Matteo Tanzi is the co-founder of Romme Travel, a company that hopes to transform travel into unforgettable shared experiences by connecting students through curated group trips. Through unique adventures and local social connections, Romme helps students explore the world together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Romme Travel's
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
I've always been driven by curiosity and the desire to create something meaningful out of my personal passions. Working on projects like videography, which allow me to express creativity and capture moments, naturally evolved into building something bigger. Travel has had a profound impact on my life, shaping my perspectives and igniting my passion for making these transformative experiences accessible to others. The thrill of taking risks, growing ideas, and, most importantly, building communities has been incredibly fulfilling. To me, entrepreneurship is about creating spaces where people can connect and experience life in a richer, more memorable way.
What problem are you solving, and what is your unique approach?
Our business is dedicated to making travel more accessible, affordable, and memorable for students by solving the challenges they face with logistics, planning, and connection. For many students, travel is financially out of reach, and planning group trips can quickly become complicated and time-consuming. Additionally, while students crave shared experiences and the opportunity to explore the world, they often lack the resources or knowledge to create these adventures on their own.
How did you come across this problem and why did it appeal to you?
Our unique approach combines curated group trips with a built-in "Fun Guarantee." We organize every detail—flights, accommodations, activities—so students can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about logistics. What sets us apart is our emphasis on building tight-knit communities: we create student social groups that extend beyond travel. These communities allow students to connect with like-minded peers, fostering friendships that carry over from trips to campus life.
By offering organized group travel specifically for students, we’re not only making travel easier and more affordable but also meeting a fundamental need for shared experiences. Our trips give students the chance to explore new places with the assurance that they’ll be surrounded by friends. Just like a Friday night out or a concert with friends, our travel experiences are designed to create connections, memories, and the feeling of belonging that students crave.
Travel has been a constant and transformative part of my life—from childhood trips that opened my eyes to new cultures, to adolescent adventures that shaped my independence, and ultimately to experiences as an adult that continue to broaden my worldview. When I went to university, joining a travel community was one of the most fulfilling aspects of my time there. It gave me a sense of connection, belonging, and excitement that went beyond academics.
Seeing firsthand how impactful these shared travel experiences were, I realized that many students lack the means or structure to access this same sense of adventure and community. This sparked a desire to create a platform where students could easily engage in group travel, not only making it more accessible but also building a space for lasting friendships. It appealed to me deeply because I know how profoundly travel can shape a person, and I wanted to share that with others, providing them with the same opportunity to explore the world, connect, and create unforgettable memories during such an influential period in their lives.
What are you hoping to accomplish for your start-up at the Western Accelerator?
At the Western Accelerator, I'm looking to build on the traction we've already achieved and refine our approach to scaling. We have a clear playbook for getting our venture from "0 to 1," but now we're focused on preparing for the journey from "1 to 5" and beyond. I want to deepen my understanding of what it truly takes to run and grow a company, ensuring we have a solid foundation as we progress.
This experience is also about filling in any knowledge gaps and challenging any assumptions that could impact our success. Finally, I'm excited to join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. The support and shared experiences from peers at this stage have already proven invaluable, and I look forward to strengthening those connections as we continue to grow.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned so far during your time at the Wester Accelerator?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far at the Western Accelerator is the importance of staying anchored to our "why." In workshops and through interactions with other teams, I've realized that having a clear, core motivation for our business is invaluable when facing tough decisions. When challenges arise or difficult choices need to be made, returning to that foundational purpose has helped me navigate uncertainty with confidence. It’s a reminder that every decision should support the core mission of our business, ensuring we stay true to our values and long-term vision, no matter the obstacles.