Big Bus Tours

Arroyo Grande, United States Founded: 1991 • Age: 35 yrs Acquired By Exponent
Open bus sight-seeing tours are operated in 18 cities worldwide.
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About Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours is a company based in Arroyo Grande (United States) founded in 1991 was acquired by Exponent in February 2015. It operates as a On-Demand Services. Big Bus Tours has raised $34.6 million across 4 funding rounds from investors including Merlin Entertainments and Exponent. Big Bus Tours has completed 3 acquisitions, including DUCKtours, Smart Destinations and Tour Dubai Group. Big Bus Tours offers products and services including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours and Premium Tours.

  • Headquarter Arroyo Grande, United States
  • Sectors
    Travel & Hospitality
  • Email
    ***********
  • Phone
    *********
  • Website
    *********
  • Social
    *********
  • Legal Name Big Bus Tours Ltd
Operational Areas
Travel & Hospitality → Travel Agencies, Operators & Services
Key Metrics
  • Annual Revenue
  • Net Profit
  • EBITDA
  • Total Equity Funding
    $34.6 M (USD)

    in 4 rounds

  • Latest Funding Round
  • Investors
  • Employee Count
    Employee Count
  • Investments & Acquisitions
    DUCKtours

    & 2 more

  • Acquired by
    Exponent

    (Feb 24, 2015)

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Products & Services of Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours and Premium Tours. The company's diverse product and service offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers, address market demands, and provide comprehensive solutions that drive value creation and customer satisfaction across various segments and use cases.

Primary

Open-top bus tours are offered for city sightseeing.

Specialized tours are provided beyond standard bus routes.

People of Big Bus Tours
Headcount 1000-5000
Employee Profiles 12
Employee Profiles
People
Shane Mayer
Vp, Global Partnerships
People
Phil Boggon
Chief Commercial Officer
People
Shamama Cheema
Agent Sales Manager
People
Hugo Harding
Vice President Ecommerce And CRM

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Funding Insights of Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours has successfully raised a total of $34.6M across 4 strategic funding rounds. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.

  • Total Funding
  • Total Rounds 4
  • Last Round
  • First Round

    (25 Feb 2016)

  • Investors Count 1
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Sep, 2018 Amount Series B - Big Bus Tours Valuation

investors

Sep, 2018 Amount Debt – Conventional - Big Bus Tours Valuation

investors

Oct, 2016 Amount Series B - Big Bus Tours Valuation

investors

Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Investors in Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours has secured backing from 2 investors, including institutional and venture fund investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Merlin Entertainments and Exponent. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.

All
Venture Fund
Institutional
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Exponent is engaged in private equity investments across Europe.
Founded Year Domain Location
Branded visitor attractions and theme parks are operated globally.
Founded Year Domain Location
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
Founded Year Domain Location
Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
Founded Year Domain Location

Investments & Acquisitions by Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours has strategically engaged in corporate development activities, having acquired 3 companies. Notable acquisitions include DUCKtours, Smart Destinations and Tour Dubai Group. These strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth through portfolio expansion, market consolidation, technology integration, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitive positioning and drive long-term value creation.

Investments
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Acquisitions
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Admission passes for attractions are distributed across North American destinations.
2003
Tour services are operated by DUCKtours in Singapore.
2002
Provider of tour services offering desert safaris, dhow cruises, and experiences for tourists
1989
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
OVO is recognized as a smart digital payment application.
2017
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014

Financial Statements - Big Bus Tours

Tata Steel revenue growth over time
Tata Steel profit and loss trends over time
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Big Bus Tours Comparisons

Employees
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Competitors of Big Bus Tours

Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
domain founded_year HQ Location
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.

Latest news on Big Bus Tours

Frequently Asked Questions about Big Bus Tours

When was Big Bus Tours founded?

Big Bus Tours was founded in 1991 and raised its 1st funding round 25 years after it was founded.

Where is Big Bus Tours located?

Big Bus Tours is headquartered in Arroyo Grande, United States. It is registered at Arroyo Grande, California, United States.

Is Big Bus Tours a funded company?

Big Bus Tours is a funded company, having raised a total of $34.6M across 4 funding rounds to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Series B of $199.48K, raised on Feb 25, 2016.

What does Big Bus Tours do?

Big Bus Tours is recognized as the largest operator of open-top sightseeing bus tours worldwide. Operations are conducted in major cities across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Hop-on hop-off tours are provided as the core service, allowing flexible exploration of iconic landmarks. Additional premium experiences, such as desert safaris and wine tours, are also offered in select locations. The focus is placed on delivering memorable travel experiences in key urban destinations.

What products or services does Big Bus Tours offer?

Big Bus Tours offers Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours and Premium Tours.

How many acquisitions has Big Bus Tours made?

Big Bus Tours has made 3 acquisitions, including DUCKtours, Smart Destinations, and Tour Dubai Group.

Who are Big Bus Tours's investors?

Big Bus Tours has 2 investors. Key investors include Merlin Entertainments, and Exponent.

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