Wheel the World Raises $2M for Accessible Travel | Unlimited Experiences

The Genesis of Wheel the World

The concept for the Wheel the World travel booking platform originated with Alvaro Silberstein and Camilo Navarro. Their inspiration stemmed from a 2016 journey to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.

Initially, Silberstein, who uses a wheelchair due to a teenage car accident resulting in paralysis, believed such a trip would be exceptionally challenging. However, it ultimately proved to be an unforgettable experience.

Overcoming Obstacles and Pioneering Accessible Travel

A successful crowdfunding initiative facilitated a preliminary scouting expedition and the acquisition of a cutting-edge hiking wheelchair. Silberstein, with the support of Navarro and their network, became the first individual to complete the Patagonia trek in a wheelchair.

While pursuing graduate studies at UC Berkeley in 2018, they formalized their vision by launching Wheel the World. Their goal was to provide accessible travel options for others facing similar mobility challenges.

Growth and Investment

Within three years, approximately 1,300 travelers had booked trips through the company’s website. Based in Berkeley, California, Wheel the World currently features over 400 listings spanning more than 50 destinations.

On Monday, the company announced a $2 million seed funding round. This was led by Chile Global Ventures and Dadneo, with additional support from Plug N Play Ventures and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki.

“Our core mission is to create a world that is accessible to everyone,” Silberstein stated.

The Accessibility Mapping System

Wheel the World employs an Accessibility Mapping System to gather over 200 data points regarding hotels. This includes precise hotel room measurements.

This data is then digitized to create a marketplace where travelers can assess whether a specific room will accommodate their individual needs. Users create profiles detailing their accessibility requirements, and Wheel the World provides tailored recommendations.

Expanding the Market and Empowering Travelers

The company collaborates with hotels and tour operators to cater to this emerging travel segment. Navarro highlighted that approximately 1 billion people globally live with disabilities, alongside a substantial network of family and friends who would participate in travel plans.

“Addressing the needs of the disability travel market represents a global opportunity exceeding $100 billion,” Silberstein emphasized.

A 2020 report by the Open Doors Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting accessibility, indicated that travelers with disabilities undertook 81 million trips in 2018 and 2019, spending $58.7 billion on travel alone.

Future Plans and Expansion

Silberstein and Navarro intend to utilize the new funding to enhance Wheel the World’s software, expand their team, and increase the number of travel listings on the platform.

Navarro anticipates exceeding 3,000 listings by the close of 2022. The company currently employs 23 individuals, with plans to double that number within the next year.

Resilience and Recovery

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the founders leveraged the downtime to refine their system and clarify their value proposition.

Their efforts have yielded positive results, with the company reporting its highest monthly performance for each of the past three months, according to Silberstein.

“We are observing a resurgence in travel inventory, increased vaccination rates, and are actively expanding our offerings to cater to travelers seeking both domestic and international destinations,” he added.