Company: Black Platinum Gold B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
Company Description: The first luxury travel auctions platform, Black Platinum Gold revolutionized the relationship between travellers and hospitality, offering handpicked stays at some of the most renowned destinations in the world. Black Platinum Gold partnered with many members of LHW, Relais & Châteaux and SLH, and offers unforgettable vacations that are the pinnacle of luxury and lifestyle.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Female Solo Entrepreneur
 Nomination Title: Viola Palescandolo, Founder & CEO
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2020 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 187 words used.
Former naval engineer, luxury market expert, superyacht insider and passionate traveler, Viola Palescandolo founded Black Platinum Gold B.V. in 2017. Viola always knew that she wanted to be an entrepreneur. After gaining international expertise in the luxury industry, she decided to start her own business, a one-of-its-kind company which would give a deeper meaning to the word “luxury”. She founded Black Platinum Gold completely by herself, with no associates or investors, to empower dreamers to be go-getters, and created the first travel auction platform that makes luxury more accessible without markdowns. In June 2022 the company helmed by Viola entered the NFTs market with the project “Unlocking Uniqueness”, selling at auction ultra-luxury experiences in the real world as NFTs. She owns 100% of the company and is deeply involved in every aspect of management and new business.
Her business model is based on a virtuous cycle, which generates real value for all the involved parties (travellers, hotels, destinations), going far beyond a regular “services in exchange of a fee” model. Born and raised in Naples (Italy), Viola lived in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Verona and Milan.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2020 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 243 words used.
Over the last two years and despite the pandemic, Black Platinum Gold has seen over 1,800,000 unique website visitors, partnered with over 100 high-end hospitality brands and launched travel auctions to more than 20 countries, with a total market value of over €450,000. In March 2021 Viola Palescandolo was invited by David Meltzer to his "office hours" show for an interview on "how to reinvent the luxury travel business during the pandemic".
In April 2021 Black Platinum Gold launched its first official app available worldwide on App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). In September 2021 Viola won a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Female Solo Entrepreneur of the Year category in the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. In February 2022 Black Platinum Gold launched its own Loyalty Program, “BPG Points” to empower travellers’ smarter spending. In April 2022 Black Platinum Gold earned a Gold TITAN award in the “Travel” category. In May 2022 Black Platinum Gold donated an auction lot to support the SIS Spirit Fund at the Stockholm International School (SIS) 70th Gala and it raised more bids than any other. In June 2022 Black Platinum Gold officially entered the NFTs market with the project “Unlocking Uniqueness”, selling at auction ultra-luxury experiences in the real world as NFTs, together with digital collectibles and BPG Points. Throughout these two years, Black Platinum Gold received international press coverage by the most influential luxury travel magazines and portals.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 230 words used.
Although my company is still very young, it already brought me priceless satisfaction, happiness and pride. I run it myself, I am deeply committed and involved in every aspect of the business 24/7. The biggest achievements were the great enthusiasm I received from big players in the luxury hospitality business and their trust to start valuable partnerships with a still-unknown startup, and all the positive reviews from the first customers who travelled after winning at auction their dream vacation on Black Platinum Gold. I’m extremely proud to see that 70% of the first-timers comes back to bid at auction within 6 months, and that 90% of the hotel brands keeps renewing our partnership since years. By partnering with Black Platinum Gold, hospitality brands achieve not only digital exposure, but also high-quality visits on their website, since every person interested in entering an auction wants to learn more about the property before deciding how much to bid. They are not only potential customers, but a new target of extremely motivated consumers ready to "fight" with bids to turn their dreams into reality. The playful context represents an integral part of the project, a great motivational driver towards personal wellbeing. It's never too soon to start giving back, and my next project revolves around supporting local initiatives, focusing on environmental sustainability and animal rights as beneficiaries of part of the auctions' revenue.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 29 words used.
Please find attached:
- PDF presentation of Black Platinum Gold
- Video presentation of Black Platinum Gold
- Black Platinum Gold website
- Black Platinum Gold's "Unlocking Uniqueness" page for luxury travel NFTs
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