Traveloka Leads Series B Funding for PouchNATION, Singapore-based Event Digitization Platform

PouchNATION today (26/6) announced the acquisition of series B funding led by Traveloka for an undisclosed amount. SPH Ventures is also involved in this funding. The product developed by the Singapore-based startup is a digitalization platform for various purposes event, the most notable of which is the NFC-based innovation for access to an event.

"We are impressed by the progress that has been made PouchNATION accomplished in disrupting the entertainment industry. And we are proud to support the team in developing their products, especially to take advantage of the synergy with Traveloka's main business, which is to provide solutions end-to-end related to travel and lifestyle needs," said VP of Revenue & Growth Traveloka Xperience, Sylvia Gunawan.

Sylvia also explained that this investment is part of the company's strategy to strengthen its position as a platform discovery. Some time ago Traveloka was active Introducing Xperience, a new channel that allows users to find various events and entertainment in different cities and countries. Including selling access tickets online.

"The company plans to scale up its business, from just being a service provider for events and venues, to being an entertainment platform that connects hundreds of thousands of visitors across Asia with e-commerce, brands, and other players who want to gain visibility and exposure to their target customers," said PouchNATION CEO Ilya Kravtsov.

Founded in 2014, PouchNATION developed a bracelet with an NFC sensor that allows event attendees to make cashless payments. Over time, they have evolved into a comprehensive platform for hosting events through the PunchEvent product line, PunchVenue and coming soon PouchDigital; includes providers of registration systems, ticketing, security access control, brand activation, data collection and management etc.

"We are excited to launch this new vertical to open up new client segments that currently still use traditional methods of managing venues and events. By digitizing and collecting more consumer data, we are on a mission to create a very new user acquisition channel in the region." continued PouchNATION COO David Rapaport.

Currently the PouchNATION system handles an average of $5 million monthly transaction value of various types of events. The distribution of its products has covered the markets of Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. In Indonesia, they are under the Jakarta-based PT Easy Touch Group.