The hotel interior design industry in the US focuses on creating inviting and functional spaces within hotels. It encompasses firms that specialize in a range of services from conceptual design to implementation—addressing both aesthetic value and guest experience. Influenced by trends in hospitality, technology, and sustainability, the industry seeks to merge comfort with cutting-edge innovations. Noteworthy is the rise of mixed-use developments, where hotels integrate seamlessly into urban environments, showcasing unique challenges for designers. As travelers increasingly favor experience over mere accommodation, the need for thoughtful, captivating designs has never been greater.


This list features 12 prominent investors in the hotel interior design industry, varying from private equity firms like Goldman Sachs and KSL Capital Partners to venture capital groups such as 500 Global and SV Angel. Tasks range from acquiring portfolios to funding innovative startups. Based in major US cities like New York and San Francisco, these investors were established across several decades, with active engagement in 2024, evidenced by numerous strategic investments aimed at revitalizing the hospitality scene. This dynamic space presents opportunities for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike.


Top 12 Hotel Interior Design Investors in the US


1. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In 2024, 500 Global has made 98 investments, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, 500 Global invested in RedDoorz, a budget hotel platform that raised $1.4 million in pre-Series A funding to expand its services across Southeast Asia. This investment highlights 500 Global's engagement in the hospitality sector, which may intersect with hotel interior design as the platform focuses on enhancing customer experience in budget accommodations. Additionally, their investment in Revolution Precrafted, a company that specializes in prefabricated structures, could also relate to innovative design solutions in the hospitality space.


2. KSL Capital Partners


KSL Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in the travel and leisure industry, focusing on equity, credit, and tactical investment strategies to support businesses in hospitality, recreation, and real estate. KSL has a global presence and partners with companies to enhance their growth and operational performance by providing strategic capital and expertise. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, which operates independently while remaining affiliated with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. They also acquired the Malmaison Group, which includes 12 hotels under the Malmaison brand and 14 under Hotel du Vin, with plans for significant investment in the portfolio. Additionally, KSL's acquisition of Tierra Hotels, a luxury hotel chain in Chile, through its Australian luxury hotel platform, Baillie Lodges, marks its expansion into Latin America. These transactions highlight KSL's commitment to investing in and enhancing hotel properties, making them a relevant player in the hotel interior design space.


3. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a robust portfolio that includes significant investments in the hospitality sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the Trident Hotel for Rs 585 crore and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort for approximately $200 million. Additionally, Blackstone was involved in a sale-leaseback agreement for the Aria and Vdara properties, showcasing their strategic investments in high-profile hotel assets. Their participation in financing the Fontainebleau resort and casino further highlights their active role in the hotel industry, which often encompasses interior design considerations as part of property enhancements and developments.


4. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the context of hotel interior design, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in the hotel sector, including a recent private equity round for Montage Hotels & Resorts in February 2024. They also acquired a minority stake in SAMHI Hotels in January 2016, which operates 16 hotels in India. Furthermore, their investment of $85 million in Vatika Group supports its real estate and hotel arms, indicating their active role in financing hotel development and operations. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' engagement in the hotel industry, particularly in areas that may intersect with hotel interior design.


5. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, primarily targeting businesses in the technology sector. Their model includes accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities, providing resources to enhance business development. Notably, Plug and Play has invested in Hotelverse, a company focused on strengthening its commercial position in the hotel industry, which highlights their engagement in the hotel sector. Additionally, they have made investments in other companies like Oliver & Co Designs, which, while not directly tied to hotel interiors, indicates a broader interest in design and innovation. Their active investment strategy, with 253 investments in 2024 alone, showcases their commitment to supporting diverse startups, including those in the hotel industry.


6. Starwood Capital Group


Starwood Capital Group is a private equity investment firm based in the United States, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in real estate investments, focusing on acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of real estate assets. Starwood Capital has a strong presence in the hotel sector, having made significant acquisitions such as the 49.8% stake in Design Hotels AG, which indicates their interest in hotel branding and design. In 2012, they led a consortium to acquire the Gansevoort Hotel, planning to invest over $100 million in renovations, showcasing their commitment to enhancing hotel interiors. More recently, in 2024, they acquired a portfolio of 10 hotels from the Edwardian Group, further expanding their hotel portfolio. Their acquisition of De Vere Venues, which includes 23 hotels, also highlights their focus on properties that may require design and renovation efforts. Starwood Capital serves institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, providing expertise in navigating the real estate market, particularly in the hotel sector where design plays a crucial role in attracting guests and maximizing returns.


7. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the hospitality sector, including a $60 million Series C investment in Life House, a company focused on hotel management, and participation in a $20 million Series A round for Wander, a luxury rental company. Additionally, they invested in KYC Hospitality, which raised $2.39 million in a seed round, further indicating their interest in the hospitality industry. These transactions highlight the fund's engagement with companies that may intersect with hotel interior design, making them a relevant player in this space.


8. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes. In recent years, KKR has made notable acquisitions in the hotel sector, including the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth for AUD$315 million, which reflects their strategy to capitalize on the recovering tourism industry. Additionally, they acquired the Park Grand Hotel Kensington in May 2024, further solidifying their presence in the hospitality market. These transactions highlight KKR's commitment to investing in properties that may require interior design enhancements to improve guest experiences and drive profitability.


9. Bessemer Venture Partners

  • Website: bvp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1911
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 78
  • LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Bessemer has participated in several funding rounds for Livspace, an India-based startup focused on home interior design and renovation. Livspace raised significant amounts in Series A, B, C, and D funding rounds, with Bessemer being a consistent investor. Their involvement in Livspace, which aims to enhance design content and technology, suggests a potential interest in sectors related to interior design, including hotel interiors, making them a relevant player in this space.


10. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle acquired ADA Cosmetics International, a German provider of hotel cosmetics, which highlights its engagement in the hospitality sector. Additionally, the acquisition of Brintons Carpets Limited, a global manufacturer of specialist woven carpets, underscores its involvement in products that are integral to hotel interior design. These investments reflect Carlyle's strategy to support businesses that enhance the guest experience in hotels, making it a relevant player in the hotel interior design industry.


11. SV Angel

  • Website: svangel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: sv-angel

SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a vast network of industry experts. Among their notable transactions, SV Angel participated in the funding of HotelTonight, which raised $3.585 million in a Series A round in 2011, directly linking them to the hotel industry. They also invested in Uppercase, a company that collaborates with real estate agents, architects, and designers to create retail spaces, showcasing their interest in design and real estate. These transactions highlight SV Angel's engagement with sectors that intersect with hotel interior design, making them a relevant player in this space.


12. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on promoting private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to foster economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing challenges of poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the hotel and hospitality sector, including a $21 million investment in SAMHI Hotels in 2014, which focuses on hotel development in India. In 2024, IFC participated in a significant $217 million debt financing for Maistra, a company that operates in the hospitality sector, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to hotel development and potentially interior design. Other transactions, such as the $87.5 million debt financing for BIM Lands and the $351 million raised by Ayala Land, also indicate IFC's active role in financing projects that may intersect with hotel development and design.



Hotel Interior Design Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
KSL Capital PartnersDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)51-20020050
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Starwood Capital GroupUnited States (USA)1001-5000199114
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Bessemer Venture PartnersSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50191178
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107


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