In contrast to mass-market giants selling standardised attractions, Tunisian startup WildyNess has established itself as the leading platform for authentic travel experiences and Community-Based Tourism (CBT). The startup announced today the closing of its first strategic pre-seed funding round.
The round, for an undisclosed amount, was co-led by the Bridging Angels network and the African Diaspora Network.
This investment is a first for the regional travel tech ecosystem. It positions WildyNess as the first and only B2C/B2B2C travel marketplace in North Africa to announce a pre-seed fundraising round. While local venture capital has overwhelmingly focused on FinTech, WildyNess has successfully proven a new, high-potential vertical: the sustainable experiences market.
This investor confidence was built on exceptional organic traction. Before raising a single dollar, WildyNess validated its model by generating over $300,000 in sales since its 2022 launch, with zero paid marketing spend.
“This investment validates our thesis: the future of travel is not in volume, but in authenticity and impact,” said Achraf Aouadi, co-founder of WildyNess. “Generating $300,000 in organic sales proves that travellers are desperately seeking real connections, not generic attractions. Having the support of the African Diaspora Network and Bridging Angels gives us not only capital but also a strategic bridge to international markets as we export this Tunisian success story across the MENA region.”
Founded by engineers Achraf Aouadi and Rym Bourguiba, WildyNess uses its B2B2C model to empower tourism micro-entrepreneurs. The raised capital will be used to fuel regional expansion into Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, as well as to strengthen its technology platform.
“We are proud to support African startups and entrepreneurs who not only bring a fresh take on their industries but do so with relentless discipline and constant care for their customers. WildyNess and the team are a perfect example of that,” said investors from Bridging Angels.
High-end hospitality, private island villas and world-class wellness draw an increasing number of affluent Gulf travellers. Thailand is solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s most desirable luxury destinations for Gulf travellers, supported by rising demand for exclusive accommodations, advanced wellness experiences and premium lifestyle offerings. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recorded more than 162,790 Middle Eastern arrivals in the early months of 2025 and expects numbers to reach around 1.1 million by year-end, underscoring strong interest from UAE and GCC residents seeking indulgent, highly personalised escap