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The travel agency industry in Europe is dynamic and multifaceted, with companies ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar agencies to innovative online platforms. These businesses provide vital services such as flight bookings, custom travel itineraries, hotel accommodations, and comprehensive travel packages tailored to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ needs of individual travelers and corporations alike. With a growing trend towards digital transformation, agencies are leveraging technology, such as AI and mobile applications, to enhance customer experiences. The continued rise of experiential travel and sustainable tourism is reshaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ services offered, suggesting that adaptability and innovation will drive Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry's future growth.

This listing presents a range of investors shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency sector in Europe. The group includes venture capital firms like Bpifrance French Tech Accélération, corporations such as Thomas Cook and Accor, and private equity players including Permira and ECI Partners. Headquartered across major European cities such as Paris, London, and Madrid, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors collectively made 398 investments in 2024. They vary in size from small teams to large organizations, with a founding year stretching back to 1841. Each investor plays a distinct role in supporting and fueling innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry.

Top 15 Travel Agency Investors in Europe

1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance fosters entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency context, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions such as investing in Marietton Development, a prominent French tour operator, alongside Certares. They also participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding rounds for Evaneos, a travel tech startup, raising â‚�20 million in 2022 and $21 million in 2016. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Bpifrance partnered with Hivest Capital to acquire Rail Europe, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector.

2. Crowdcube

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

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency industry, including LuckyTrip, which raised $616,561 in September 2022, and SkiYodl, which raised a total of $1,791,305 across two rounds in February 2021 and February 2023. Additionally, SuperAger World and Gomingo are oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r travel-related ventures that have successfully raised funds through Crowdcube, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlighting its active role in supporting travel startups.

3. Thomas Cook

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1841
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn:

Thomas Cook is a corporate investor based in London, England, with a rich history dating back to 1841. As a prominent travel agency, Thomas Cook offers a diverse array of holiday packages, city breaks, and travel services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers. The company emphasizes customer support and financial protection, catering to those seeking organized and enjoyable travel experiences. Over Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ years, Thomas Cook has made significant acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Marlin Travel in 1993, Gold Medal in 2008 for approximately $129.7 million, and Travel Corporation India in 2013, which solidified its status as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ largest tour operator in India. Additionally, in 2017, Thomas Cook India acquired Kuoni's Destination Management Company network, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r enhancing its operations in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector. These strategic moves highlight Thomas Cook's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency market and its commitment to growth and innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

4. HOWZAT Partners

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

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 investment portfolio includes significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency sector, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in itravel, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds (Series A in 2016 and 2017, and Series B in 2018), raising a total of over $11 million. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in otelz.com, contributing to both Series A and Series B funding rounds, totaling $5.4 million. These investments highlight HOWZAT Partners' commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry, particularly those leveraging digital platforms to enhance travel services.

5. Kima Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn:

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-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 to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate initial challenges. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Impala, a TravelTech API service that raised significant funding in multiple rounds, including a Series A and Series B, aimed at enhancing competition in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector. They also invested in Duffel, which raised $30 million in a Series B round, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel technology space. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry.

6. Index Ventures

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

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, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency sector, particularly in Secret Escapes, a British travel deals website. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Secret Escapes, including a Series B round of £8 million in 2012, a Series C round of $60 million in 2015, and a Series D round of $111 million in 2017. These investments were aimed at supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's international expansion and growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ luxury travel market. Additionally, Index Ventures invested in Trainline Europe, a platform that facilitates train ticketing across Europe, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry. Their focus on building long-term partnerships with founders aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy of driving success in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ startups Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y support.

7. HV Capital

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

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over â‚�2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They have a diverse portfolio that includes significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency sector. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in DreamCheaper, which raised funds to enhance its marketing and expand into new markets, and OnlineTours, a Russia-based online travel agency that secured $7 million in a Series B round. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in FlixBus, a leading intercity bus service that has raised substantial funding in recent years, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel and transportation industry. This combination of investments highlights HV Capital's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this space.

8. Portugal Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Porto, Porto, Portugal
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal, and provides both capital and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups grow and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Portugal Ventures focuses on innovative projects across various sectors, including technology and health, but has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel and hospitality industry. Notable transactions include investments in 'Unlock Boutique Hotels' and 'Great Hotels of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ World', both of which are key players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in 'Live Electric Tours', which offers unique travel experiences. These investments highlight Portugal Ventures' commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

9. Accor

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Issy-Les-Moulineaux, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1967
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Accor is a leading hospitality group founded in 1967, headquartered in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, ÃŽle-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, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The company has made strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency context, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Gekko Group, a major player in hotel booking for business clients, for â‚�100 million. This move aims to enhance Accor's service offerings for business travelers. Additionally, Accor's acquisition of Onefinestay, often referred to as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 'Airbnb of luxury', for â‚�148 million, positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a leader in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ private property rental market combined with hotel services. These transactions reflect Accor's commitment to delivering quality service and innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ hospitality and travel sectors.

10. Partech

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

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic support to startups across various sectors, with a strong focus on technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency sector, including a â‚�15M investment in PerfectStay, a B2B tour operator, and a â‚�70M investment in Evaneos, a French travel marketplace. These investments highlight Partech's commitment to supporting innovative travel tech companies and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth in international markets.

11. Permira

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Permira is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of a majority stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Spanish online travel agency eDreams in 2010 for a deal reportedly worth between â‚�250 million and â‚�300 million. Additionally, Permira has been involved in financing Love Holidays, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry. The firm also participated in substantial funding rounds for FlixBus, a travel service provider, raising significant capital in both Series F and Series G rounds. These transactions highlight Permira's strategic focus on transforming businesses into market leaders, particularly within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector.

12. Amadeus

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Amadeus IT Group, S.A., founded in 1987 and based in Madrid, Spain, is a leading travel technology provider that specializes in software solutions for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global travel and tourism industry. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Amadeus operates through a SaaS model, delivering integrated solutions that streamline operations for airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r travel-related businesses. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Vacation.com for $57.3 million, which aimed to enhance Amadeus's relationships with traditional travel agencies and strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. online market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Travel IMS in 2018 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidified Amadeus's commitment to supporting travel agencies. The company has also invested in Busbud, which focuses on improving digital transformation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ intercity bus industry, showcasing its broader interest in enhancing travel services. Amadeus's strategic acquisitions, such as Pyton Communication Services, which specializes in online booking engines, highlight its dedication to enhancing offerings for travel agencies and improving operational efficiencies across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector.

13. Ldc

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

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. They focus on helping management teams achieve Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency context, LDC has made several notable investments, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of ATPI Limited in 2006 for approximately $71 million, and a stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ online travel company Iglu Cruise in 2015. They also provided £6.5 million in equity funding to Blue Bay Travel in 2017, which aimed to enhance technology and expand its offerings. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, LDC acquired Neilson Holidays in 2018, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector. These transactions highlight LDC's active role in supporting and growing travel-related businesses.

14. TA Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, while also maintaining a notable presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency industry. TA Ventures has actively invested in travel-related companies, such as itravel, which raised $7,349,276 in a Series B round in April 2018 and $2,218,963 in a Series A round in December 2016. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Dreamlines, a prominent online travel agency, contributing $9,887,728 in a Series B round in May 2013 and $25,000,000 in a Series C round in November 2014. These transactions highlight TA Ventures' strategic support and capital provision to travel startups, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering growth in this sector.

15. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• 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 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 aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel agency sector, including a $236 million investment in Audley Travel, which offers personalized travel experiences. In 2018, 3i acquired a majority stake in International Cruise & Excursions for $150 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Vakantie Discounter, a travel agency, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector. These transactions reflect 3i's strategy of investing in companies that can benefit from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir expertise and support, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel and tourism space.

Travel Agency Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1841	0
	Luxembourg	1-10	2006	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	Porto, Porto, Portugal	11-50	2012	6
	Issy-Les-Moulineaux, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1967	0
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1982	24
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
	Madrid, Madrid, Spain	10001+	1987	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	11-50	2010	5
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3

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