Summary:
Teen entrepreneurs founded Arcube after connecting at university.
Identified issues with airline loyalty programs that only 5% of flyers benefit from.
Developed AI-powered post-flight solution for upselling ancillaries.
Secured a partnership with Etihad Airways, generating $1.6 million in extra revenue.
Raised $1.5 million in seed funding to expand operations and engage with multiple airlines.
Our journey as co-founders began long before we met. Both of us shared an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, founding and selling companies as teens. After connecting at the University of Manchester, we decided to take a bold step and sent a cold-pitch email to a major airline in January 2022, which ultimately changed our lives.
Loyalty Rewards Frustration
As students flying regularly, we noticed that airlines’ loyalty programs weren’t benefiting most travelers. Only about 5% of flyers could utilize these programs, leading us to question how airlines were missing opportunities to promote loyalty. This frustration led to the birth of Arcube.
Post-Flight Perks
We began researching the airline industry, discovering that airlines often didn’t engage with passengers after flights. This gap presented an opportunity to promote post-flight upselling of ancillaries, which could enhance customer loyalty. Our idea was to create a platform that uses AI to analyze customer data and tailor offers based on their travel history.
Making a Connection
With funding from our previous ventures, we developed a working product and pitched it to Etihad Airways. To our surprise, they responded positively, and by June 2022, we had a deal. Over the next two years, Arcube helped 1,300 passengers customize their travel experiences, generating $1.6 million in additional revenue for Etihad and increasing customer spending by 10.3%.
Investors on Board
The success with Etihad attracted attention from investors. By February 2025, we had secured $1.5 million in seed funding, co-led by Fuel Ventures and Oxford Capital Partners. This funding is being used to grow our platform and expand our reach, with discussions ongoing with 14 airlines globally.
Airlines and Beyond
At just 21 years old, we believe Arcube can transform not only the airline industry but also travel sectors like car rentals and hotels. Our aim is to make travel loyalty programs beneficial for more than just the top 5% of customers. With proven results already, we’re excited about the future of Arcube and the impact we can make in the travel industry.
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