Investment in STR technology surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark over the past year, signaling growing confidence in the sector’s maturity and innovation, according to Abode Worldwide’s Short-Term Rental Tech Index 2026.
Capital Concentrates Around Scale and Systems
The year’s total was shaped by Hostaway’s record-breaking $365 million private-equity round, the largest ever in STR tech and accounting for more than half of all capital tracked.
Yet beyond that headline deal, investment flowed steadily across property management, guest operations, booking technology, and insurance tech. Wander secured $50 million for its operating system, WanderOS. Holidu raised €46 million to advance its AI-driven software and expand in France. Steadily’s $30 million Series C supported growth in tech-driven insurance, while Apaleo (€20 million Series B), Boom ($12.7 million), SuiteOp ($3 million seed), and Conduit ($3.1 million seed) each attracted capital aimed at streamlining operations and guest engagement.
Consolidation and Strategic Expansion
M&A activity continued reshaping the landscape. Casago’s $130 million acquisition of Vacasa redefined the North American market, while OYO’s Belvilla acquired Australian platform MadeComfy to expand internationally
These moves reflect a broader consolidation trend where well-funded PMS platforms are evolving into “compound systems” that unify operations, data, and guest experience.
From Disruption to Dependability
Jessica Gillingham, CEO of Abode Worldwide, noted the industry’s transition from rapid disruption to strategic dependability. “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,” she said.
AI continues to dominate product development, from guest messaging and automated reporting to predictive maintenance and in-stay personalization. “The data paints a picture of a maturing sector where investment is becoming more strategic,” Gillingham added, emphasizing that continued capital flow in a tough market environment highlights both the resilience of STR tech and its long-term relevance within hospitality.
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