Who Owns Trivago Company?

Trivago Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	SWOT	$15	$10
	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	BCG	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Truly Owns Trivago?

Understanding the Trivago SWOT Analysis is crucial, but first, who pulls the strings? The identity of a company's owner is fundamental to understanding its strategic direction and market positioning. This is especially true for a global platform like Trivago, which has undergone significant ownership changes since its inception.

The question of "Who owns Trivago?" leads us to Expedia Group, which acquired the Trivago company in 2013. This acquisition profoundly shaped Trivago's trajectory, integrating it into a vast travel technology network. Although Trivago operates as a public entity, its relationship with Expedia Group is key to understanding its overall strategy. The Trivago headquarters is located in Germany.

The journey of the company began in January 2005 in Düsseldorf, Germany. It was founded by Rolf Schrömgens, Stephan Stubner, Peter Vinnemeier, and Malte Siewert. Their initial aim was to create Germany's first hotel search engine, designed to transform how people compared hotel prices.

While the exact initial ownership split among the founders isn't publicly available, the company started with a bootstrapped approach. This meant the founders initially funded the business themselves, relying on their own resources and early investments to get off the ground.

Shortly after the launch, Stephan Stubner left his role as Managing Director. However, Rolf Schrömgens, Peter Vinnemeier, and Malte Siewert continued to lead the company. Early financial backing came from investors like the Samwer brothers, Florian Heinemann, and Christian Vollmann, providing crucial capital for the company's initial growth.

Founders

Rolf Schrömgens, Stephan Stubner, Peter Vinnemeier, and Malte Siewert founded the company in 2005. They aimed to create a hotel search engine to revolutionize price comparison.

Initial Funding

Early funding included €1 million from investors such as the Samwer brothers. This early investment helped the company to begin its journey.

Series B Funding

In 2007, the company secured US$1.14 million in Series B funding. This funding round was crucial for the company's international expansion.

Early Growth

These early investments were critical for the company's initial growth. The funding allowed for expansion and helped establish the company as a significant player in the hotel metasearch industry.

Key People

Rolf Schrömgens, Peter Vinnemeier, and Malte Siewert led the company after Stephan Stubner's departure. These individuals were instrumental in the early development.

Vision

The founders' vision was to create a hotel search engine. This aimed to simplify and improve hotel price comparison for users.

Early Ownership and Expansion

The initial ownership structure of the company involved the founders, with early investments from various sources. These early investments were crucial for the company's growth and expansion. The company's journey began in Germany, and it quickly expanded its reach. The early funding rounds allowed the company to develop and expand its services, contributing to its success in the competitive market. The company's expansion was supported by early funding rounds, allowing it to grow and compete effectively. To understand more about the competitive landscape of the company, you can read about the Competitors Landscape of Trivago.

• The company was founded in January 2005.
• Early investors included the Samwer brothers.
• Series B funding of US$1.14 million was secured in 2007.
• The early funding was critical for international expansion.

Trivago SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The ownership of the Trivago company has seen significant shifts since its inception. Initially, Insight Venture Partners acquired a stake in December 2010. The most impactful change occurred in December 2012 when Expedia, Inc. gained a controlling interest, solidifying Expedia Group as the majority shareholder. By December 31, 2023, Expedia Group held 60.0% of the ownership and 84.1% of the voting interest in Trivago N.V. This demonstrates a clear evolution in the company's ownership.

Trivago's structure further evolved with its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ exchange in December 2016. Despite this, Expedia Group maintained substantial control due to a dual-class share structure. This structure granted Expedia Group significant voting power, even after the IPO. As of March 31, 2024, Expedia Group's ownership interest was 59.9% and voting interest 84.1%, and as of June 30, 2024, the ownership interest was 59.8% and voting interest 84.1%, highlighting the continued influence of Expedia Group.

Currently, the primary shareholder of Trivago is Expedia Group. As of February 21, 2025, Expedia Group, Inc. holds 59.4% of the company's shares. Other significant shareholders include PAR Capital Management, Inc., holding 15.9% as of September 30, 2023, Acadian Asset Management LLC, with 3.076% as of May 10, 2024, and Universal-Beteiligungs- und Servicegesellschaft mbH, owning 0.7238% as of May 6, 2025. This ownership structure significantly influences Trivago's strategic direction, often aligning with Expedia Group's objectives.

Ownership Overview

Expedia Group is the primary owner of Trivago, holding a majority stake. Other institutional investors also hold shares, but Expedia Group's influence is dominant due to the dual-class share structure.

• Expedia Group's ownership interest as of June 30, 2024, was 59.8% and voting interest 84.1%.
• Trivago went public in December 2016.
• PAR Capital Management, Inc. holds 15.9% of the shares as of September 30, 2023.
• The company's headquarters are located in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Trivago PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The current structure of the board of directors at the Trivago company includes key figures that reflect its relationship with Expedia Group. While specific details about the full board composition as of mid-2025 are not available, it is known that the structure is designed to maintain Expedia Group's significant influence. Eric Hart serves as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and Johannes Thomas is the CEO and Managing Director. Other key members include Jasmine Ezz as Chief Marketing Officer, and Andrej Lehnert as Chief Product Officer. Additionally, Rolf Schrömgens, the founder, has returned as an advisor and joined the supervisory board, pending formal shareholder approval.

The board's composition is influenced by the dual-class share structure, where Expedia Group holds the majority of the voting power. This structure allows Expedia Group to control the company's strategic decisions. As of December 31, 2023, and consistently through March 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, Expedia Group held 84.1% of the voting interest in Trivago N.V. This control is due to the Class B shares, which have ten votes per share, primarily held by Expedia Group, compared to Class A shares with one vote per share.

The Trivago owner, Expedia Group, significantly influences the board's decisions due to its substantial voting power. This structure ensures that Expedia Group's interests are well-represented in corporate matters. The dual-class share system, with its unequal voting rights, is a key factor in the Trivago ownership structure, allowing Expedia Group to maintain control despite not owning all outstanding shares. This arrangement impacts the influence of other shareholders on the company's strategic direction and governance.

Trivago's Ownership and Control

Expedia Group holds the majority of voting power in Trivago through a dual-class share structure.

• Expedia Group held 84.1% of the voting interest as of June 30, 2024.
• Class B shares held by Expedia Group have ten votes per share.
• Class A shares have one vote per share and are publicly traded.
• The board includes independent seats, but Expedia Group's influence is dominant.

Trivago Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Over the past few years, Trivago has shown significant developments in its financial performance and leadership. The Trivago company saw a return to revenue growth in Q4 2024, with total revenue reaching €94.8 million, a 3% increase, and referral revenue up by 5%. Net income soared by 104% to €5.1 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased by 52% to €11.1 million. This positive trend continued into Q1 2025, with total revenue up 22% to €124.1 million and referral revenue increasing 23% compared to the same period the previous year. The company has raised its full-year 2025 revenue outlook to mid-teens percentage growth year-over-year, along with positive Adjusted EBITDA, similar to 2024.

Expedia Group remains the dominant shareholder, which is critical to understanding Trivago ownership. As of March 31, 2024, Expedia Group held a 59.9% ownership interest and an 84.1% voting interest. Institutional ownership has seen some shifts; for example, PAR Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings by 643,236 shares in Q3 2024. In contrast, Inflection Point Investments LLP reduced its shares by 99,802 during the same period. As of May 16, 2025, NewEdge Advisors LLC and Bosun Asset Management LLC are among the institutional investors holding shares. If you're interested in who Who owns Trivago, this is crucial information.

Leadership changes have also taken place. Johannes Thomas became CEO in 2023, succeeding Axel Hefer, and founder Rolf Schrömgens returned as an advisor and joined the supervisory board. These changes are designed to enhance value and drive the company's sustainable growth. The focus on brand marketing investments and conversion rate improvements suggests a strategic effort to strengthen its market position within the current ownership structure. For further insights into Trivago's strategy, consider exploring the Target Market of Trivago.

Trivago's Financial Performance

Total revenue grew by 3% in Q4 2024 and 22% in Q1 2025. Net income increased substantially in Q4 2024. The company anticipates continued revenue growth in 2025.

Expedia Group's Influence

Expedia Group holds a significant ownership stake. This influences Trivago's strategic direction. It is important to consider Trivago's relationship with Expedia Group.

Leadership Transitions

Johannes Thomas became CEO in 2023. Rolf Schrömgens returned as an advisor. These changes aim to boost value and growth.

Ownership Dynamics

Institutional investors have adjusted their holdings. The focus is on strengthening the market position. Who is the current owner of Trivago is Expedia Group.

Trivago Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Related Blogs