HLN Start-up Pitch
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The future of the hotel industry starts here! The hotel industry faces major challenges: rising energy and food costs, staff shortages, and tax increases that put pressure on margins. But where others see only problems, an opportunity lurks for those who dare to look ahead. Innovation is the key to making a difference and reshaping the industry.
On February 2, the HLN Start-up Pitch you the unique opportunity to meet three promising start-ups poised to transform the hospitality sector. These start-ups present pioneering solutions that will help your business not only survive, but thrive in challenging times. Their innovations focus on driving reviews, margins and growth - exactly what the sector needs right now.
This is more than a pitch. It's your chance to participate in an exclusive event for the top of the Dutch hospitality industry. You will have the chance to ask critical questions, have in-depth conversations with the founders, and vote for the most promising innovation that can shape the future of the industry.
Seize this opportunity to take the future of your hotel business into your own hands. Register today for the HLN Start-up Pitch and be inspired by the ideas that can make your business stronger and more successful.
Questions? Please call or email Stef Driessen of ABN AMRO
Previous winners
During the past Hotel Leaders Network editions of, several promising start-ups focused on the hotel industry were given the chance to present themselves. The audience was then given the chance to ask critical questions and a winner was declared.
By 2025, GroupZ declared the winner. Their innovative platform automates group bookings, giving staff more time for personalised hospitality and giving guests an exceptional experience.
In 2024, Runnr.ai was victorious when Michiel de Vor amazed the audience with their virtual concierge on WhatsApp, powered by generative AI.
In 2023, R8 Technologies, represented by Sebastiaan Jager, won. He managed to convince the room with Jenny, an innovative AI solution for optimizing climate control. With it, a hotel can achieve a significant reduction in energy costs without investment costs by means of small interventions.
In 2022 Solarix, after CEO Marloes van Heteren shared her perspective on the hotel industry and sustainable energy yields. She convinced attendees of the possibilities on hotel facade surfaces in which their coloured solar panels can be fully integrated as energy-generating facades.
Groupz
Groupz provides a platform that allows hotels to manage group reservations more efficiently and give guests a better experience.
Runner.ai
Runnr.ai offers a generative AI-driven virtual concierge on WhatsApp that proactively engages guests at every stage of their journey.
R8 Technologies
R8 Technologies offers a platform that allows hotels to manage group bookings more efficiently and give guests a better experience.
Solarix
Solarix designs and supplies coloured solar panels that can be fully integrated into energy-generating facades.
In doing so, they make energy generation an integral part of the (re)design strategy of buildings.