Business Travel Startup Arbitrip Expands to London

Tel Aviv-based business travel startup Arbitrip, incorporated as Arigato Advanced Travel Technology Ltd., has opened a new office in London, the company announced Tuesday. The new office is intended to help the company break into the U.K. and European markets.

Arbitrip operates an online service for companies to book hotel rooms for their employees. The company uses machine learning algorithms to study user preferences and booking requirements and scours the web for matching accommodations. Arbitrip's economic model is not based on payment for the use of the system, but on fees from hotels and suppliers with whom they work, similar to travel agencies. The company has raised $5 million to date and lists companies including HP, NYSE-listed online gig marketplace Fiverr Int. Ltd. and international accounting firm BDO as customers.