Blue Startups Cohort 8 alumni Hostfully, a leading property management platform and provider of award-winning digital guidebooks, has announced a major investment from Dallas-based growth investment firm Blue Star Innovation Partners (BSIP). This partnership represents an important next chapter as the company continues to empower short-term and vacation rental property managers worldwide.
Finding the Right Fit with BSIP
From their early days in Blue Startups, Hostfully has been focused on creating innovative solutions that make life easier for hosts and property managers. As the vacation rental industry matures, they’ve sought partners who not only share their vision but bring deep expertise to help accelerate growth.
BSIP quickly emerged as the right fit. Cameron Barragan, Partner at BSIP, shared:
“After getting to know the Hostfully team and product, as well as learning more about the company’s strategic direction, we found tight alignment with our values and vision for the short-term rental market. We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with what we believe is the top PMS for emerging operators globally.”
With previous investments in Travel Net Solutions (Track), BSIP brings valuable industry knowledge to Hostfully’s leadership and Board of Directors. Importantly, while both companies serve the property management software space, there are no plans to merge. As BSIP Principal Matt Wappler explained:
“Since Hostfully and Track serve fundamentally different segments, we believe it’s important that both companies continue to operate independently, and remain laser-focused on delivering capabilities that meet the unique needs of each customer segment.”
What’s Next for Hostfully
For Hostfully’s team, customers remain at the heart of every decision. CEO and Co-Founder Margot Schmorak emphasized:
“Our relationships with our customers and partners will always be top priority. As we got to know the BSIP team, we learned about their founder-first approach and deep SaaS operating experience. With them, we will accelerate success for our customers and the short-term rental industry.”
With this new investment, Hostfully plans to:
- Double down on product development with more AI-driven services
- Explore new geographic markets to reach more operators worldwide
- Expand offerings beyond digital guidebooks, smart device management, and the PMS platform
Long-time investor Elaine Kunda, Managing Partner of Disruption Ventures, added:
“We couldn’t be happier to see how Hostfully has become a leader in the short-term rental industry. The company now has the ideal next partner for the massive opportunity ahead.”
From Cohort 8 to Industry Leader, Hostfully’s story is one of determination, innovation, and growth. During Cohort 8 at Blue Startups, the team honed their strategy, connected with mentors across the Pacific, and built relationships that continue to support them today. Their latest milestone with BSIP is a testament to the company’s vision and execution—and a proud moment for our ohana.
Congratulations to Margot Schmorak and the Hostfully team. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
