US-based online travel media company Atlas Obscura is raising $20m in a series B round led by short-term accommodation provider Airbnb, the Wall Street Journal has reported.
Atlas Obscura runs an online platform where users can view travel videos and stories from exotic destinations. It will put the funding towards the expansion of its destinations and local experiences offering.
Airbnb told WSJ in a statement: “As we grow, it is important that we maintain unique, high quality supply.
“With Atlas Obscura specialising in unusual and obscure travel destinations, this relationship continues to build on our intention to offer something more authentic and less mass-produced.”
The company had previously received in funding, $2m of which was provided by media companies New York Times Company and Graham Holdings, venture capital firm New Atlantic Ventures and various angel investors in 2015.
New York Times, New Atlantic Ventures and private investors Thomas Lehrman, Kevin Ryan, Henry Blodget and Bryan Goldberg added $2.5m the following year, before media company A&E Networks led a $7.5m series A round for Atlas Obscura in August 2017.
