Akia, a Menlo Park-based start-up focused on transforming the way hotels engage with their guests, announced today it has secured a new round of funding from GSR Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm with more than $3 billion under management. Akia will utilize the capital to accelerate and expand implementation of its AI-enabled SaaS platform, which allows hotels to provide guests with contactless options such as pre-arrival check-in and shifting in-person guest communications to text messaging. Akia’s customers include brands such as Hyatt, Marriott, Best Western, NoMad, The Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences, and many luxury boutiques.