EU-Startups Podcast | Episode 125: Erika De Santi, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at WeRoad

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Erika De Santi, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at WeRoad, shares how group travel can be a powerful tool to fight loneliness and build real-life connection in an increasingly digital world.

Founded in Milan in 2017, WeRoad organises group adventures for like-minded travellers aged 25 to 49, offering curated experiences in over 125 destinations worldwide. With €30.6 million in funding and a rapidly growing community, the company is redefining what it means to explore the world – with strangers who quickly become friends.

Today, we dive into the early growth of WeRoad, how trip coordinators are key to building instant community, why the most memorable travel moments are often unplanned, and how their new platform, WeMeet, brings that same spirit of connection to local cities.

This episode is not just about travel; it’s about designing human experiences that prioritise belonging, curiosity, and joy.

Video version of episode 125:

Audio version of episode 125:

Podigee:

Key Takeaways 

• Travel can be a powerful antidote to loneliness when designed around human connection.

• Community doesn’t end when the trip does – it begins again at home.

• The role of the trip coordinator is less about guiding and more about enabling shared experience.

• Unexpected moments, not landmarks, create the most lasting memories.

• Real-life connection is the next frontier of social tech — and WeMeet is built for it.

The post EU-Startups Podcast | Episode 125: Erika De Santi, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at WeRoad appeared first on EU-Startups.