How This Travel Company Scored Big by Playing It Safe Meet one of the companies on the E360 index that fits in the 'controllers' category.

By Entrepreneur Staff

Courtesy of Zozi
Slow build: TJ Sassani of Zozi.

This company was included in our Entrepreneur360™ Performance Index coverage.

To say the travel industry presents challenges for a startup would be an understatement. For starters, the industry is highly fragmented, with tens of thousands of operators around the world. Also, many merchants are behind the technology curve, which means centralizing them onto one platform can be like herding cats.

Perhaps this explains why San Francisco-based Zozi, which provides online booking software for travel outfitters, has been playing it safe. According to founder and CEO TJ Sassani, the company spent its first three years being primarily angel- financed, with dozens of investors writing relatively small checks. Only after Zozi had a steady base of customer accounts did Sassani seek venture money to help speed along growth.

"We have had no problem building this gradually," he says, noting that the company has raised a total of $60 million.

In terms of employees, Zozi's philosophy is simple: The company prides itself on team play, yet executives drive decision-making -- no ifs, ands or buts.

Zozi's goal is to hit $1 billion in gross transactions, a milestone Sassani expects to achieve in 2016. A secondary objective is to get to 20,000 merchants by next year, a number that would make Zozi about half the size of OpenTable. From there, of course, the plan is about as traditional as they come: filing for an IPO.

Wavy Line
Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Business News

'All Hell Is Going to Break Loose': Barbara Corcoran Issues Warning About Real Estate Market, Interest Rates

The "Shark Tank" star appeared on FOX Business' "The Claman Countdown" this week.

Business News

This Is the Most Loved Company of 2023, According to a New Report

A new Axios and Harris Poll ranked the 100 most visible U.S. companies.

Branding

How I Made Money From My Book Without Selling a Single Copy

Did you know you can make money with a book without selling copies? Here's exactly how I did it.

Money & Finance

3 Ways to Create Multiple (Big) Streams of Income

Here are three ways to create multiple streams of income. These strategies require effort and resources but offer significant financial potential.

Business News

Lululemon Stock Surges After Strong Q1 Earnings Report, With Massive Earnings Overseas

The athleisure brand reported net revenue growth of 24% in the first quarter of 2023.

Branding

Finding Your Brand Voice — How to Write Copy That Sounds Like You

Here's how to nail your brand voice so you can differentiate yourself and build your business in an authentic way.