From Night Shifts to a $2.3B Empire: A Founder's Summit Journey

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-03

We're thrilled to share that Richard Valtr, the founder of Mews, is joining us for a special fireside chat at the EU-Startups Summit 2027. It's happening May 13-14 in sunny Malta. He's going to pull back the curtain on his incredible journey from hands-on hotel work to scaling a global tech powerhouse. His story isn't just another founder tale. It's a real-world lesson in spotting an industry's pain points and building a solution that actually works. ### The Man Behind Mews Richard is an entrepreneur and former hotelier who's spent over a decade asking one big question: how can technology actually make hospitality better? He didn't just theorize from an office. He lived it. After studying at University College London, he returned to the Czech Republic and dove into property development. But his real education came working the night shift at his family's hotel, The Emblem. That's where the spark happened. He saw firsthand how clunky and outdated the software systems were. They were holding hotels back. So, in 2012, he founded Mews. What started as a simple idea for a better property management system has since exploded into a full-blown hospitality operating system. ### Building a Hospitality Titan Think about it. He connected operations, payments, revenue, and the entire guest journey into one seamless platform. Under his vision, Mews didn't just grow—it took over. Let's look at the numbers: - In January 2026, Mews raised a massive $275 million in Series D funding. - That round valued the company at a staggering $2.3 billion. - By February 2026, they were serving roughly 15,000 properties across 85 countries. That's a long way from a single hotel in Prague. He's still deeply involved, shaping the long-term vision and pushing conversations about AI, guest experience, and what hospitality will look like tomorrow. > "Seeing that hotel technology had failed to keep pace was the catalyst. It wasn't about building a better tool; it was about reimagining the entire system." ### Why The EU-Startups Summit Matters This is where it all comes together. On May 13-14, 2027, we're gathering the European startup ecosystem in Malta. We're talking about 2,500 founders, investors, and innovators for two packed days. It's more than just talks. It's about connection. You'll find: - Face-to-face meetings with top entrepreneurs. - Inspiring keynotes and honest fireside chats like Richard's. - Practical workshops and a buzzing exhibition hall. - Countless opportunities to build your network. We'll showcase Europe's hottest startups and create a space where the next big idea might just find its spark. It's designed to be an unmissable event for anyone serious about the startup world. Ready to be part of it? If you want to hear Richard's full story and connect with the minds shaping Europe's future, you know where to be. Secure your spot and get ready for an incredible experience.