
Otis.travel
Co-Founder, Managing Director & CFO
Overview
Otis.travel is an innovative, AI-powered digital travel agency (OTA) specifically designed for the music industry. The platform streamlines business travel booking processes through direct integration with global distribution systems, consolidators, and aggregators, creating a seamless experience for artists, managers, and industry professionals.
My Role &
Responsibilities
As Co-Founder, Managing Director, and CFO, I co-lead the company's strategic direction, oversee all financial operations and contribute to the product development. I oversee all aspects of business development, from technical innovation to industry partnerships, ensuring that our solution addresses the unique travel needs of the music industry.
Key responsibilities included:
Strategic organisational and product development
Financial architecture and sustainability planning
Technology integration with GDS and industry systems
Client relations with music industry stakeholders
Development of automated workflow systems
Compliance, Accounting and Reporting
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I co-led the creation of a lean startup organisation with effective processes. Designed organisational structures that balances innovation with operational reliability, establishing clear roles while maintaining the agility needed in early-stage business development. Created strategic roadmaps and implementation timelines that aligned our technical capabilities with market opportunities.
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We conceptualised and developed an innovative digital booking framework that addresses the unique challenges of music industry travel. Created a technology stack that interfaces directly with global travel systems while maintaining a user-friendly front-end experience customised for our target market. Implemented continuous improvement processes based on user feedback and industry developments.
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I developed comprehensive communication strategies targeting music industry professionals. Created messaging that effectively translates complex travel industry concepts into benefits relevant to artists, managers, and tour personnel. Established the company's brand identity and positioning within both the travel technology and music industry spaces.
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I designed the company's financial structure from the ground up, creating systems for transaction processing, revenue management, and financial reporting. Implemented controls that ensure compliance with travel industry financial regulations while maintaining the agility needed for a technology startup. Developed sustainable business models that balance competitive pricing with healthy margins.
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I leveraged advanced automation tools like Gumloop, n8n, and Zapier to create efficient workflows that minimise manual intervention. Implemented AI-driven solutions for internal, operational tasks such as invoicing, accounting and KPI controlling, significantly reducing operational overhead and improving scalability. Created integration frameworks that connect disparate systems into a cohesive operational platform.
Key Product Features
Industry Context & Market Position
The music industry has long struggled with inefficient travel booking processes that don't account for its unique requirements. By focusing exclusively on this sector, Otis.travel delivers specialized expertise and customized solutions that generic travel platforms cannot match.
Our IATA accreditation and direct connections to industry systems position us as a legitimate player in the travel technology space, combining the reliability of established travel agencies with the innovation of a technology startup.
Otis.travel continues to expand its service offerings and client base within the music industry and beyond. Future development will focus on enhanced integration with tour management software, expanded payment options, and additional industry-specific features based on ongoing client feedback and market analysis.
Future Direction
Other Projects…
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2016-2018 | Liquid Democracy
Managing Director & Board Chairman
Led strategic development of open-source digital participation software, oversaw all operations and 30 staff members. Managed key projects including mein.berlin.de and advocate-europe.eu. -
2018-2023 | ∄ Kyiv
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Transformed Ukraine's first brewery into a 6,000m² multifunctional arts center and concert hall. Led architectural development, managed 250 staff, and hosted 70,000+ annual visitors.