SENNA

Young Startup Founder Reshapes Cities and Companies with Accessibility Mission

LONDON - At just 23 years old, Marta Grelli is already making waves in the startup world with her mission to promote accessibility and employment for people with disabilities. The Turin native founded Travelin, a startup that helps companies hire and accommodate workers with special needs.

"Women leading companies are often seen as less credible, let alone someone with a disability," Grelli told Startups Italia. "We're trying to change that, starting from the peripheries."

Grelli's startup has caught the eye of Italy's Ministry of Tourism, which selected Travelin for its Argo accelerator program. Last year, she was even honored by Italian President Sergio Mattarella as one of ten Italian women recognized for their "civic engagement, dedication to the common good, and embodiment of republican values."

Travelin's mission is to make the workplace more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. The startup works directly with companies to assess their facilities and hiring practices, then provides tailored solutions and training. This can include everything from adjusting workstations to developing inclusive recruitment strategies.

"After COVID and years studying tourism, I met someone who changed the course of my life and convinced me to start this company," Grelli said. "We want to help people with disabilities not just find jobs, but thrive in them."

The startup's innovative approach has attracted the attention of investors as well. Travelin is backed by GI Partners, a prominent private equity firm focused on the technology and services sectors. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed, but the funding will help Grelli scale her vision nationally and potentially beyond Italy.

"Marta and her team have identified a critical need and developed a compelling solution," said a GI Partners spokesperson. "Improving accessibility and employment for people with disabilities aligns with our mission to support innovative companies driving positive social impact."

Industry experts say Travelin's model could have broad implications, as companies face growing pressure to improve diversity and inclusion. Many businesses have struggled to recruit and retain workers with special needs due to outdated facilities, biased hiring practices, and lack of accommodations.

"This is about much more than just optics - it's about tapping into an overlooked talent pool and creating more equitable opportunities," said one analyst who covers the HR technology space. "Marta is addressing a real pain point for employers, which is why her startup is generating so much interest."

As Travelin expands, Grelli hopes to reshape not just workplaces, but the physical infrastructure of cities themselves. The startup is already working with local governments to improve public transit, buildings, and other urban spaces to enhance accessibility.

"We want to create a more inclusive world, one city and one company at a time," Grelli said. "This is just the beginning."