The educational travel industry in the U.S. facilitates learning through travel experiences that enrich knowledge and foster cultural exchange. This sector comprises organizations such as travel companies, educational institutions, and non-profit entities offering programs ranging from study abroad to experiential learning trips. As technology evolves, online learning and virtual travel experiences are on the rise, making education more accessible than ever. Advancements in impact travel and environmental consciousness emphasize sustainability while also catering to millennials and Gen Z's desire for immersive experiences. Insights suggest a growing market, valuing education and travel as intricate pathways to personal and cultural understanding.


The list features notable investors across various sectors, mainly venture capital and corporate entities, situated primarily in California and New York. Founded between 1849 and 2020, these firms range in size from small teams to massive organizations, with investment counts in 2024 varying significantly. From Google with over 30 investments to niche players like Imaginable Futures, the investors reflect a commitment to funding innovative educational travel initiatives. This blend of experience and focus indicates potential growth for educational travel programs in the future.


Top 18 Educational Travel Investors in the US


1. 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 recent years, the Government of Canada has been involved in several grant transactions that support educational initiatives. For instance, it provided funding to Science North, a science museum and educational facility, through multiple grants aimed at enhancing educational programs. Additionally, a grant was awarded to Camp Menesetung, which focuses on outdoor education and experiential learning for youth. These transactions highlight the government's commitment to fostering educational travel and learning opportunities, making it a significant player in this sector.


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. 500 Global operates globally and focuses on innovative startups that navigate growth and market entry challenges. Notably, they have invested in several travel-related startups that align with educational travel, including TakeMeTour, which connects travelers with local guides for immersive experiences, and Cookly, a platform for cooking classes that promotes cultural exchange through culinary education. Additionally, their investment in TourHero, which offers personalized travel experiences, and participation in Headout, a traveltech startup expanding its services to enhance domestic travel experiences, further highlights their engagement in the educational travel sector.


3. 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, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has funded Flightfox, an innovative travel search platform that allows users to crowdsource flight deals, and Kalam Labs, an EdTech company focused on creating engaging learning experiences for children in STEM subjects. These investments highlight Y Combinator's involvement in both the travel and educational sectors, showcasing its diverse investment strategy.


4. 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 has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with a mission to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. In the context of educational travel, Goodwater has made notable investments such as in Worldpackers, which raised funds in October 2022 and focuses on connecting travelers with educational volunteer opportunities. They also participated in the funding of Dharma, a travel management platform, indicating their engagement in the travel sector. Other investments include Well Traveled and instaHop, which further highlight their interest in travel-related ventures.


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, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. In recent years, they have invested in several companies related to travel, such as 10Adventures, which focuses on adventure travel experiences, and Travelstride, a platform for discovering and booking travel experiences. These investments highlight their engagement in the travel industry, particularly in areas that can intersect with educational travel, thereby enhancing their portfolio with ventures that promote learning through travel.


6. NBCUniversal

  • Website: nbcuniversal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nbcuniversal-inc-

NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a prominent media and entertainment company based in New York, offering a diverse range of services including television programming, film production, and amusement park experiences. Founded in 1912, the company operates various platforms such as NBC, Universal Pictures, and the streaming service Peacock. In 2023, NBCUniversal demonstrated its commitment to educational initiatives by providing grants to several organizations, including Historic Sotterley, AIA|DC, GEMS Camp, Adventures to Dreams Enrichment, and Art Resource Collaborative For Kids. These grants, which support educational programs and experiences, highlight NBCUniversal's engagement in the educational sector, particularly in areas that can enhance learning through travel and enrichment activities.


7. NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • Website: nasa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: nasa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a public entity established in 1958, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is primarily focused on civil space programs and aeronautics research, conducting space exploration missions and supporting the International Space Station. NASA plays a significant role in advancing scientific research and technology development, particularly in the fields of space and aeronautics. In addition to its core missions, NASA actively engages with educational institutions by providing grants to enhance educational programs. Notable transactions include grants to the Museum of Discovery & Science, Orlando Science Center, and Carthage College, which collectively support educational initiatives that foster learning in science and technology. These efforts contribute to educational travel experiences, making NASA a relevant player in this sector.


8. Learn

  • Website: learn.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: learn-capital

Learn is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2009. They specialize in providing capital and capabilities to entrepreneurs focused on human-centric companies, particularly in the technology and education sectors. Learn has been involved in several notable transactions in the education space, including significant investments in VIPKID, which raised substantial funding in multiple rounds, and Podium Education, which aims to enhance digital competencies in traditional university settings. These investments reflect Learn's commitment to supporting innovative educational ventures that promote human flourishing and could potentially intersect with educational travel initiatives.


9. Google

  • Website: google.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: google

Google, based in Mountain View, California, is a corporate investor with a significant presence in the technology sector, particularly through its advertising technology company, Google AdMob. Founded with a focus on mobile app monetization, Google has also made notable investments in the educational travel space. In 2012, Google acquired Frommer's, a prominent travel guide brand, for approximately $23 million, which includes over 300 guidebooks and the Frommers.com website. This acquisition enhances Google's portfolio in the travel industry, providing resources that can be utilized for educational travel purposes. Additionally, Google has supported various educational initiatives through grants, such as a $4 million grant to NatureBridge in 2011, which focuses on environmental education and outdoor experiences, and a grant to YMCA Dallas in 2023. These transactions reflect Google's engagement in supporting educational programs that may involve travel and experiential learning.


10. GSV Ventures

  • Website: gsv.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: gsvventures

GSV Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in education technology companies, providing insights and analysis on the digital learning landscape. They are known for hosting the ASU+GSV Summit, which connects leaders in education technology. GSV Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions, including a $6.3 million seed investment in Verto Education, which offers freshman year study abroad programs, highlighting their commitment to educational travel. They also invested in AdmitKard, a college admissions startup, and Valenture Institute, which focuses on expanding hybrid, tech-enabled educational campuses globally. These investments reflect their strategic support for companies that enhance educational opportunities, including those that involve travel.


11. Reach Capital

  • Website: reachcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: reach-capital

Reach Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups within the learning, health, and work sectors. They provide funding, resources, and support to entrepreneurs, helping them grow their businesses and tackle significant challenges. Notable transactions include investments in Tinkergarten, an edtech startup focused on outdoor learning experiences, and Outschool, a platform offering live online classes for kids. These investments highlight Reach Capital's commitment to innovative educational solutions, making them a potential ally for initiatives that blend education with travel experiences.


12. Federal Aviation Administration

  • Website: faa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 33
  • LinkedIn: faa

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a public entity established in 1958, responsible for regulating civil aviation in the United States. It oversees critical aspects of air travel, including air traffic control, aircraft certification, and airport standards, ensuring safety and compliance within the aviation industry. In 2024, the FAA has been actively involved in educational initiatives, providing grants to various educational institutions. Notably, it awarded $497,317 to Clemson University, $500,000 to Tennessee State University, and $500,000 to Purdue University, all on March 5, 2024. Additionally, the FAA supported Conway Public Schools with a grant of $301,129 on the same date. These transactions highlight the FAA's role in fostering education in aviation-related fields, thereby contributing to the development of future professionals in the industry.


13. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has made several investments in the travel sector, including Deyor, a travel service platform, and Tourplus, which focuses on travel planning and experiences. These investments highlight SOSV's engagement in the travel industry, particularly in areas that can intersect with educational travel, as they facilitate travel experiences that can be educational in nature. Additionally, SOSV has invested in Umrah Companions, which may cater to educational travel related to religious pilgrimages, further emphasizing their relevance in this space.


14. 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, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries. Notably, they have invested in travel technology startups such as Headout, which focuses on providing unique travel experiences and has raised significant funding to expand its operations. Additionally, FJ Labs participated in the funding round for Dharma, a travel management platform, indicating their interest in the travel sector. These investments highlight FJ Labs' commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance travel experiences, including those that may have educational components.


15. Bloomberg Philanthropies

  • Website: bloomberg.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bloomberg-philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2007, based in New York City. It focuses on addressing critical social issues through philanthropy, operating in various sectors including public health, education, environmental advocacy, and the arts. The organization employs a data-driven approach to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives and improve the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. Notably, Bloomberg Philanthropies has made significant grants to cultural and educational institutions, such as the Tenement Museum and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, both of which play a vital role in educational travel by providing immersive learning experiences. Additionally, grants to organizations like Ballet Hispanico and the Royal Academy of Arts further demonstrate its commitment to supporting educational and cultural initiatives that can enrich travel experiences. In 2022, a substantial grant of over $30 million was awarded to Seven Stories, which also aligns with educational and cultural storytelling, making these contributions relevant to the educational travel sector.


16. 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. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Couchsurfing, a social travel network that connects travelers with hosts, promoting cultural exchange and learning through travel. Additionally, they participated in the funding of Trover, a platform that encourages users to share travel experiences and recommendations, further emphasizing their interest in travel-related ventures. These investments highlight General Catalyst's commitment to supporting innovative companies that enhance travel experiences, which can be educational in nature.


17. KeyBank

  • Website: key.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1849
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 33
  • LinkedIn: keybank

KeyBank is a financial services company based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 1849. It offers a wide range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment services, catering to both consumers and businesses. In recent transactions, KeyBank has provided grants to various educational organizations, such as Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Studio in a School Association, Cleveland Metroparks, Breakthrough Public Schools, and Imani Christian Academy. These grants reflect KeyBank's commitment to supporting educational initiatives and enhancing learning experiences, which could encompass educational travel opportunities.


18. Owl Ventures

  • Website: owlvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: owl-ventures-lp

Owl Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in education technology, investing in innovative EdTech startups that aim to improve learning outcomes for students and educators. Their portfolio includes various companies that develop tools and services for the education sector. Notably, Owl Ventures has been involved in significant funding rounds for Leap, an edtech startup that provides financial solutions for students pursuing education abroad. Leap raised $75 million in a Series D funding round led by Owl Ventures, and previously secured $55 million in a Series C round, aimed at extending services to students in Southeast Asia and the MENA regions. These transactions highlight Owl Ventures' commitment to supporting educational initiatives that facilitate international student experiences, making them a relevant player in the educational travel space.



Educational Travel Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
NBCUniversalNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19122
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+195824
LearnAustin, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020094
GoogleMountain View, California, United States (USA)10001+32
GSV VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020169
Reach CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201517
Federal Aviation AdministrationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+195833
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
Bloomberg PhilanthropiesNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-50020071
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
KeyBankCleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)10001+184933
Owl VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020147


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