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Byway's mission is to make slow travel holidays mainstream.
Byway arrange no-fly holidays for eco-conscious travellers, where participants voyage by way of trains, boats, and buses only, spending time at local accommodation and hidden stop-off points along the way. It’s a neat idea, and the relatively young company has been getting some high-profile attention for it.
This is in part because Byway’s timing has been astute. Firstly, their model chimes neatly with the growing interest in low-carbon, low-impact activities that have been a major part of public conversation over recent years. Secondly, it dovetails with the renewed interest in ‘staycations’ following the period of restricted international travel. And finally, it pitches itself at that evergreen category of traveller keen to experience something a little more local and authentic on their travels - see, for example, the success of platforms like Atlas Obscura, or (arguably) Airbnb.
Byway are enjoying resounding approval from customers, which is remarkable given the operational complexity of timetabling these kinds of journey. With eco-focused trends expected to continue going forwards, and the firm foundation that Byway have laid for themselves in these first few years, the innovative company could go on to have real industry impact.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Jul 2024
$6.5m
SERIES A
Jul 2021
$1.4m
GRANT
Cat Jones
(CEO)Spent ten years at Unruly, ultimately serving as the Global SVP of Data, before moving on to work as Managing Director of Travel and Media at Founders Factory.
All
Meaningful work (2)
Team energy (2)
Inspiring mission (2)
Growing fast (2)
Opportunities to learn (1)
Open and honest communication (1)
Flexible working (1)
Innovative product (1)
I joined Byway because of their mission that aligns so so strongly with my own. They're a hugely value-driven business that does not lose sight of the core mission to make flight-free travel mainstream.
Product
Inspiring mission
Aug 2022
Byway are the first company to be developing dynamic flight-free journey planning that is already disrupting the status-quo of carbon-intensive travel.
Product
Innovative product
Aug 2022
Emerging directly out of the COVID pandemic, Byway has flourished amid changing attitudes towards travel. Growing public awareness of the impact of aviation and irresponsible tourism has propelled Byway into the media spotlight as one of the most up-and-coming sustainable travel companies, which is also reflected month-by-month in our revenue growth. It's so motivating to be part of such a high-growth company.
Product
Growing fast
Aug 2022
At Byway we are working on greenfield projects with the potential to make a high, positive social impact. Not only to address climate change but to also lift up and support local communities through sustainable tourism.
Software Engineering
Meaningful work
Aug 2022
I've been encouraged to tackle chunky piece of work that felt way out of my comfort zone, but with the right support and encouragement I've surprised myself with how much my confidence and knowledge has grown in just the past 6 months alone.
Software Engineering
Opportunities to learn
Aug 2022
The weekly team meetings are great for keeping up to date with the company direction. Everyone is invited and encouraged to contribute / challenge decisions. Having a voice in such a friendly and open working environment really does make me feel valued and respected. I can speak up when I need more clarity or support. It's the first time I've found peace with my imposter syndrome.
Software Engineering
Open and honest communication
Aug 2022
I joined Byway because the mission is directly linked to sustainability. The concept of slow travel could transform the world and it's amazing to be a part of that change. It's good to be surrounded by like-minded people.
Marketing
Inspiring mission
Aug 2022
The passion and energy at Byway is nothing I've experienced before. The whole team are full of ideas and love to problem solve. Being around this energy is inspiring!
Marketing
Team energy
Aug 2022
Byway is big on flexible working, meaning that you can spread 80 hours over two weeks however you like (as long as you let your team know etc.). This is so useful for fitting in 'life' stuff and creates a much better work/life balance.
Marketing
Flexible working
Aug 2022
The tech we're building is going to change the way people travel! Flying is one of the worst single thing you can do for the environment and but flight free multi-stop land transport can get complicated. Solving this complexity with tech and making slow travel mainstream is a massive environmental win. Not only that but it's a B Corp so values so much more than carbon reduction. It's very motivating to be part of a mission and values-led company.
Marketing
Meaningful work
Aug 2022
Byway is a start-up born in the pandemic. The business is growing fast for a new start-up both in terms of people and revenue. But they are very mindful of sustainable growth that means the company has longterm goals. For example they are very considerate of burnout, they monitor ROI very closely to make sure acquisition costs are sensible and customer satisfaction isn't taking a dip with growth. I can see it being many many times the size in the future which is great for employees as we are shareholders!
Marketing
Growing fast
Aug 2022
It's rare to find a company where the work gives you energy. It's so nice to feel hyped instead of zapped at the end of the day. I've learned so much from my colleagues and also because it's a small (but growing) team so you get exposure to many parts of the business. Everyone on the team loves supporting each other and that means change happens super fast. The CEO and founder, Cat, also has an infectious energy which is very motivating!
Marketing
Team energy
Aug 2022