Top 14 Business Travel Investors in the US
Top 14 Business Travel Investors in the US
The business travel industry in the US is a significant sector dedicated to corporate travel needs, facilitating movement for executives and employees. Companies like travel management firms, airlines, and accommodation providers play crucial roles, offering individualized services such as booking, itinerary management, and expense tracking. Current trends indicate remarkable growth driven by innovations in technology, evolving traveler expectations, and a focus on sustainability. As remote work fades, the demand for business travel is set to surge, with firms seeking newer, more efficient solutions that enhance productivity while ensuring employee well-being and cost management.
The listed investors include venture capital firms and private equity players, operating from locations such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. They range from small teams to sizable companies, with employee counts varying from under 50 to over 10,000. Founded between 1980 and 2015, these investors executed a significant number of deals in 2024, underscoring a robust interest in the business travel space. Notable firms like Goldman Sachs and Accel illustrate the spectrum of investment strategies fueling innovation in this sector.
Top 14 Business Travel Investors in the US
1. Y Combinator
- Website: ycombinator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 802
- LinkedIn: y-combinator
Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the business travel sector are Flightfox, an Australian travel search company that raised $800K in angel funding, and GetGoing, which raised $2.5 million in a seed round. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in NexTravel, which raised $2.1 million, and Rocketrip, which raised $2.6 million in a Series A round and $575K in a seed round. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's active role in fostering innovation within the business travel industry.
2. 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. With a global focus, 500 Global has made significant investments in various sectors, including the travel industry. Notable transactions include their investment in Flightfox, an Australian travel search company that raised $800K in angel funding, which allows users to find the best flight deals through a unique crowdsourcing model. They also invested in WeTravel, a fintech platform for travel companies, which secured a $2 million seed investment to support its growth. These transactions highlight 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the travel space, further establishing their relevance in the business travel sector.
3. Plug and Play Tech Center
- Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 253
- LinkedIn: 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, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. With a focus on technology, they have made numerous investments across different sectors. Notably, they have invested in GetGoing, a travel-related startup, through multiple funding rounds, including a Seed Round in 2012 and a Series A in 2013. This involvement highlights their engagement in the travel sector, which is relevant to business travel. Additionally, their recent investment in Hoperfy in 2024 demonstrates their ongoing commitment to supporting emerging companies, potentially including those that could influence the business travel landscape.
4. 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 focused on private sector development in emerging markets. Founded in 1956 and 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 the challenges of poverty and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, IFC has invested in Oway, a travel and tourism company, and Cebu Pacific, a leading airline, raising significant capital to enhance their operations. Additionally, IFC's acquisition of a 15 percent stake in TAV Tunisia, an airport concession company, underscores its commitment to developing critical infrastructure for the travel industry, particularly through public-private partnerships in North Africa.
5. 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 based in New York, founded in 1998. It offers 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 recent years, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in the business travel sector, including a $500 million debt financing round for Navan, a travel management platform that streamlines business travel for companies. They also participated in a $1.1 billion post-IPO debt raise for Sabre Corporation, a leading technology provider for the travel industry. Furthermore, their involvement in funding Yatra, an online travel agency, and LvYue, a travel service provider, highlights their strategic interest in expanding their portfolio within the travel industry. These transactions reflect Goldman Sachs' commitment to navigating complex financial challenges and supporting growth in the business travel sector.
6. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has built an extensive portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status. FJ Labs supports entrepreneurs by providing capital and strategic guidance across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, they have made significant investments in the business travel sector, including ViajaNet, which raised $6.3 million in Series E funding, and Dharma, a travel management platform that raised $4.7 million in a pre-series A funding round. Additionally, they invested in FlyFlat and Bus.com, further demonstrating their engagement in the travel and transportation technology space.
7. Accel
- Website: accel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 101
- LinkedIn: accel-vc
Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies, primarily in the technology sector. Notably, Accel has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the business travel space, including TravelBank, which raised $25 million in Series B funding and $10 million in Series A funding, focusing on travel expense management solutions. Additionally, Accel invested in KAYAK, a well-known travel search engine, which raised substantial amounts in Series C and D funding rounds. These investments highlight Accel's active role in the business travel industry, making them a relevant player in this sector.
8. Government of Canada
- Website: canada.ca
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 137
- LinkedIn: government-of-canada
The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of business travel, the Government of Canada has been involved in significant transactions such as providing $4.28 billion in post-IPO debt and $398 million in post-IPO equity to Air Canada, a key player in the airline industry. Additionally, it has supported infrastructure projects like Kenora Airport through grants totaling $8.8 million and $370,000, which are crucial for facilitating travel. These transactions highlight the government's role in supporting the travel sector, making it a relevant investor in the business travel industry.
9. 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 a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and investment strategies. In the context of business travel, Blackstone has made notable investments, including a significant stake in TravelPerk, which raised $200 million in Series E funding in January 2025 and $134 million in debt financing in June 2024. Furthermore, Blackstone has expanded its presence in the hospitality sector by acquiring multiple hotel properties, such as the Club Quarters hotels across major U.S. cities and the W Fort Lauderdale hotel for $153 million in May 2024. These strategic acquisitions highlight Blackstone's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the hospitality industry, which is integral to business travel.
10. 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 based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, 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 business travel context, including investments in TravelBank, which raised funds to enhance travel expense management solutions, and battleface, which focuses on travel insurance. These investments highlight the fund's engagement with companies that cater to the needs of business travelers, reinforcing its relevance in the business travel industry.
11. Tiger Global
- Website: tigerglobal.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn: tiger-global-management
Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies leveraging technology. Its clientele includes institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking expert investment management and advisory services. Tiger Global has made significant strides in the business travel sector, particularly through its investment in ITILITE, a Bengaluru-based SaaS startup that raised $29 million in a Series C funding round. ITILITE offers travel and expense management solutions and has experienced substantial growth, indicating a strong market presence. Additionally, Tiger Global has invested in Despegar, a leading online travel agency in Latin America, and eLong.com, a travel service provider in China, showcasing its diverse portfolio in the travel industry.
12. Tcv
- Website: tcv.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1995
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: technology-crossover-ventures
TCM, Inc. (Technology Crossover Ventures) is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in growth equity investments in technology companies. Founded in 1995, Tcv partners with mission-driven teams to provide capital and strategic guidance, helping businesses scale and achieve market leadership. Tcv has a diverse portfolio, with notable investments in the travel sector, including Expedia, which raised $60 million in a private equity round in 2000, and Travelport, which also received funding in 2006. They further invested in Orbitz Worldwide during its post-IPO equity phase in 2008. More recently, Tcv has invested significantly in Klook, a travel service platform, with two substantial Series D funding rounds totaling $425 million in 2018 and 2019. These transactions highlight Tcv's active role in the business travel industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.
13. Silicon Valley Bank
- Website: svb.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 31
- LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank
Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. With a focus on business banking, global payments, and asset management, they help clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, Silicon Valley Bank has been involved in significant transactions within the travel sector, including a $400 million debt financing for Navan, a company that streamlines travel management for businesses, and a $196 million Series D investment in KAYAK, a leading travel search engine. These investments highlight the bank's commitment to supporting companies that enhance business travel, making it a relevant player in this space.
14. 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 delivering tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle has established itself as a leader in alternative asset classes. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the business travel sector, including a substantial equity investment in Wakanow, a leading online travel agency in Nigeria, and the acquisition of a controlling stake in CVC Brasil Operadora e Agência de Viagens S.A., the largest travel operator in Latin America. Additionally, Carlyle has been involved in funding rounds for other travel-related companies such as Egencia and Viator, further solidifying its role as a key player in the business travel industry.
Business Travel Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Plug and Play Tech Center | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | 253 |
| IFC - International Finance Corporation | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1956 | 107 |
| Goldman Sachs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | 59 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| Accel | Palo Alto, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1983 | 101 |
| Government of Canada | Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1999 | 137 |
| Blackstone | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1985 | 57 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| Tiger Global | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2001 | 25 |
| Tcv | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 10 |
| Silicon Valley Bank | Santa Clara, California, United States (USA) | 5001-10000 | 1983 | 31 |
| The Carlyle Group | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1987 | 25 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the business travel industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the business travelindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.With Inven, you'll also get to know:
- Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
- Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
- Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
- ...and much more!
.jpg)
Trusted by 700+ companies
