Top 5 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Hospitality Startups

When you're preparing to raise capital, knowing which venture capital firms truly understand the hospitality industry is critical. Pitching to investors familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities in travel and hospitality tech can make all the difference in your fundraising process.

To help you find the right partners, our team put together this overview of the top VC firms investing in the hospitality sector. We hope it gives you a clear look at the key players so you can approach your fundraise with confidence.

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Which VC Firms in Hospitality Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're raising an early round or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is key. Here is a brief overview of which VC firms in hospitality invest at each stage, so you can focus your efforts.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Hospitality

Pre-seed and seed rounds are typically the first capital you'll raise to validate your idea and build an initial product. Hospitality-focused VC firms that invest at this stage include Big Rock, Branded Hospitality, and Jaws Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms in Hospitality

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for startups with proven traction that are ready to scale their operations and team. For founders in the hospitality industry, firms like Thayer Ventures and Derive Ventures are active early-stage investors.

Late Stage VC Firms in Hospitality

Late-stage capital is for mature companies preparing for an exit, such as an acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO). Venture capital investment firms like Thayer Ventures and Derive Ventures provide support for hospitality companies at this growth stage.

It's also worth noting that some venture capital firms invest across multiple funding stages, from seed to exit.

To help you identify the right partners, we've compiled information on the top VC firms focused on hospitality. You'll find details on their investment stages, geographic preferences, and specific qualities that might make them a good match for your company.

1. Branded Hospitality

Branded Hospitality is a New York-based investment firm that focuses on the intersection of hospitality, food and beverage, and technology. They back companies across the B2B and consumer sectors, from SaaS platforms to restaurant chains.

Their portfolio shows a clear interest in both operational tech, like the QR-code payment platform Bbot, and high-profile consumer brands like Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken. This dual focus on infrastructure and consumer experience is a key part of their strategy.

This firm could be a great partner if you're building technology that serves the restaurant industry or launching a consumer-facing hospitality brand. Their broad investment mandate from seed to private equity suggests they can support companies through various stages of growth.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Restaurants, Retail Technology, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, NY
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Bbot (acquired by DoorDash), PourMyBeer, Ottonomy IO, and Big Chicken
• Portfolio size: Over 70 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Thayer Ventures

Thayer Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that specializes in travel and hospitality technology. They invest from seed to late-stage rounds, supporting companies throughout their entire growth cycle.

The firm has a strong history of backing significant companies in the travel tech space, including unicorns like Mews and the publicly-traded Sonder. Their portfolio highlights a clear ability to guide companies to major outcomes, from high-profile IPOs to strategic acquisitions.

If your startup is building technology for the travel or hospitality industries, Thayer could be an excellent fit. Their deep industry experience suggests they are a valuable partner for founders creating platforms used by major brands globally.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Travel, Hospitality, Publishing
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Sonder, Mews, Uplift, Duetto, and Canary Technologies
• Portfolio size: 65 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Derive Ventures

Derive Ventures is a San Francisco-based firm that invests in travel and hospitality technology. They support companies from seed to late-stage rounds, with a clear focus on software, real estate, and leisure innovation.

Their portfolio shows an interest in companies building modern infrastructure for travel, hospitality, and loyalty. Notable investments include the unicorn loyalty platform Bilt Rewards and hotel guest-management tool Canary Technologies.

Derive Ventures may be a good match if you are building a company in the travel tech or hospitality fintech space. Their focus on early-stage rounds suggests they are prepared to support founders through multiple phases of growth.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Hospitality, Travel, Software, Real Estate, Leisure
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2021
• Notable portfolio companies: Bilt Rewards, Canary Technologies, Scale Computing, Cardless, and Rain
• Portfolio size: 26 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Jaws Ventures

Jaws Ventures is a Miami-based firm that provides growth capital to companies operating in the consumer and technology sectors. They primarily focus on early-stage and seed rounds, backing businesses with strong market potential.

Their portfolio includes direct-to-consumer brands like Parachute Home and tech platforms like Route, an e-commerce unicorn. This signals an interest in companies that can build a powerful brand and achieve significant scale, with a history of backing companies to major exits.

This firm could be a good match if you are building a consumer-facing company in e-commerce or hospitality. Founders with a clear vision for brand development and creating new market categories may find them to be a strong partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer, E-Commerce, Hospitality, Internet, Mobile
• Geographical presence: Based in Miami, FL
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Rubicon Technologies, Parachute Home, and Route
• Portfolio size: Over 100 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Big Rock

Big Rock is a San Francisco-based family office that invests in the California cannabis, hospitality, and wellness sectors. They focus on providing seed-stage capital to help new businesses get started.

The firm has a unique portfolio that combines investments in regulated industries like cannabis with high-profile hospitality brands. Their backing of both the PlumpJack Group and cannabis media company High Times shows their specialized approach.

Big Rock could be a good fit if you are building a company in the hospitality or wellness space, particularly if you operate within California. Founders working in regulated markets may find their specific expertise to be a significant asset.

• Investment stages: Seed
• Industries of focus: Cannabis, Hospitality, Wellness
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: PlumpJack Group, High Times, and PharmaCann
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Hospitality Companies

This review of venture capital firms shows a healthy and varied funding environment for hospitality companies. There is strong support for early-stage founders, with several firms specializing in seed and Series A rounds. At the same time, established investors like Thayer Ventures and Derive Ventures also provide capital for later growth stages, offering a clear path for companies looking to scale.

The investors are concentrated in major US hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Miami, but their focus varies widely. You’ll find firms dedicated purely to hospitality tech, as well as those with broader interests in consumer brands or niche markets. This diversity gives you more opportunities to find a partner who aligns with your specific business model and long-term vision. We hope this overview helps you focus your fundraising efforts effectively.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors who understand your industry is a significant advantage. It allows you to direct your time and energy where it matters most during your fundraise.

Once your round is closed, we're here to support your next steps. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay. It's all designed to give you clear financial control as you grow.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Hospitality

Which New York venture capital firms invest in hospitality?

New York is a key hub for hospitality investment. Firms like Branded Hospitality are based there, focusing on the intersection of food, beverage, and technology, making the city a great place to find capital for your hospitality startup.

What do early-stage venture capital firms look for in hospitality startups?

Early-stage VCs typically seek a strong founding team, a clear product-market fit, and initial traction. For hospitality startups, this often means demonstrating a unique solution to a known industry problem and showing early customer adoption.

Are there VCs for hospitality technology?

Yes, many firms specialize in hospitality technology. Investors like Thayer Ventures and Derive Ventures focus on software and tech platforms that improve operations, guest experiences, and efficiency for hotels, restaurants, and travel companies.

How can my hospitality startup get noticed by VCs?

Focus on building a strong network within the industry and getting warm introductions to investors. A clear pitch deck that highlights your unique value proposition, market size, and traction will help you make a memorable impression.

What about San Francisco venture capital firms in hospitality?

San Francisco is a major center for hospitality tech investment. Firms such as Thayer Ventures, Derive Ventures, and Big Rock are based there, providing capital for startups across travel, wellness, and hospitality software.

How can Rho help after I raise from a hospitality VC?

Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and AP automation to give you full financial control as you scale your company. Get started with Rho.