# Bob W.

> Bob W. - short for 'Best of Both Worlds' - is a Helsinki-founded, tech-powered aparthotel operator offering design-led, sustainability-focused apartments across European cities. It blends the consistency of a hotel with the space and local character of an apartment, running an in-house technology stack for self-service check-in, a 24/7 app-based virtual host, and automated operations. Founded in 2018 by Niko Karstikko and Sebastian Emberger, the company operates in roughly a dozen countries and close to 20 cities, positioning itself as a lower-carbon, lower-cost alternative to both traditional hotels and short-term rentals.

- **Founded:** 2018
- **Headquarters:** Helsinki, Finland
- **Founders:** Niko Karstikko (Co-founder & CEO), Sebastian Emberger (Co-founder)
- **Team size:** ~300 employees
- **Products:** Tech-powered aparthotels, Bob W. guest app, Bob's Rewards loyalty program, Corporate & extended stays, Sustainability program
- **Notable:** Raised over EUR 70M in total funding since 2020, including a EUR 40M Series B in February 2024., Backed by high-profile founders including Wise's Taavet Hinrikus and Supercell's Mikko Kodisoja., Reports ~3.78kg CO2e per guest-night versus a European hotel average around 12kg - roughly 69% lower.

## Products & services

- **Tech-powered aparthotels** — Design-led studio and apartment stays in European cities, rentable by the night, week or month, with kitchens, workspaces, laundry and local neighborhood design.
- **Bob W. guest app** — In-house app for seamless self-service check-in, digital access, super-early check-in / late check-out based on real-time availability, and a 24/7 virtual host offering local recommendations.
- **Bob's Rewards loyalty program** — Loyalty scheme giving repeat guests direct-booking discounts (roughly 5-10%) and perks.
- **Corporate & extended stays** — Business-travel and long-stay packages with flexible booking and workspace-friendly apartments.
- **Sustainability program** — 100% renewable energy at applicable sites, verified carbon offsetting of stay emissions, and ethical/upcycled furnishing.

## Achievements

- Raised over EUR 70M in total funding since 2020, including a EUR 40M Series B in February 2024.
- Backed by high-profile founders including Wise's Taavet Hinrikus and Supercell's Mikko Kodisoja.
- Reports ~3.78kg CO2e per guest-night versus a European hotel average around 12kg - roughly 69% lower.
- Reduced guest-night emissions by 31% and cut total emissions by more than 9% in 2025 while expanding.
- Expanded to roughly a dozen countries and close to 20 European cities with a multi-thousand apartment pipeline.

## Latest updates

- **2024-02** — Closed EUR 40M (~$43M) Series B led by Evli Growth Partners, with Taavet+Sten, Flashpoint and Supercell's Mikko Kodisoja.
- **2025** — Expanded portfolio with around ten new European properties, including openings in the DACH region and Stockholm.
- **2025** — Announced Bob W. Kamppi in Helsinki and further Helsinki expansion with real estate investor Slatto.
- **2025** — Disclosed sustainability metrics: total emissions down 9%+, ~1,979 tonnes CO2e offset to date.

## Links

- Website: https://bobw.co
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bobw
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/H_Otello
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobwco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobwstay

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/bob-w
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-07-22