HousMthr - The Smart App for Seamless Group Travel & Stay

HousMthr is an AI-powered app designed to streamline group travel by offering a comprehensive suite of tools. It simplifies the entire process, from coordinating room assignments, tracking expenses, centralized chat and managing shared calendars, to real-time location sharing and collaborative lists. Once the trip begins, HousMthr then leverages data and user preferences to keep guests informed and enhance on-trip execution, prioritizing both convenience and safety throughout the vacation.

HousMthr is currently in the post-launch stage of development, with a functional MVP (Minimum Viable Product) already available on both app stores. The app officially launched in April 2024, following a successful summer of prototype testing. We are seeing positive traction with over 600 users on a waitlist for beta tests of the MVP. Presently, the app is receiving 30 to 90 downloads per week, and we have around 250 active daily users engaging with the product.

While HousMthr is not yet generating revenue, it is growing its user base through strategic marketing and targeted testing in sel ect destinations, including Fire Island, the Hamptons, Jersey Shore, and Rehoboth. The feedback fr om these users, particularly those staying in short-term rental properties, has been overwhelmingly positive, with 82% of testers finding the app to be a stress reliever and 95% of groups using the app consistently throughout their stay for tools like shared lists, task calendars, and centralized group chat.

We are still in the process of completing our Friends and Family funding round to finish development and enhance the core features with AI and machine learning for on-trip risk mitigation and other advanced functionalities.

HousMthr’s target customers are groups of people traveling together, typically staying in short-term rental properties or sharing accommodation for events like vacations, weddings, music festivals, or group trips. These groups often consist of friends and family looking to organize their travel logistics seamlessly during the trip. The app is designed for millennial and Gen Z travelers (aged 25-45), who are comfortable using mobile technology and seek convenience, collaboration, and real-time communication during their trips. Many users belong to the middle-to-upper income demographic with a preference for experience-based travel, valuing the stress-reducing features of the app.

Location

Our primary market focus is currently on popular U.S. vacation destinations, including Fire Island, the Hamptons, Jersey Shore, and Rehoboth. However, the app’s tools can be applied globally, especially in tourism-heavy locations where group rentals or shared stays are common. Future expansion is anticipated in Europe, Australia, and other regions where short-term rentals and event-based travel are popular.

Hypothetical Market Size

The global short-term rental market is the main sector HousMthr operates within. In 2023, this market saw 1.3 billion bookings worldwide, translating to around 5.2 billion people involved in group stays (assuming an average of 4 people per booking). The Total Addressable Market (TAM) is valued at $186.192 billion globally. HousMthr’s Serviceable Available Market (SAM) targets 10% of this global short-term rental sector, equating to $18.6576 billion annually. Our Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) estimates capturing 5% of the SAM, which results in a potential of $932.88 million annually.

Local Market

In the U.S. alone, there were 450 million short-term rental bookings in 2023, a figure that reflects a growing interest in rental properties over traditional hotels. U.S. travelers, particularly in vacation hotspots such as Florida, California, and New York, tend to rent homes for family vacations or group getaways. The U.S. short-term rental market is experiencing consistent growth and is expected to continue expanding due to rising trends in group travel and remote work vacations.

Global Market and Trends

Globally, the short-term rental market is rising steadily. The growing popularity of platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com indicates a shift towards alternative accommodations, especially for groups. Additionally, the increasing number of people looking for experience-driven travel—where they rent homes, attend festivals, or take part in group events—is fueling this market’s expansion. According to industry forecasts, the market is expected to reach $220 billion by 2027 at a 7.5% CAGR.

Indirect Indicators & Future Potential

HousMthr’s focus on group management during travel is distinct from traditional booking platforms. The app positions itself as a trip execution tool, offering features like room management, task calendars, shared lists, and centralized group chat. These functionalities provide a value-added service for users of existing booking platforms, creating a new market niche that could potentially intersect with the event management and hospitality tech markets. With the rise of AI and machine learning integration in travel apps, HousMthr could capitalize on this emerging trend by providing on-trip risk management and personalized group travel assistance, giving it an edge over substitutes like manual planning tools and shared spreadsheets.

In conclusion, while HousMthr’s specific market segment (group trip execution) is still in its infancy, it is growing alongside the booming short-term rental market, providing opportunities for large-scale adoption both locally and globally.

HousMthr is solving the problem of managing and coordinating group travel, which is often stressful and disorganized. Traditional tools lack the functionality to effectively handle room assignments, expense tracking, itinerary changes, and real-time communication among travelers. This leads to confusion, miscommunication, and a less enjoyable travel experience.

HousMthr offers a comprehensive solution by providing a suite of tools designed specifically for group travel. Our app includes features for room management, expense tracking, shared calendars, and group chat, all integrated into a single platform. Additionally, HousMthr's AI and ML capabilities optimize on-trip execution by providing real-time updates, safety alerts, and personalized recommendations based on user preferences and live data. This ensures that all travelers are informed, safe, and can make the most out of their trip.

HousMthr operates in a relatively unique niche of on-trip execution for group stays, but it still faces competition fr om both direct competitors in the group travel management space and alternative solutions that users currently rely on. Here’s an overview of the competitive landscape:

Direct Competitors

1. Romie by Expedia
• Overview: Romie is one of the more direct competitors to HousMthr, having launched in 2024 as an app to help groups manage travel and accommodations. Since it’s backed by Expedia, Romie has a substantial advantage in terms of user base and visibility.
• Features: Romie offers travel planning, shared itineraries, and room management for group travelers, similar to HousMthr. However, Romie focuses more on pre-trip planning rather than on-trip execution.
• Market Share: While exact numbers for Romie are unavailable, Expedia Group dominates the online travel market, giving Romie an edge in distribution and marketing. Romie’s market penetration is growing, but it lacks the in-trip management focus that HousMthr offers.
2. Splitwise
• Overview: Splitwise is an app primarily focused on expense sharing for groups, making it a popular tool among travelers to manage costs for trips, dinners, and events.
• Features: The app is widely used for dividing bills and tracking expenses, but it lacks the more comprehensive group management tools that HousMthr offers, such as room management, task calendars, and risk mitigation features.
• Market Share: Splitwise has over 10 million users worldwide, but its use case is more general and not travel-specific. Many groups use it alongside other apps to manage different aspects of travel.
3. TripIt
• Overview: TripIt helps travelers organize their travel plans by creating a master itinerary. While not focused on group travel or on-trip needs, it’s a commonly used app for managing travel plans.
• Features: Users forward their flight, hotel, and activity confirmations to TripIt, and it creates an organized itinerary. TripIt doesn’t focus on group management, shared expenses, or on-trip execution.
• Market Share: TripIt is well-established with millions of users globally, but it caters more to individual travelers and business professionals, not groups, leaving space for HousMthr to capture group travel needs.
4. Travefy
• Overview: Travefy is a group trip planner that helps people coordinate travel, create shared itineraries, and manage expenses. It is designed to assist with planning group trips but doesn’t focus on in-trip management.
• Features: Travefy allows for itinerary building, but its focus is on the planning phase rather than real-time tools for group coordination during the trip.
• Market Share: Travefy is used by travel agents and group leaders but doesn’t have wide adoption among casual travelers, positioning it more as a planning tool.

Alternatives Currently Used by Customers

Many of HousMthr’s potential customers currently rely on disconnected alternatives to manage their group trips. These alternatives are typically generic tools rather than travel-specific solutions, and while they serve the purpose, they don’t provide the all-in-one, seamless experience that HousMthr does.

1. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Group Texts
• Overview: Groups often use these platforms to coordinate and communicate during trips. While they are effective for messaging, they lack any structured trip management features like room assignment, task management, or centralized calendars.
• Challenges: These platforms become cluttered and difficult to manage as the group grows, and they don’t provide any way to manage logistics, shared expenses, or on-trip coordination.
2. Google Docs or Excel Sheets
• Overview: Many groups use spreadsheets to manually track room assignments, packing lists, and shared costs. Google Docs or Sheets may be shared among the group, but this requires constant manual updates and lacks integration with the actual travel activities or real-time changes.
• Challenges: Spreadsheets can be cumbersome, especially for larger groups or dynamic trips wh ere plans frequently change.
3. Airbnb & VRBO
• Overview: While platforms like Airbnb and VRBO dominate the short-term rental market, they focus on booking accommodations, not on managing the trip once guests arrive. After booking, users often need to turn to other tools like messaging apps and spreadsheets to organize group logistics.
• Challenges: These platforms are designed to end their service after the booking is made, leaving groups to figure out the day-to-day trip management on their own.

Market Share of Alternatives

• Messaging Platforms: Widely adopted with billions of users, these platforms capture 90%+ of group communication but don’t specifically address group travel needs.
• Spreadsheets/Google Docs: Around 40% of group travelers may use some form of manual tracking via spreadsheets or docs for shared lists and expenses.
• Short-term Rental Platforms: Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms command over 70% of the short-term rental market but provide no post-booking trip management.

Market Development

The short-term rental market is growing rapidly, fueled by trends in group travel, remote work, and the desire for experience-driven vacations. The group travel niche itself is expanding as people seek more collaborative travel experiences. As such, demand for all-in-one group management solutions like HousMthr is also likely to grow. Current solutions, while functional, are fragmented, and customers often find themselves using multiple apps and tools to manage different parts of the trip.

HousMthr aims to fill this gap by offering an integrated, real-time toolset designed for on-trip execution, a segment that is currently underserved. The rise of AI and machine learning in travel management also positions HousMthr to capture the next wave of tech-driven, personalized travel experiences.

HousMthr’s primary indisputable advantage lies in its integration of on-trip execution tools combined with planned AI and machine learning features for risk and reward mitigation. These capabilities will allow HousMthr to provide real-time assistance, anticipate issues during the trip, and optimize group dynamics on the go. Here are the key aspects that are challenging for competitors to copy:

1. On-Trip Execution Focus:
• Unlike competitors that focus mainly on pre-trip planning (like Romie or Travefy), HousMthr emphasizes management and optimization during the trip. This includes room assignment, expense tracking, group coordination, task lists, and real-time adjustments. HousMthr stands out by addressing the challenges of group travel as they arise, offering proactive assistance rather than just planning tools.
2. AI and Machine Learning for Risk Mitigation (Planned Feature):
• HousMthr is set to incorporate AI-driven features to help manage group dynamics, alert users to potential risks, and suggest real-time adjustments based on location, preferences, and current conditions. For example, the AI could notify groups of potential delays, adjust schedules, or recommend nearby activities when plans change unexpectedly. This predictive functionality is unique and difficult for competitors to replicate without similar investment in AI and machine learning development.
3. Group-Centric Design:
• HousMthr is specifically built for group travel and shared stays, making it purpose-designed for handling the complexities of shared accommodation, group communication, and collaborative task management. Many other travel tools are individual-focused or broadly applicable to travel, but not purpose-built to facilitate the nuances of group stays.

Differentiators (Planned or Emphasized)

Since some features of HousMthr could be imitated by competitors, we emphasize several unique differentiators to stand out in the market:

1. Room and Bed Management:
• HousMthr enables users to assign rooms, swap accommodations, and even rent out extra space to travelers with similar interests. This feature supports dynamic group travel, where adjustments may be necessary depending on who joins the trip or stays longer. No other app currently facilitates this level of in-trip room management.
2. Shared Task Lists and Grocery Planning:
• HousMthr’s focus on shared shopping and packing lists, as well as coordinated grocery runs, adds a practical layer of utility for group stays, ensuring everyone stays organized. Competitors like Romie or TripIt don’t focus on these specific needs, which are common in group settings like vacation homes or extended rentals.
3. Centralized Group Chat with Real-Time Updates:
• While other apps like WhatsApp allow for group communication, HousMthr integrates this chat functionality directly into the app’s other features (like task management, expenses, and events). It provides a single platform for all coordination rather than requiring groups to juggle multiple apps for communication, planning, and execution.
4. Games, Challenges, and Social Engagement (Planned Feature):
• HousMthr plans to introduce fun and interactive group challenges that can be done during downtime, creating a gamified travel experience where groups can complete tasks and even challenge other nearby groups. This social element, connected to location and real-time interactions, is unique and will foster engagement beyond basic logistics.
5. On-Trip Data Collection for Property Owners:
• One of the planned future differentiators is on-trip data collection that benefits both guests and property owners. While HousMthr serves guests, it also plans to provide insights to property owners or managers about guest behavior, preferences, and needs during their stay, which could be valuable for multi-week rental properties. This insight allows for tailored services and a more personalized guest experience, something Airbnb or VRBO does not offer.
6. Focus on Multi-Week Rentals and Events:
• HousMthr is designed with a special focus on multi-week rentals and event-based stays like weddings, music festivals, or dorms, which require more robust on-trip tools. Competitors typically cater to shorter stays and don’t address the complexities involved in longer or event-based rentals.

Conclusion

HousMthr differentiates itself by addressing on-trip needs, offering group-centric management tools, and proactively mitigating risks during travel. Its planned integration of AI and machine learning for real-time optimization will be a defining and hard-to-copy feature. Even though competitors may replicate some aspects, HousMthr’s purpose-built features and focus on group travel execution—rather than just planning—set it apart in a growing niche.

HousMthr currently has a financial model in development, aligned with our MVP stage and ongoing user acquisition efforts. The pricing model is straightforward, designed to be affordable and attractive to our target market, with plans to generate revenue through a subscription-based model and in-app features.

Pricing Model

• Group Setup Fee: $5.99 per group or house setup. This fee allows users to initiate the use of HousMthr’s suite of tools for a group trip or shared accommodation.
• Individual Subscription: $2.99 monthly or $12.99 annually per user. This provides access to all features, including room management, task calendars, shared lists, centralized group chat, and other group travel tools.

Revenue Expectations Over the Next 5 Years

Given the size of the short-term rental market and HousMthr’s unique positioning, we expect significant growth as we expand into more vacation destinations, festivals, and event-based travel. Here’s a rough breakdown of expectations based on market penetration estimates:

1. Year 1 (2024):
• Focus on completing our Friends and Family funding round, further developing the MVP, and acquiring early adopters in select U.S. vacation markets.
• Projected 5,000 paid users by the end of Year 1.
• Estimated revenue: $300,000.
2. Year 2 (2025):
• Expand geographically to include major U.S. vacation destinations and Europe, ramping up marketing efforts.
• Target 50,000 paid users by the end of Year 2.
• Estimated revenue: $3 million.
3. Year 3 (2026):
• Increase partnerships with property management firms, introducing white labeling options and licensing opportunities.
• Target 200,000 paid users with a mix of group and individual users.
• Estimated revenue: $12 million.
4. Year 4 (2027):
• Incorporate AI and machine learning risk mitigation tools, potentially attracting additional revenue streams through data partnerships and retail affiliate marketing.
• Target 500,000 paid users.
• Estimated revenue: $30 million.
5. Year 5 (2028):
• HousMthr becomes an established tool for group travel and short-term rentals, expanding into new market segments such as corporate retreats, weddings, and music festivals.
• Target 1 million paid users globally.
• Estimated revenue: $75 million.

Key Financial Indicators (Projected)

• Gross Margin: Given that HousMthr is a software platform, we expect a high gross margin of 75-85% as our costs primarily consist of technology development, cloud services, and customer support.
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Initially projected to be $25-50 per user, with efforts to reduce this as word-of-mouth and viral growth increase due to network effects and strong referrals.
• Lifetime Value (LTV): Expected to be around $200-300 per user based on annual subscriptions and the assumption that users remain subscribed for an average of 2-3 years.

These projections are based on conservative estimates, with a focus on sustainable growth through user retention, data-driven personalization features, and eventual expansion into B2B licensing to property managers and event coordinators.

HousMthr operates on a freemium business model, offering basic features for free while providing premium features through a subscription plan. Our revenue streams include subscription fees, in-app purchases, and partnerships with local businesses and service providers. By integrating with other travel and accommodation services, we also generate affiliate revenue. Our focus on delivering a high-value user experience ensures that our customers see the benefit of upgrading to premium plans, driving sustainable revenue growth.

Here is the revised breakdown of the $1.25 million investment, incorporating the adjustments:

1. Product Development and Feature Enhancements (~12% or $150K)

• AI and Machine Learning Development: Continue building the AI and machine learning capabilities for on-trip risk and reward mitigation and real-time group coordination.
• App Feature Enhancements: Focus on improving UI/UX design and developing features such as real-time task management, room and bed management, and group challenges.
• Backend Infrastructure: Invest in cloud services and API integrations to ensure scalability as the user base grows globally.

2. White-Label Guest App for Property Managers/Hosts (~16% or $200K)

• Development of White-Label Solution: Build a customizable guest app that property managers or hosts can license and brand as their own, giving them access to HousMthr’s core features such as group coordination, room management, and task sharing.
• Integration with Property Management Systems (PMS): Develop API integrations to ensure smooth operation with PMS platforms used by property managers and real estate brokers.
• Partnership Building and Marketing: Allocate funds for outreach to property management firms and vacation rental owners, and provide marketing materials to support licensing efforts.

3. Marketing and User Acquisition (~30% or $375K)

• User Acquisition Campaigns: Target key vacation destinations and events through digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and content creation to build user awareness and increase downloads.
• Referral Programs: Implement referral programs to boost organic growth and user retention.

4. Sales and Business Development (~10% or $125K)

• Partnership Development: Build relationships with property management companies, retailers, and event organizers to expand the app’s reach and enter new markets.
• White-Label Licensing: Support sales efforts for licensing the white-label guest app to property managers and hosts.

5. Operations, Legal, and Compliance (~10% or $125K)

• Operational Infrastructure: Ensure proper customer support systems, legal compliance for data privacy, and handling of increased user activity.
• Data Security and Privacy: Invest in GDPR compliance and other security protocols to protect user data.

6. Team Expansion and Hiring (~12% or $150K)

• Key Hires: Focus on hiring AI engineers, marketing experts, and business development professionals to accelerate product development, marketing, and partner acquisition efforts.

7. Contingency and Buffer (~10% or $125K)

• Contingency Fund: Allocate for unforeseen challenges, such as market shifts or development delays.

Summary of Expenditures:

1. Product Development: $150K (~12%)
2. White-Label Guest App Development: $200K (~16%)
3. Marketing and User Acquisition: $375K (~30%)
4. Sales and Business Development: $125K (~10%)
5. Operations, Legal, and Compliance: $125K (~10%)
6. Team Expansion and Hiring: $150K (~12%)
7. Contingency Fund: $125K (~10%)

We are looking for an investment of $1.25 million, and we are flexible in terms of the equity offered. The exact percentage will depend on HousMthr’s current valuation and the strategic value the investor brings to the table. We believe in creating a partnership that aligns both parties’ goals, and we are open to discussing terms that work for both sides. We expect to finalize the equity percentage during negotiations once we have a mutual understanding of the company’s growth potential and market position.

While HousMthr is positioned to address a growing need in the travel and group stay market, several risks could potentially hinder its success. These risks range fr om market challenges to competitive threats and technological shifts. Here are the key risks identified for HousMthr:

1. Competitive Behavior

• Established Players Entering the Space: Companies like Expedia (Romie), Airbnb, and Booking.com have vast resources and an established user base, making it easier for them to integrate similar on-trip management tools into their platforms. If a competitor with more market power or better funding introduces similar features, it could make it difficult for HousMthr to gain or maintain market share.
• Feature Copying: Many of HousMthr’s differentiators, such as task lists, room management, or centralized group chat, are not impossible to replicate. If a well-funded competitor quickly integrates similar features into their platform, it could reduce HousMthr’s unique value proposition. HousMthr must continuously innovate, especially with planned AI and machine learning features, to stay ahead.

2. Market Adoption Risks

• User Reluctance to Adopt New Apps: Many travelers are accustomed to using multiple tools (like Google Docs, messaging apps, and spreadsheets) to manage group trips. Convincing them to transition to a single, all-in-one platform may face resistance, especially if they feel comfortable with the status quo. Without a strong marketing push and clear communication of value, HousMthr could struggle with adoption.
• Low Switching Costs: If users are already using other platforms like WhatsApp or Splitwise, the cost of switching to HousMthr may be perceived as low, meaning users could easily revert to their original tools if they encounter any friction or if they don’t see immediate value.

3. Technological Risks

• Rapid Technological Changes: The travel tech space is fast-evolving, and new technologies could emerge that disrupt HousMthr’s core offering. For example, advances in voice assistants, AI-powered virtual travel agents, or new communication platforms could make some of HousMthr’s features (such as group coordination or real-time alerts) redundant or outdated. Keeping pace with technological trends will require constant investment and development.
• AI and Machine Learning Integration Challenges: While HousMthr plans to incorporate AI and machine learning for on-trip optimization and risk mitigation, the development and implementation of these features are complex. If the AI fails to deliver useful, accurate, or timely recommendations, it could lead to user frustration and undermine the app’s reputation for being proactive and intelligent.

4. Economic and Market Conditions

• Travel Industry Crisis: The travel industry is highly susceptible to economic downturns, global crises, and natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, severely impacted global travel for an extended period. A similar global event or an economic recession could decrease group travel, impacting HousMthr’s user base and ability to generate revenue.
• Short-Term Rental Market Changes: If there are regulatory changes or shifts in the short-term rental market (such as stricter regulations or limitations on vacation rentals in key cities), this could reduce the overall demand for group stays. Additionally, if travel preferences shift back to hotels or traditional accommodations, it could lim it the market for group management tools tailored to short-term rentals.

5. Monetization Challenges

• Difficulty in Converting Free Users to Paid Users: While HousMthr’s current pricing model is designed to be accessible, users may be hesitant to pay for features they perceive as secondary to their travel experience. If the value of HousMthr is not immediately clear or if users find workarounds using free alternatives (like messaging apps or spreadsheets), it could limit revenue growth.
• Partner Dependence: HousMthr plans to integrate with retail and insurance partners, as well as property managers in the future. If partnerships fail to materialize or if partners are slow to adopt HousMthr’s features, this could limit its ability to generate revenue from affiliate sales or white-labeling opportunities.

6. Customer Retention Risks

• Low Engagement Post-Trip: HousMthr is primarily focused on group travel execution. Once a trip is complete, the app may have limited use unless there are features that encourage repeat engagement (e.g., planning the next trip, accessing trip memories, or joining travel communities). If users don’t return after a trip, it could be challenging to maintain a steady user base.
• Seasonal Usage: Depending on the focus of the product, usage might be seasonal (e.g., summer vacations, festival seasons, or holiday trips), which could lead to inconsistent revenue throughout the year. If HousMthr fails to expand into other areas like corporate travel or event management, it could face periods of low activity.

7. Operational and Financial Risks

• Scaling Challenges: As HousMthr grows, scaling the product to handle larger groups, more complex itineraries, or international trips could present operational challenges. This includes maintaining a stable app experience, ensuring customer support, and managing data privacy concerns as the user base expands globally.

None to date

None to date