Keyguides Connect tour guide marketplace

Keyguides Connect

A tourism marketplace connecting operators and guides. The MVP cut scheduling conflicts by 47% and helped raise 8M NOK.

Tourism

Tourism

Marketplace

Marketplace

Platform

Platform

Overview

We built a guide management platform that reduced scheduling overhead by 47% for tourism operators. The system matches guides to tours based on skills, availability, and past performance data. We integrated Stripe for payment processing and built automated scheduling workflows that handle conflicts and last-minute changes. The React/TypeScript frontend connects to a Node.js API backed by PostgreSQL. After launching the MVP, Keyguides secured 8M NOK in funding.

Team

Deliverables

MVP platform for local connections. We built the first version of Keyguides Connect – a web app that helps travelers find and book experiences with local guides. The platform includes user profiles, booking system, payment processing, and a content management system for guides to create their offerings. Built with Next.js and integrated with Stripe for payments.

Guide discovery and partner matching system built on Next.js and PostgreSQL. We created a two-sided marketplace that connects travelers with local guides and enables guides to form partnerships. The system includes real-time availability checking, multi-currency payment processing, and an algorithm that matches guides based on complementary skills and tour offerings.

Payment processing integration with Stripe Connect, enabling multi-party transactions between guides and travelers. Built custom checkout flows, automated commission splits, and KYC verification for marketplace compliance.

Real-time scheduling system with availability matching

We built a B2B marketplace feature that lets travel partners post their service requirements and connect with qualified providers. The system includes customizable listing templates, automated matching based on service categories, and integrated messaging for direct partner-to-partner communication.

Keyguides needed a platform to connect travelers with local experts. We built a full-stack application with React and Node.js that handles user matching, booking flows, and payment processing. The system includes automated matching algorithms that pair users based on location, interests, and availability. We also designed the operational workflows that guide both travelers and guides through the connection process—from initial search to completed bookings. The result is a streamlined experience that handles the complex logistics of coordinating local experiences across multiple time zones and currencies.

The team at Dev, in delivered exactly what we needed for Keyguides Connect. They built a platform that handles our complex requirements while maintaining excellent performance. Their technical expertise showed in every aspect of the project, from architecture decisions to implementation details. What stood out most was their ability to understand our business goals and translate them into practical technical solutions. The positive working relationship made the entire development process smooth and productive. We're continuing to work together on expanding the platform's capabilities.

Nick Gray

01

The operator marketplace

Tour operators and independent guides were stuck with outdated tools. Guides managed bookings through spreadsheets and WhatsApp. Operators tracked availability manually. Payments required multiple systems and reconciliation headaches. Keyguides asked us to build a platform that would fix these core problems. We created a marketplace where operators post tours and guides claim shifts in real-time. Built-in scheduling prevents double-bookings. Integrated payments handle splits automatically. The result: operators fill tours faster and guides find consistent work through a single app.

01

The operator marketplace

Tour operators and independent guides were stuck with outdated tools. Guides managed bookings through spreadsheets and WhatsApp. Operators tracked availability manually. Payments required multiple systems and reconciliation headaches. Keyguides asked us to build a platform that would fix these core problems. We created a marketplace where operators post tours and guides claim shifts in real-time. Built-in scheduling prevents double-bookings. Integrated payments handle splits automatically. The result: operators fill tours faster and guides find consistent work through a single app.

Keyguides Connect tour search and popular tours

02

Zero to funded MVP

We built Keyguides' MVP from zero to launch, creating the foundation for their travel platform's early growth. The system included an intelligent scheduling algorithm that reduced operational inefficiencies by 47%, integrated payment processing, and a B2B marketplace connecting travel partners with professional guides. The marketplace let partners post tour openings while guides could browse and apply for opportunities that matched their expertise. This core feature set addressed the fragmented nature of tour guide booking and helped Keyguides secure funding shortly after launch.

02

Zero to funded MVP

We built Keyguides' MVP from zero to launch, creating the foundation for their travel platform's early growth. The system included an intelligent scheduling algorithm that reduced operational inefficiencies by 47%, integrated payment processing, and a B2B marketplace connecting travel partners with professional guides. The marketplace let partners post tour openings while guides could browse and apply for opportunities that matched their expertise. This core feature set addressed the fragmented nature of tour guide booking and helped Keyguides secure funding shortly after launch.

Keyguides Connect guide portal

More projects

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FAQ

Get quick answers about working with us and our approach to digital solutions.

What’s included in a monthly retainer?

01

Each retainer includes a set number of design or strategy requests per month, priority turnaround, and a dedicated point of contact. It’s built for teams who want ongoing support without starting from scratch every time.

How many requests can I make per month?

02

We typically handle up to two active requests at a time, with new ones queued as they’re completed. Most deliverables are turned around within 48–72 hours, depending on complexity.

Is a retainer better than a one-off project?

03

If you need ongoing design support, faster turnarounds, or regular iterations, a retainer is often more cost-effective and collaborative than starting fresh each time.

Who will I be working with?

04

You’ll work directly with senior designers and strategists. No middle layers, no fluff—just experienced people doing the work.

Do you work with international clients?

05

Yes. Most of our clients are remote. We’re fully set up to collaborate across time zones with clear communication and shared tools.

Let's talk shop

Karl Johans gate 25. Oslo Norway

Let's talk shop

Karl Johans gate 25. Oslo Norway

Let's talk shop

Karl Johans gate 25. Oslo Norway