Smiler operates a photography marketplace that connects local photographers with tourists at iconic attractions, enabling impromptu and prebooked photoshoots via a Photographer app and consumer site. Since its launch in May 2021, the platform has built a supply network of about 20,000 photographers and is integrated with leading online travel agencies to serve the tours, activities, and attractions sector. The company recently launched Smiler.co, a consumer-facing booking site that lists destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and La Sagrada Familia and adds new locations weekly. With new funding, Smiler plans to introduce thousands of additional locations and photoshoot experiences over the next year as part of its global expansion. The announcement cites industry research forecasting global travel-photography revenue recovery and growth, positioning Smiler to capitalise on rising demand for high-quality travel photos. The business emphasizes simplifying photographer onboarding and demand delivery through its app and tech infrastructure. Smiler operates a marketplace that enables freelance, professional and enthusiast photographers to sell on-the-spot event and venue photos that are formally attached to the venue. Photographers show customers a QR code to connect them to their photos; customers are then matched with their photoshoot and can review and purchase images online. The platform supports roaming photographers who can trade at many public locations as well as Smiler partner venues. Smiler launched in May 2021 and has grown to onboard more than 9,000 photographers. Partner venues include Manchester City Football Club, Paris’s Montparnasse Tower, ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo and the Tower of London. The company plans to use new funding to expand across the U.K., The Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy.

Total raised

$17M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jun 2023