Derive Ventures

Derive Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, exclusively focused on advancing innovation within the global travel, hospitality, and leisure sectors. Launched in 2022 with a dedicated $20 million fund, the firm targets startups that are poised to redefine the future of this $10 trillion industry. Derive Ventures primarily invests in pre-seed, seed, and select Series A funding rounds, seeking out companies that are developing transformative technologies and business models.

The firm's investment thesis centers on identifying and supporting founders who are building the next generation of companies across various sub-sectors. These include travel technology, hospitality technology, experience platforms, sustainable travel solutions, and the future of work within the travel ecosystem. The Derive Ventures team brings deep operational and investment expertise from within the travel and hospitality industry, leveraging their backgrounds to provide strategic guidance and network access to their portfolio companies. This specialized focus allows them to offer more than just capital, acting as informed partners for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of these markets.

Derive Ventures typically writes initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, demonstrating their commitment to early-stage support. They also reserve capital for follow-on investments, indicating a long-term partnership approach with their portfolio companies as they grow and achieve subsequent funding milestones. Their strategic alignment with the travel and hospitality industry, combined with their hands-on approach and targeted investment sizes, positions Derive Ventures as a key player in fostering innovation within this dynamic sector.