Hospitality Technology Investing in the Age of Innovation
In this episode of The HFTP Viewpoint, Hospitality Upgrade sits down with investors Prakash Shukla of Wayfair Ventures and Dave Berkus of Berkus Tech Ventures to talk about where hotel tech is headed. They dive into AI solving labor shortages, payment innovations with blockchain, robotics, and share their investing mantra. Don't miss their insights on what makes a hospitality tech startup worth watching.
For those interested in learning more about hospitality investment:
The 2026 Investment Program will kick off EVS on Wednesday, March 25 in Fort Worth, Texas. This program will spark conversation on the future of hospitality technology through sessions on Web3, AI, capital markets, and data-driven innovation. Visit the event schedule to learn more about the program.
Many hotels unknowingly route elevator emergency phones through PBX/VoIP systems, overlooking code requirements and increasing risk, liability, and guest vulnerability compared with compliant communication solutions.
The show clearly exceeded expectations and lived up to the hype! We found AI at every turn, autonomous vehicles, health technology, futuristic gadgets and even robots playing ping-pong!
Hotels are adopting service robots, starting with cleaning tasks, to improve efficiency, reduce labor strain and enhance guest satisfaction. These machines maintain consistent cleanliness, support staff and align with sustainability goals. Sherry Marek discusses how robotics are reshaping guest services and hospitality end at operations.
Salto delivers state-of-the-art, wire-free, and keyless electronic access control solutions and has established a very strong presence in hospitality. Our innovative and reliable electronic locking solutions improve guest experience, hotel management, design, and security for hotel rooms, suites, back-of-house, meeting space infrastructure and more. Find out more here.
Security Validation is a leading provider of data security and privacy advisory services. It is an industry innovator offering cutting-edge solutions that are efficient, effective and affordable for properties of any size. Security Validation offers PCI compliance and GDPR packages that include all of the policies, procedures and training necessary to achieve compliance. Find out more here.
VENZA is a leading provider of data protection and compliance solutions for the hospitality industry. With 360-degree visibility, VENZA helps establish proactive risk management that mitigates vulnerabilities, keeping your guests and their data safe. Hospitality’s unique nature demands tailored solutions for critical issues. Find out more here.
Vingcard is a leading provider of security access technology for the hospitality industry. With a mission to reimagine how people move through their world, Vingcard is committed to ensuring a safe and seamless hotel experience by adapting its technology to conform to the market’s newest challenges. Find out more here.
Hyatt Regency Austin March 23-24, 2026 | Austin, Texas
ABOUT US: HOSPITALITY UPGRADE is the media division of HFTP, serving hotel, travel and foodservice technology professionals. Each publication educates professionals on the latest hospitality technology software and hardware news, trends and solutions. The views and opinions of our writers are not necessarily the views of HFTP.
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