The travel and tourism industry in the US is vibrant and multifaceted, serving millions of individuals each year. From airlines and hotels to cruise lines and adventure companies, this sector encompasses a range of businesses dedicated to providing memorable experiences. The industry not only fuels the economy by creating jobs but also fosters cultural exchange and connectivity. Recent trends show a shift towards sustainable travel, with increasing demand for eco-friendly practices. Innovations in technology are reshaping how people plan their trips, making efficient booking and personalized service standout features in today's competitive environment.


The list of investors includes prominent venture capital firms, private equity entities, and corporate investors, primarily located in California and New York. Founded between 1983 and 2023, these investors vary in size from small groups to large corporations, reflecting their varying investment strategies. In total, they executed 1,485 deals in 2024, showing robust activity in the travel and tourism sector. This dynamic ecosystem illustrates the growing confidence in travel innovations and reinventions following the disruptions of recent years.


Top 16 Travel and Tourism 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 includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. 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 travel and tourism sector are Airbnb, which raised $20,000 in a pre-seed round in 2009 and has since transformed the way people book accommodations, and Flightfox, an innovative travel search company that raised $800,000 in angel funding in 2012, allowing users to crowdsource the best flight deals. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in Wanderlog, a travel planning app, further solidifying its involvement in the travel and tourism 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. Notably, 500 Global has been involved in several funding rounds for Headout, a traveltech startup that has raised significant capital to expand its services in the travel industry. Headout raised $30 million in an extended Series B round in February 2022, following earlier rounds of $12 million in September 2021 and additional amounts in Series A rounds in 2020 and 2019. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in supporting innovative solutions within the travel and tourism sector, making them a relevant player in this industry.


3. 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. Their focus is primarily on the technology sector, but they have also made significant investments in the travel and tourism industry. For instance, they participated in the Series A funding of Sastaticket.pk, which raised $50 million in February 2022, and they have invested in TravelTipz.ru through multiple funding rounds, including a Series B round that raised $2.17 million in July 2013. These investments highlight their engagement in the travel sector, showcasing their versatility as an investor.


4. 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 travel and tourism, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, primarily through grants aimed at enhancing tourism initiatives. Notable transactions include grants to Club Voyages, Tourism Calgary, Destination BC, and Destination Vancouver, which collectively support the growth and development of the tourism sector in Canada. These investments reflect the government's commitment to fostering a vibrant travel and tourism industry, making it a relevant player in this space.


5. 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 travel and tourism-related companies, including HolidayMe, a Dubai-based OTA that raised $16 million in a Series C funding round, and KAYAK, a well-known travel search engine that raised $196 million in a Series D round. These investments highlight Accel's engagement in the travel and tourism industry, alongside its broader focus on technology startups.


6. 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 comprehensive 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 travel and tourism sector, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments, such as a $42 million post-IPO equity investment in Yatra, a leading online travel agency in India, and multiple funding rounds for Klook, a travel service platform that raised $200 million in Series D and $60 million in Series C. Additionally, they have invested in OneTwoTrip, a travel booking service, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in the travel industry.


7. 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, founded in 1995. Tcv specializes in growth equity investments in technology companies, partnering with mission-driven teams to provide capital and strategic guidance to help businesses scale and achieve market leadership. Notably, Tcv has made significant investments in the travel and tourism sector, including a $60 million investment in Expedia in 2000, which is a leading online travel agency. They also invested in Orbitz Worldwide in 2008, a major player in the travel booking space. More recently, Tcv has been heavily involved with Klook, a travel service platform, participating in multiple funding rounds, including a $200 million Series D round in 2018 and another $225 million Series D round in 2019. These transactions highlight Tcv's active role in the travel and tourism industry, alongside their broader focus on technology.


8. General Atlantic

  • Website: generalatlantic.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: general-atlantic

General Atlantic is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in growth equity. Founded in 1980, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and growth companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Atlantic has made significant investments in the travel and tourism industry, including participation in funding rounds for companies such as Mafengwo, which raised $250 million in 2019 to expand its online travel platform, and Despegar, which raised $21 million in 2012. Additionally, they were involved in a funding round for Airbnb, which raised $1.5 billion in 2015, achieving a valuation of $25.5 billion. By leveraging its global network and expertise, General Atlantic aims to enhance the growth trajectories of its portfolio companies, including those in the travel and tourism sector.


9. Expedia Group LATAM


Expedia Group LATAM, based in Bellevue, Washington, is a corporate investor and a leading online travel platform founded in 1996. The company specializes in providing comprehensive travel solutions, including hotel bookings, flight reservations, car rentals, and vacation rentals, catering to both individual travelers and businesses. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Travelocity for $280 million in 2015, which expanded their market reach, and the acquisition of Orbitz Worldwide for approximately $1.34 billion, aimed at regaining their position as the largest online travel agency. Additionally, Expedia has invested in Traveloka, raising $350 million in 2017, and has acquired Classic Vacation Group for around $48 million, further enhancing their portfolio in the travel sector. These transactions highlight Expedia Group LATAM's active role in shaping the travel and tourism landscape.


10. 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 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 focuses on providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, they have made significant investments in the travel and tourism sector, including ViajaNet, which raised $6.3 million in Series E funding in 2020, and Headout, a traveltech startup that raised $12 million in Series B funding in September 2021 and an additional $30 million in February 2022. These investments highlight FJ Labs' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the travel and tourism industry, making them a relevant player in this space.


11. General Catalyst


General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries. Notably, General Catalyst has made significant investments in the travel and tourism sector, including participation in funding rounds for ViajaNet, a Sao Paulo-based online travel agency, and Airbnb, a leading platform for short-term lodging. They also led a funding round for Couchsurfing, a social travel network, demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovative travel solutions. Their diverse portfolio reflects a strong interest in enhancing the travel experience through technology and community-driven platforms.


12. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, but has also made significant investments in the travel and tourism industry. Notable transactions include investments in Worldpackers, a platform that connects travelers with hosts for cultural exchange, Well Traveled, which raised $1.12 million to enhance travel experiences, Upaway, a travel-related startup that raised $535,000, and Dharma, a travel management platform that secured $4.7 million in funding. These investments highlight Goodwater's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the travel sector.


13. 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

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) 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 travel and tourism sector, including a $20 million Series A investment in Wander, a luxury rental company, and participation in the funding rounds for TravelBank, a travel expense management platform. These investments highlight the fund's engagement with innovative companies in the travel and tourism space, showcasing its commitment to this industry.


14. Tripadvisor

  • Website: tripadvisor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Needham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is a corporate investor based in Needham, Massachusetts, founded in 2004. It operates as a comprehensive travel platform that provides a wide range of services, including hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, and travel experiences. The company leverages user-generated reviews to enhance the travel planning process, making it a reliable resource for consumers seeking travel information. Tripadvisor has been actively involved in the travel and tourism sector through several significant acquisitions. Notably, it acquired Viator, a leading online tours and activities agency, for approximately $200 million in 2014, marking a strategic move to expand its presence in the tours and activities market. Other relevant acquisitions include Oyster.com in 2013, which enhances its hotel booking capabilities, and Jetsetter.com, a members-only site for hotel bookings, also acquired in 2013. More recently, Tripadvisor acquired SinglePlatform in 2019 to improve its restaurant services and digital marketing capabilities. In 2024, Tripadvisor further solidified its position in the industry by acquiring Liberty Tripadvisor Holdings for $435 million. These transactions highlight Tripadvisor's active role in the travel and tourism industry, making it a significant investor in this sector.


15. 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. Founded in 1985, the firm has built a diverse portfolio that includes private equity, real estate, and credit solutions for both institutional and individual investors. Blackstone is known for its strategic approach to building strong businesses and delivering lasting value. In the travel and tourism sector, Blackstone has made notable investments, including a significant $200 million Series E investment in TravelPerk, a company that provides business travel management solutions. Additionally, Blackstone acquired Center Parcs, a popular holiday resort operator, for $356 million in 2006, showcasing its commitment to the leisure and hospitality industry. The firm also acquired four Club Quarters hotels across major U.S. cities, further solidifying its presence in the travel and tourism market. These transactions highlight Blackstone's active role in supporting and growing businesses within the travel and tourism sector.


16. Vacasa

  • Website: vacasa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: vacasa

Vacasa, Inc. is a vacation rental management company based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in managing over 35,000 vacation rentals across North America, Belize, and Costa Rica. Founded in 2009, Vacasa provides comprehensive property management services, including guest services, professional cleaning, and marketing, catering to both homeowners and travelers seeking quality vacation accommodations. Notably, Vacasa has made significant acquisitions to enhance its market position, including the acquisition of Wyndham Vacation Rentals for $162 million in 2019, which nearly doubled its inventory. In 2021, they acquired TurnKey Vacation Rentals, adding 6,000 listings to their platform. Additionally, their first international acquisition of Rentalinitaly in 2016 allowed them to manage 70 properties in Italy, expanding their portfolio significantly. These strategic moves highlight Vacasa's active role in the travel and tourism industry.



Travel and Tourism Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
TcvMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200199510
General AtlanticNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000198032
Expedia Group LATAMBellevue, Washington, United States (USA)10001+19960
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
TripadvisorNeedham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1001-500020041
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
VacasaPortland, Oregon, United States (USA)5001-1000020090


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