Founder of the global travel-booking platform Kiwi.com, Oliver Dlouhý represents a new generation of European entrepreneurs redefining how the world moves. From a bold startup idea born in the Czech Republic to a platform serving millions of travelers worldwide, Dlouhý has transformed flight booking through innovation, technology, and fearless ambition.
In just over a decade, Kiwi.com has become one of the most disruptive forces in online travel—proving that smart algorithms and unconventional thinking can reshape an entire industry.
From Student Idea to Global Platform
Oliver Dlouhý founded Kiwi.com (originally launched as Skypicker) in 2012 with a simple yet powerful goal: make travel cheaper and more accessible. At a time when flight booking was dominated by traditional airline routes and limited partnerships, Dlouhý envisioned a system that could combine flights from different carriers into entirely new routes—often at significantly lower prices.
This concept, known as “virtual interlining,” became the technological backbone of Kiwi.com. By using advanced algorithms to connect airlines that didn’t traditionally cooperate, the platform opened up thousands of new travel possibilities for customers across the globe.
What started as a student-led project quickly evolved into one of Europe’s most promising tech success stories.
Scaling at Lightning Speed
Under Dlouhý’s leadership, Kiwi.com experienced extraordinary growth. With a workforce exceeding 2,900 employees and operations spanning dozens of countries, the company scaled at a pace few startups achieve.
By 2017, Kiwi.com recorded sales of over $805 million with earnings reaching $9 million, while revenue continued to triple year after year—solidifying its position as a major player in the global travel-tech sector.
But numbers tell only part of the story. Kiwi.com’s true impact lies in how it challenged long-standing industry norms and empowered travelers to explore the world more freely.
Innovation as a Core Philosophy
At the heart of Oliver Dlouhý’s success is an obsession with problem-solving. Rather than accepting the limitations of traditional booking systems, he built technology that worked around them.
Kiwi.com didn’t just compare prices—it reimagined how flights could be combined, protected travelers with unique guarantees, and used AI-driven tools to optimize routes in real time.
This innovation-first mindset allowed the company to thrive in a highly competitive market dominated by massive global platforms.
Navigating Turbulence in the Travel Industry
The travel sector is famously volatile, facing challenges from economic shifts to global crises. Like many travel companies, Kiwi.com encountered turbulence during periods of reduced global movement.
Yet Dlouhý approached these challenges as opportunities to refine systems, invest in technology, and adapt the business model. His resilience and long-term thinking helped the company remain competitive while many others struggled to survive.
Rather than retreating, Kiwi.com continued expanding its technological capabilities—preparing for the rebound of global travel.
A New Face of Czech Entrepreneurship
Oliver Dlouhý has become a symbol of the Czech Republic’s growing startup ecosystem. His journey demonstrates that world-class tech companies don’t have to emerge from Silicon Valley to make global impact.
By building a multinational company from Central Europe, he inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs across the region to think bigger, move faster, and innovate boldly.
Today, Dlouhý is recognized not only as a successful founder but as a thought leader in travel technology and digital transformation.
The Mindset Behind the Momentum
Dlouhý often emphasizes speed, experimentation, and customer-focused design. His approach encourages rapid testing of ideas, learning from failures, and constantly improving user experience.
Rather than aiming for perfection, Kiwi.com’s culture prioritizes progress—allowing the company to evolve alongside traveler needs and technological advancements.
This flexibility has been crucial in maintaining relevance in a fast-changing digital economy.
Looking Toward the Future of Travel
As global tourism continues to recover and evolve, Oliver Dlouhý remains focused on pushing boundaries. From deeper AI integration to smarter route planning and sustainability initiatives, Kiwi.com aims to shape the next era of travel.
Dlouhý’s vision extends beyond cheap flights—toward a world where travel is seamless, efficient, and accessible to all.
A Legacy in the Making
Still young by entrepreneurial standards, Oliver Dlouhý has already built a company that reshaped how millions explore the world. His blend of technical innovation, bold leadership, and global ambition positions him among Europe’s most influential modern entrepreneurs.
As Entrepreneur of the Month for January 2026, Oliver Dlouhý stands as a powerful example of how technology-driven vision can disrupt industries and open new horizons—literally and figuratively.
His story is not just about booking flights.
It’s about rethinking what’s possible when innovation meets determination.
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