The Hospitality and Events industry includes businesses that provide accommodation, food and beverage services, event planning, and entertainment. This industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, with a market size of approximately $4.67 trillion in 2023.
The industry is expected to grow to $6.19 trillion by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.5%. Key drivers of this growth include increasing disposable incomes, a rise in global travel and tourism, and the growing demand for unique and personalized experiences.
The hospitality sector includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, and catering services, while the events sector covers conferences, weddings, concerts, and exhibitions. These components collectively drive the industry's vast economic impact.
This industry has a profound impact on society by providing employment opportunities, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting local economies. It plays a crucial role in fostering community development and cultural understanding.
Technological advancements, such as online booking platforms, virtual tours, and contactless payment systems, are transforming the hospitality and events industry. These innovations enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.
The industry faces challenges related to sustainability, health and safety regulations, and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining growth and relevance in the market.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the hospitality and events industry, leading to a shift towards more digital and hybrid event formats and increased emphasis on health and safety measures. These changes are likely to persist and shape future industry trends.
To connect with VCs in the Hospitality & Events sector, focus on firms like Benchmark Capital, Accel, and Andreessen Horowitz. Research their investment focus and portfolio to ensure alignment with your business. Use LinkedIn and industry events to network with partners and associates. This initial step is crucial for establishing relevant connections.
Target VC firms known for their investments in the Hospitality & Events sector. Benchmark Capital, Accel, and Andreessen Horowitz are prominent examples. Research their investment focus and portfolio to ensure a good fit with your business model and objectives. Aligning with the right VCs increases the chances of securing investment.
Use LinkedIn and industry events to network with partners and associates from target VC firms. Industry conferences and events provide opportunities to meet potential investors face-to-face, allowing you to build relationships and discuss your startup in an informal setting before formal pitches.
When pitching, emphasize the scalability of your solution, your market insights, and any partnerships with major industry players. Highlight case studies or pilot projects that showcase your technology’s impact. This approach demonstrates the real-world application and potential of your solution, making it more attractive to VCs.
Be prepared to discuss your business model in detail. This includes customer acquisition strategies, revenue projections, and financial sustainability. A well-defined business model shows VCs that you have a clear plan for growth and profitability, increasing their confidence in your startup.
Joining hospitality and event-focused incubators or accelerators can provide access to networks of investors and mentorship. Programs like these offer structured support, resources, and exposure to potential investors, enhancing your startup’s development and chances of securing funding.
Demonstrating your understanding of market trends and regulatory environments will resonate well with VCs. Show how your startup is positioned to capitalize on current trends and navigate regulatory challenges. This insight indicates your preparedness and strategic thinking.
Provide a clear roadmap for growth and potential exit strategies. Detailing your long-term vision and how investors can realize returns on their investments makes your startup more appealing. VCs are looking for high-growth potential and lucrative exit opportunities, so outline these clearly.
To connect with VCs in the Hospitality & Events sector, target firms such as Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bessemer Venture Partners. These firms have a strong track record of investing in successful hospitality and event startups.
Sequoia Capital is known for backing companies like Airbnb and DoorDash. The firm focuses on high-growth potential and market disruption, seeking innovative solutions that can transform the hospitality and events industry.
Andreessen Horowitz has investments in companies like Airbnb and Hipcamp. They look for innovative hospitality and event solutions that can scale globally, emphasizing significant technological advancements and market impact.
Bessemer Venture Partners’ portfolio includes companies like Toast and Mindbody. They seek startups with strong customer engagement and scalable business models, focusing on long-term growth and market leadership.
To connect with these VCs, research their investment portfolios and identify partners who have shown interest in your industry. Attend industry conferences, hospitality summits, and event planning forums where these VCs are likely to be present.
Participating in demo days hosted by travel tech or hospitality accelerators can provide exposure. These events offer excellent opportunities to showcase your product to a broader audience of potential investors.
When pitching to VCs, emphasize your startup’s market opportunity, technological innovation, and scalability. Be prepared to discuss your business model, customer acquisition strategies, and revenue projections in detail.
Crafting a compelling story about your product’s impact and the problem it solves will resonate well with VC investors. Highlighting the uniqueness and potential of your solution is crucial.
Follow up with a comprehensive pitch deck that includes market analysis, competitive landscape, and potential exit opportunities. This will provide VCs with a clear understanding of your business and its potential.
Highlighting any strategic partnerships or collaborations with major hotel chains or event organizers can add weight to your pitch. These relationships can demonstrate market validation and growth potential.
Ensure that you present a well-rounded team with expertise in both hospitality or event planning and business development. A capable team is essential for executing your vision and achieving success.
Building a relationship with VCs through initial informal meetings, networking events, and continuous updates on your progress can help secure their investment. Consistent communication and relationship-building are key.
New York City - , U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • Aerospace (& Defense) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Online Social • Consumer
FirstMark Capital is an early stage venture capital firm investing in technology and technology-enabled companies. The firm primarily seeks to make seed and early stage investments, but also invests in later stage companies and makes follow-on investments through their opportunity fund series. It was founded in 2008 and is based in New York, New York.
New York City, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Food & Beverage • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobile • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, New York. The firm invests in the consumer, fintech, e-commerce, travel, mobile, and SaaS sectors.
Geneva, U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • BioTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Entertainment (& Sports) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Life Science • Mobile • Mobility • Nanotechnology • Oncology • Online Social • Consumer • Pharmaceutical (& Medicine) • Woman Focused
Index Ventures is a venture capital firm which specializes in seed, early stage, later stage and growth capital investments. The firm focuses on investing in companies based in Europe, operating in the biotechnology, retail, clean technology, media and life sciences sectors. It was founded in 1996 and is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Index Ventures invests in multi-stage, transformative companies who are willing to challenge convention. The firm is especially dedicated to the information technology, clean technology, and life science sectors. They back the best and most ambitious entrepreneurs with a tight-knit collaborative partnership that retains a shared mission of seeing opportunity instead of obstacles. Index Ventures has teamed up with exceptional entrepreneurs in 39 cities around the world and have helped them grow into new regions. They provide a full-service partnership where they bring a lot of experience and expertise to the table.
In November 2022, they launched their second seed fund Origin II, a $300M fund focus on early-stage investing. It is $100m larger than Origin I, and is a highly collaborative fund, with seed-specific support, that works alongside solo GPs and angels, to help companies be best positioned for success.
New York City - Bangladesh - New York San Francisco LatAm (Latin ), U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Advertising • Analytics • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Food & Beverage • Human Resources • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Payments • Robotics • DeepTech • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Nanotechnology • Consumer • Woman Focused
Co-Founder / Managing Partner at HOF Capital
HOF Capital is an independent private investment firm that focuses on Dutch investment properties and extraordinary financial situations such as secondary trades, seed capital and asset-based finance. It was founded in 2013 and is based in Utrecht, Netherlands.
New York City - Newton Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Analytics • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Food & Beverage • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • Investment Management • Mobile • Online Social • Consumer
Founded in 2010, Lerer Hippeau is a venture capital firm based in New York City, New York. The firm invests in companies operating in the consumer, digital media, e-commerce, emerging tech, and enterprise software sectors.
Santa Monica California - San Francisco - Jacksonville - Chicago - Denver - San Diego - Atlanta - New York - Boston - Madison - Los Angeles, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Analytics • Food & Beverage • Logistics (& Distribution) • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • Mobile • Online Social
Wavemaker Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm that was founded in 2003 with offices in Los Angeles and Singapore. The firm invests primarily in Enterprise and Deep Tech startups.
, U.K. - Israel
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Other • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • BioTech • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Material Science • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • DeepTech • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • LegalTech • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Talis Capital is a Venture Capital investment family office funded by a group of entrepreneurs. Focused on backing emerging technologies, Talis has completed over $500m worth of transactions and the portfolio includes Darktrace, Onfido, iwoca, Pirate Studios, Luminance, and Oh My Green. Talis concentrates on building long term partnerships and leverages their LP network to help their companies and create opportunities. The team looks for innovative companies with sustainable business models, working with them to unlock their future growth. The firm is based in London, United Kingdom and was founded in 2009.
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A.
PropTech • Hospitality (& Events) • Education • Energy • IoT (& Wearables) • Food & Beverage • GovTech • Real Estate (& Construction) • Mobility
Urban Innovation Fund is a venture capital firm that is based in San Francisco, California. The firm provides seed capital and regulatory support to entrepreneurs shaping the future of cities - helping them grow into tomorrow's most valued companies.
San Diego California, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • BioTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Entertainment (& Sports) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Human Resources • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Mobility • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer • Restaurants
Mighty Capital is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm investing with top VCs at a later stage.
Menlo Park - California, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Education • BioTech • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Analytics • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • GovTech • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Local commerce • Logistics (& Distribution) • Material Science • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Messaging • Payments • Robotics • Aerospace (& Defense) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Mobility • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer • Pharmaceutical (& Medicine) • Woman Focused
Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm that is headquartered in Menlo Park, California and was founded in 2009. The firm specializes in seed, early stage, mid stage, later stage and growth stage investments. The firm invests in media, software, mobile, internet, infrastructure and technology sectors.
, U.S.A. - U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Education • BioTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Entertainment (& Sports) • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Advertising • Analytics • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Future Of Work • GovTech • Human Resources • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Messaging • Aerospace (& Defense) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobility • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer • Pharmaceutical (& Medicine) • Woman Focused
Founded in 2009, Capital Factory is an accelerator firm based in Austin, Texas. The firm also invests in seed, early-stage and late-stage rounds.
New York City - Boston - Austin - Miami - Seoul - Los Angeles - San Francisco, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • BioTech • Businesses Solutions • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Human Resources • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • Music • Investment Management • Consumer • Woman Focused
Flybridge Capital is a seed and early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology companies. The firm is currently focused on the artificial intelligence, consumer infrastructure, enterprise information technology, big data, dynamic computing architectures and financial technology sectors.