Guesty Expands Market Share with Acquisition of Smily in France's Short-Term Rental Sector
In a strategic move to solidify its presence in the fast-evolving short-term rental landscape, Guesty, a prominent AI platform specializing in rental management, has officially finalized its acquisition of Smily, previously known as BookingSync. This acquisition stands as a testament to Guesty's commitment to enhance its offerings and deepen its roots in the French market, particularly where short-term rentals are concerned.
France is recognized as the world's second-largest short-term rental market, boasting over one million active listings and generating a staggering $9 billion in gross booking value in the past year alone. Such impressive statistics underscore the country's rising demand and competitive nature, making it a lucrative sector for investors and operators alike. In this context, Guesty's acquisition is not merely a business expansion; it's a bold step demonstrating their enthusiasm for tapping into the rich potential of the French market.
Smily's journey began back in 2005, when Sébastien Grosjean created a channel manager specifically designed for his family's rental business, among the industry's pioneering outfits. The system opened to pay customers in 2010 and has since evolved into a comprehensive property management system (PMS) widely trusted by rental managers across France and beyond.
The combination of Guesty and Smily is poised to bring about significant advancements in technology for property managers, offering them a sophisticated suite of tools that streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. From centralized communications to efficient payment systems and task management capabilities, Smily has cemented its status as a go-to resource for property managers navigating the intricacies of rentals.
Guesty’s co-founder and CEO, Amiad Soto, expressed optimism regarding the merger, stating, "France is one of the fastest-growing short-term rental markets globally, and the trust that Smily has established over the years among operators speaks volumes. Integrating Smily into the Guesty ecosystem will build upon that trust and leverage our innovation. In 2026 alone, we shipped over 300 new features driven by customer needs. Our goal is to equip French property managers with the best technology available, and we are eager to engage with them to help optimize their operations."
Sébastien Grosjean, founder and CEO of Smily, shared his perspective, noting, "With over 40 years of experience in the vacation rental industry, acquiring Guesty is a natural progression for us. Despite our success, the rapid pace of technological advancement in this field means that collaborating with a leader like Guesty will not only enhance our services but also provide unparalleled benefits to our clientele."
The coming together of these two teams doesn’t just signify a merger; it’s a collaborative initiative aimed at creating the top-tier platform for the French market. By pooling resources in product development and customer support, the goal is to deliver superior solutions tailored for property managers. AI integration is expected to reshape how rental businesses operate, and with Guesty's established prowess in AI technology, this acquisition underscores their intent to lead the market.
Although the particulars of the financial agreement were kept confidential, it is known that Smily's key founders and investors are reinvesting part of the proceeds into Guesty equity, signaling strong faith in the combined vision. Guesty, well-seeded with $410 million in backing from major investment firms, stands ready to drive transformative change in the hospitality sector across multiple regions.
In sum, this acquisition marks a pivotal moment not just for Guesty and Smily, but for the short-term rental industry in France as a whole. With their combined strengths, they aim to set new standards that will empower property managers and ultimately elevate the experiences of travelers seeking short-term accommodations.
France is recognized as the world's second-largest short-term rental market, boasting over one million active listings and generating a staggering $9 billion in gross booking value in the past year alone. Such impressive statistics underscore the country's rising demand and competitive nature, making it a lucrative sector for investors and operators alike. In this context, Guesty's acquisition is not merely a business expansion; it's a bold step demonstrating their enthusiasm for tapping into the rich potential of the French market.
Smily's journey began back in 2005, when Sébastien Grosjean created a channel manager specifically designed for his family's rental business, among the industry's pioneering outfits. The system opened to pay customers in 2010 and has since evolved into a comprehensive property management system (PMS) widely trusted by rental managers across France and beyond.
The combination of Guesty and Smily is poised to bring about significant advancements in technology for property managers, offering them a sophisticated suite of tools that streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. From centralized communications to efficient payment systems and task management capabilities, Smily has cemented its status as a go-to resource for property managers navigating the intricacies of rentals.
Guesty’s co-founder and CEO, Amiad Soto, expressed optimism regarding the merger, stating, "France is one of the fastest-growing short-term rental markets globally, and the trust that Smily has established over the years among operators speaks volumes. Integrating Smily into the Guesty ecosystem will build upon that trust and leverage our innovation. In 2026 alone, we shipped over 300 new features driven by customer needs. Our goal is to equip French property managers with the best technology available, and we are eager to engage with them to help optimize their operations."
Sébastien Grosjean, founder and CEO of Smily, shared his perspective, noting, "With over 40 years of experience in the vacation rental industry, acquiring Guesty is a natural progression for us. Despite our success, the rapid pace of technological advancement in this field means that collaborating with a leader like Guesty will not only enhance our services but also provide unparalleled benefits to our clientele."
The coming together of these two teams doesn’t just signify a merger; it’s a collaborative initiative aimed at creating the top-tier platform for the French market. By pooling resources in product development and customer support, the goal is to deliver superior solutions tailored for property managers. AI integration is expected to reshape how rental businesses operate, and with Guesty's established prowess in AI technology, this acquisition underscores their intent to lead the market.
Although the particulars of the financial agreement were kept confidential, it is known that Smily's key founders and investors are reinvesting part of the proceeds into Guesty equity, signaling strong faith in the combined vision. Guesty, well-seeded with $410 million in backing from major investment firms, stands ready to drive transformative change in the hospitality sector across multiple regions.
In sum, this acquisition marks a pivotal moment not just for Guesty and Smily, but for the short-term rental industry in France as a whole. With their combined strengths, they aim to set new standards that will empower property managers and ultimately elevate the experiences of travelers seeking short-term accommodations.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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