LAUNCHING earlier this year, the business is the brainchild of three former Rail Europe Aussie executives, James Dunne, Lachlan McCallum and Kew Muthalif, with the rail-focused online travel agency now eyeing serious growth plans after attracting key investment.
Dubai-headquartered Dale Ventures has acquired 20% of Rail Online for $2.5 million, providing crucial liquidity the business needs to expand operations to more parts of Australasia, as well as move on expansion opportunities in North America.
CEO of the venture capital firm, Dale Wood, stated its partial acquisition of Rail Online would empower the OTA to take full advantage of its savvy business model.
“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,” he added.
In Australia and New Zealand, the company offers travellers international rail passes throughout Europe and point-to-point rail journeys across the United Kingdom.
