Who Owns TripIt: Unpacking the Company Behind Your Travel Assistant
For many travelers, TripIt has become an indispensable tool. This handy app and website automatically organizes travel plans from booking confirmations, creating a single, accessible itinerary. But when it comes to understanding who owns TripIt, the answer is a bit more layered than a simple one-line statement. While TripIt operates as a distinct brand with its own identity, it is, in fact, a subsidiary of a larger entity.
Concur: The Parent Company
The primary owner of TripIt is Concur Technologies, Inc., often referred to simply as Concur. Concur is a well-established company in the business travel and expense management industry. They are known for their robust software solutions that help businesses manage corporate travel bookings, expense reporting, and compliance.
A Strategic Acquisition
Concur acquired TripIt in 2011. This acquisition was a significant move for Concur, allowing them to integrate TripIt's popular consumer-facing travel organization technology into their broader business solutions. The idea was to leverage TripIt's ability to seamlessly pull together fragmented travel data and apply it to the needs of corporate travelers and their employers.
For the average American consumer who uses TripIt for personal trips, this ownership structure might not be immediately apparent. TripIt continues to function largely as a standalone service, maintaining its user-friendly interface and its core promise of simplifying travel planning. The branding and the day-to-day operations remain focused on the traveler.
SAP's Role in the Ownership Chain
The ownership story doesn't end with Concur. In 2014, SAP SE, a global leader in enterprise software, acquired Concur. This means that while Concur is the direct owner of TripIt, SAP is the ultimate parent company. SAP is a multinational corporation headquartered in Germany, renowned for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and other business management solutions.
This means that TripIt, through its ownership by Concur, is now part of the vast SAP ecosystem. For business travelers whose companies utilize SAP's broader travel and expense management platforms, the integration with TripIt's capabilities becomes even more pronounced.
What This Means for You
For the everyday user of TripIt, the ownership by Concur and, by extension, SAP, generally doesn't alter the core experience of using the app. TripIt's commitment to making travel organization effortless remains its primary focus. The underlying technology might benefit from the resources and R&D capabilities of its larger parent companies, potentially leading to future enhancements and integrations.
Here's a breakdown of the ownership structure:
- TripIt: The travel organization app and service you use.
- Concur Technologies, Inc.: The direct owner of TripIt, specializing in business travel and expense management.
- SAP SE: The ultimate parent company that acquired Concur.
TripIt's Continued Independence
Despite being part of larger corporate structures, TripIt has maintained a strong brand identity and a loyal user base. They continue to innovate and offer valuable features to travelers worldwide. The focus remains on providing a seamless and stress-free way to manage all your travel plans in one place.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country business trip, TripIt's ability to consolidate your flight details, hotel reservations, car rentals, and even event information is its key strength. Understanding who owns TripIt provides context, but it's the app's functionality that truly defines its value for millions of users.
Frequently Asked Questions About TripIt
How does TripIt organize my travel plans?
TripIt automatically scans your email inbox for confirmation emails from airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and event organizers. Once found, it extracts the relevant information and creates a chronological itinerary that you can access on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Why did Concur acquire TripIt?
Concur acquired TripIt to enhance its business travel and expense management solutions by incorporating TripIt's user-friendly travel organization capabilities. This allowed Concur to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to corporate clients.
Does my company need to use Concur for me to use TripIt?
No, you can use the free version of TripIt for personal travel planning without your company being a Concur client. However, if your employer uses Concur's business travel solutions, there may be integrated features or benefits available to you as an employee.
What is the difference between TripIt and Concur?
TripIt is primarily a consumer-focused travel organization app, while Concur is a business-focused platform for managing travel and expenses. TripIt is a product owned by Concur.
