The business travel industry in Europe is a dynamic sector focusing on corporate travel needs. Companies ranging from travel management firms to technology providers create solutions for efficient travel planning, booking, and expense management. As remote work reshapes corporate structures, demand for seamless travel experiences is on the rise, pushing the industry towards technology-driven innovations like AI-based travel booking and enhanced mobile services. Sustainability is also taking center stage, influencing corporate travel policies. These developments not only enhance traveler satisfaction but also reflect the industry's commitment to adaptability in a fast-evolving landscape.


The list features a mix of private equity and venture capital investors, primarily based in cities like London and Paris. Founded between 1967 and 2017, these firms vary in size, with many operating with fewer than 200 employees. In 2024, they engaged in numerous investments, ranging from Accor’s hospitality ventures to Index Ventures’ backing of travel startups. These investments highlight the ongoing growth and innovation within the European business travel sector, showcasing investor enthusiasm and commitment.


Top 15 Business Travel Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several significant transactions in the travel sector, including investments in Marietton Development, a prominent French tour operator, and Evaneos, a Parisian travel tech startup that raised €20 million in equity financing. Additionally, Bpifrance led a funding round for MisterFly, a European travel booking platform, further showcasing its commitment to the travel industry. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting businesses that contribute to the travel sector.


2. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Notably, Kima Ventures has made significant investments in the travel technology space, including multiple funding rounds for Impala, a TravelTech API service that raised a total of $20 million in Series B, $11 million in Series A, and $1.75 million in Seed funding. Additionally, they invested in Duffel, which raised $30 million in Series B. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the travel industry, making them a relevant player in the business travel investment landscape.


3. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments. The platform is known for promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. In recent transactions, Crowdcube has been involved in funding companies like Ortharize, which raised significant capital to enhance its business travel booking platform, demonstrating Crowdcube's engagement in the business travel sector. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported other startups like OUNO App and LuckyTrip, which may also intersect with travel and related services, further showcasing its relevance in the business travel industry.


4. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, and is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has made significant investments in the travel industry, including multiple rounds of funding for Secret Escapes, a platform that offers luxury travel deals and discounted hotel rooms. Their involvement in Secret Escapes includes a Series B investment of £8 million in 2012, a Series C investment of $60 million in 2015, and a Series D investment of $111 million in 2017, all aimed at supporting the company's international expansion. Additionally, Index Ventures invested in Duffel, a company focused on modernizing travel booking systems, participating in both their Series A and Series B funding rounds. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' active role in the business travel sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative travel solutions.


5. Accor

  • Website: group.accor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1967
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: accor

Accor is a leading hospitality group founded in 1967, headquartered in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Accor operates a diverse portfolio of hotel brands and services, including accommodations, restaurants, and coworking spaces. The company is dedicated to providing tailored experiences for both leisure and business travelers, focusing on quality service and innovative solutions in the hospitality industry. Notably, Accor has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the business travel market, including the acquisition of Gekko Group in 2017 for €100 million, which enhances their offerings for business clients. Additionally, their acquisition of Dorint AG's hotels and Onefinestay further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their services and reach within the hospitality sector, making them a key player in the business travel industry.


6. HOWZAT Partners

  • Website: howzatpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: howzat-media

HOWZAT Partners is a venture capital investment fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in digital businesses and provides funding and strategic advisory services to early-stage companies. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurs and startups seeking investment and guidance. Notably, HOWZAT Partners has been involved in several transactions within the travel technology sector, including a $1.75 million seed investment in Impala, a TravelTech API service, and multiple funding rounds for itravel, which raised over $7 million in Series B and A rounds. Additionally, they participated in a Series A funding round for Nezasa, a company focused on travel solutions, further solidifying their presence in the business travel industry.


7. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. LDC has a strong track record in the travel industry, having acquired ATPI Limited in 2006 for approximately $71 million, which highlights their commitment to the business travel sector. Additionally, LDC invested in CTI Travel, a travel management company, and retained a stake after its acquisition by another private equity firm. They also provided £6.5 million in equity funding to Blue Bay Travel, an online travel agent, to support its growth and expansion plans. These transactions demonstrate LDC's active role in fostering growth within the business travel industry, making them a significant player in this market.


8. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, they have invested in several travel tech companies, including PerfectStay, a B2B tour operator that raised €15M to expand internationally, and Evaneos, a travel marketplace that secured €70M in a Series D funding round to facilitate its expansion outside Europe. These investments highlight Partech's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the travel industry, making them a significant player in the business travel sector.


9. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund founded in 2017 and based in London, England. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in the travel sector, including notable transactions such as TravelPerk, which raised $200 million in Series E funding in January 2025 and $103 million in Series D funding in January 2024. Additionally, they have invested in Klook, which raised $225 million in Series D funding in April 2019 and $200 million in Series E funding in January 2021. These investments highlight SoftBank's commitment to fostering technological advancements in the travel industry, making them a key player in the business travel investment landscape.


10. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. It specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the travel sector, including the acquisition of Etraveli, a global flight-centric online travel agency, for €508 million in 2017, aiming to expand its international presence in the online travel market. Additionally, CVC participated in a funding round for HappyEasyGo, an online travel agency, indicating its commitment to supporting travel businesses as they recover from the pandemic. CVC also acquired Shearings Holidays Ltd and Samsonite, further solidifying its footprint in the travel and hospitality industries. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic interest in the business travel sector, making it a key player in this space.


11. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been actively involved in the transportation sector, particularly through its investments in FlixBus, a leading intercity bus service provider. HV Capital participated in several funding rounds for FlixBus, including a $650 million Series G round in June 2021 and a $563 million Series F round in July 2019. These investments highlight HV Capital's commitment to supporting companies that facilitate travel, making them a relevant player in the business travel industry.


12. DST Global

  • Website: dst-global.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: dst_2

DST Global is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Yuri Milner, specializing in internet investments. The firm focuses on identifying and investing in some of the fastest-growing and most valuable internet companies globally. Notably, DST Global has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the business travel sector, including TravelPerk, where they were involved in both the Series C and Series D funding rounds, contributing to a total of approximately $256 million raised by the company. Additionally, DST Global invested in Gordian Software, a travel software startup that raised $25 million in a Series A funding round, indicating their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the travel industry. This focus on technology-driven travel solutions aligns with their broader investment strategy in the tech sector.


13. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, focusing on sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in the travel sector, including a $236 million investment in Audley Travel, which offers personalized travel experiences, and a $150 million acquisition of a majority stake in International Cruise & Excursions (ICE), a company that operates in the cruise travel market. Additionally, their acquisition of Belfast City Airport and their stake in Scandlines, a ferry operator, further highlight their involvement in the travel and transportation sectors, reinforcing their relevance as a business travel investor.


14. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a strong presence in the investment landscape across Europe. Eurazeo focuses on tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion in various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made significant investments in the business travel sector, including the acquisition of Europcar Mobility Group in 2006 for approximately $3.73 billion, a key player in the car rental industry. Additionally, Eurazeo's partnership in the acquisition of WorldStrides, an experiential education provider, for $469 million in 2017 further underscores its involvement in travel-related services. Their ongoing support for Europcar during the COVID-19 crisis highlights their commitment to maintaining liquidity and stability in the travel sector, reinforcing their relevance in the business travel industry.


15. Seedcamp

  • Website: seedcamp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: seedcamp_2

Seedcamp is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2007. It specializes in investing in early-stage startups across Europe, providing not only financial backing but also support in achieving product-market fit, sales, and access to a vast network of investors. Seedcamp has made significant investments in technology-driven companies looking to innovate and grow. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Davinci Travel System, which focuses on travel management solutions, and Much Better Adventures, a platform for adventure travel experiences. Furthermore, their investment in Zamna, a blockchain startup aimed at automating airport security checks, highlights their commitment to enhancing the travel experience through technology. These investments demonstrate Seedcamp's active role in the business travel industry, making them a relevant investor in this sector.



Business Travel Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
AccorIssy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France10001+19670
HOWZAT PartnersLuxembourg1-1020062
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
DST GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200924
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
SeedcampLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200740


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