Alex Kaufman, Investment Associate at JetBlue Technology Ventures, joins Travel Tech Con 2018
We are excited to welcome Alex to Travel Tech Con 2018! Alex will lead an interactive workshop and will represent our community long time supporters and sponsors — Jetblue Technology Ventures!
We had a chance to ask Alex a few questions.
Alex, what in your opinion drives innovation and leaps forward in travel industry today and how is it different from say 10 years ago?
Innovation, in any industry, begins with the participants and operators who seek to disrupt the status quo, and the focus these individuals devote to that mission. The travel industry is no exception. However, what we see today in the travel industry is even greater participation, focus and attention than in the past. This, coupled with the application of advanced technologies (i.e., machine learning, etc.) is culminating in an unprecedented wave of innovation across the travel spectrum.
What do you wish travel startups understood better about innovating in travel industry?
The travel industry is complex, with numerous regulations from a variety of governmental entities. Additionally, the industry is largely comprised of long-standing incumbents. Understanding not only the ecosystem and its players, but the regulations that govern the industry is crucial to a travel startup’s success when attempting innovation.
What does the industry need to better support travel startups in your opinion?
While the industry has made strides in the right direction in terms of innovation, there is major work to be done. Stronger support for travel startups begins with recognition across the ecosystem that innovation is a positive. The onus is on the industry’s major players to grant travel startups the opportunity to prove this fact, and events such as TravelTechCon are a major step in accomplishing that goal.
Super excited to have JetBlue Technology Ventures supporting us this year — big shoutout to the awesome team behind our collaboration — Bonny Simi, Christina Heggie, Alex Kaufman, Raj Singh, Ajay Sharma, Jennifer Rodstrom!
Come meet Alex and JTV team at Travel Tech Con 2018! Only a few passes are left — grab your spot and check out how to make the most out of the three days of TTC18!
