travel and expense management, primarily targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It offers a cloud-based platform that integrates travel booking, automated travel and expense policy compliance, real-time reporting, and traveler safety features into one easy-to-use system. By leveraging the expertise and global network of BCD Travel, GetGoing provides SMEs with access to corporate-grade travel management tools—such as policy automation, 24/7 expert support, and extensive travel inventory—without the complexity or cost typically associated with large enterprise solutions[1][4].

Originally a startup aiming to innovate in opaque airfare and hotel bookings, GetGoing pivoted to focus on corporate travel technology, enhancing the booking experience for business travelers and travel managers. Its product serves finance teams, HR professionals, office managers, and travelers by streamlining bookings, expense tracking, and compliance, ultimately saving time and reducing costs for businesses[2][4][6].

Origin Story

Founded in 2012 and incubated by Y Combinator, GetGoing was initially conceived as a consumer-facing travel brand offering a novel "transparent opaque" booking model for airfare and hotels. The founding team included Alek Vernitsky (CEO), Alek Strygin (COO), and Ilya Gluhovsky (CTO), who brought backgrounds in technology and travel innovation[2]. Despite early ambitions, the consumer product did not gain significant traction, prompting a strategic pivot in 2014 toward a cloud-based corporate travel solution tailored for SMEs. This shift aligned with BCD Travel’s needs, which later acquired GetGoing’s assets in 2016 to power its TripSource Hotels platform, blending global hotel inventory with a user-friendly interface for corporate travelers[5].

Core Differentiators

• Integration with BCD Travel: GetGoing leverages BCD Travel’s global reach, buying power, and travel expertise, providing SMEs access to benefits usually reserved for large enterprises[1][5].
• Simplicity and Automation: The platform automates travel and expense policies, ensuring compliance and reducing manual workload, with no installation or training required[4][6].
• Comprehensive Travel Inventory: Access to over 900,000 hotel properties worldwide and extensive flight options, combining global distribution systems and direct hotel contracts[5].
• Traveler Safety and Support: Real-time safety features and 24/7 expert support ensure employee well-being during travel[1][4].
• Unified Platform: Combines booking, expense management, payment processing, and reporting in one seamless interface, serving multiple stakeholders within a company[4][6].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

GetGoing rides the trend of digital transformation in corporate travel management, particularly the shift toward cloud-based, integrated platforms that simplify complex travel logistics for SMEs. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for cost control, traveler safety, and streamlined expense management in business travel post-pandemic. By bridging the gap between large-scale corporate travel solutions and SME needs, GetGoing influences the ecosystem by democratizing access to sophisticated travel management tools and promoting efficiency and compliance in business travel[1][5][7].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, GetGoing is positioned to deepen its impact on SME business travel by continuing to enhance automation, data-driven insights, and traveler safety features. Trends such as AI-driven personalization, sustainability in travel, and hybrid work models will likely shape its product evolution. As part of BCD Travel, GetGoing can leverage further resources and partnerships to expand its global footprint and innovate in travel technology, potentially influencing broader industry standards for SME travel management. Its journey from a consumer startup to a corporate travel enabler underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic alignment in the travel tech sector[1][5].