Major new investor fast-tracks Rail Online growth

Major new investor fast-tracks Rail Online growth

Rail Online has secured a major new shareholder in form of global venture capital firm Dale Ventures, which has invested $2.5 million to acquire a 20 per cent stake in the online travel agent (OTA).

Dubai-based Dale Ventures is a personal investment holding group that partners with management teams to provide the strategic and analytic resources needed to drive growth and build long-term value.

Founder and chief executive Dale W. Wood said the company’s investment in Rail Online would empower the OTA to expand its operations in Australasia and Europe, while also creating opportunities in North America.

“The travel market has been waiting for a service like Rail Online since the advent of e-ticketing in the rail sector, and this desire is only bolstered by pent-up demand related to the pandemic,” Wood said.

“Digital ticketing is poised for major innovation, and the Rail Online team are ahead of their time.

“I am thrilled to be able to support their venture as they move toward making cheap, climate-conscious rail travel a reality for millions.”

Rail Online chief executive James Dunne said the backing of Dale Ventures would support the company in its goal to become “the world’s most valued and frequently used travel app for rail and public transport.

“With the rapid advancement of digital ticketing in the rail sector, it’s time for a new player and we’re it,” Dunne said.

Rail Online CEO James Dunne

The brainchild of former Rail Europe Australasia executives, James Dunne, Lachlan McCallum and Kew Muthalif, Rail Online launched in February 2022 with operations across Australia and the UK.

In Australia and New Zealand, the company offers travellers international rail passes throughout Europe and point-to-point rail journeys across the UK. Additional point-to-point rail journeys will soon be added across Europe and North America.

In 2021 Rail Online entered into a global agreement with rail technology leader SilverRail to offer customers a seamless booking experience, with competitive prices and the ability to self-manage any changes or refunds.

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