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LIOS Ventures is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded by Frank Mair, who has over 20 years of experience in the travel media sector. Established with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs, LIOS Ventures emphasizes hands-on assistance to help businesses grow and thrive, particularly in the travel industry. The firm selectively invests in companies that enhance the travel experience and in venture funds that target breakthrough technologies aimed at solving significant global challenges.
Currently, LIOS Ventures manages a portfolio of five companies, showcasing its commitment to the travel sector and innovative technology. The firm operates primarily in Germany and Europe, with a keen interest in global opportunities that align with its investment thesis. LIOS Ventures has established itself as a key player in the travel-tech space, leveraging its extensive industry experience and network to provide valuable support to its portfolio companies.
Notable milestones for LIOS Ventures include its early investments in companies like Holidu and PaulCamper, which have both shown significant growth and innovation in their respective markets. The firm continues to seek out opportunities that align with its mission of enhancing the travel experience through unique offerings and sustainable practices.
LIOS Ventures primarily targets investments in the travel sector, focusing on companies that enhance the travel experience through unique offerings. The firm is particularly interested in businesses that provide innovative solutions to common travel challenges, such as booking accommodations and transportation. In addition to direct investments, LIOS Ventures selectively supports venture funds that are dedicated to breakthrough technologies addressing significant global issues.
The investment strategy of LIOS Ventures emphasizes hands-on assistance, allowing the firm to work closely with entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and scale their businesses effectively. The firm typically invests in early-stage companies, with check sizes ranging from EUR100,000 to EUR1,000,000. LIOS Ventures is open to exploring opportunities across Europe and selectively in global markets, particularly where innovative travel solutions can be applied.
LIOS Ventures looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and commitment to enhancing the travel experience. The firm values teams that can leverage its extensive travel industry experience and network to drive growth and innovation. This hands-on approach is a cornerstone of LIOS Ventures' investment thesis, which aims to support entrepreneurs in creating impactful solutions within the travel sector.
LIOS Ventures has a diverse portfolio of five companies, each contributing to the travel sector in unique ways:
These companies reflect LIOS Ventures' commitment to enhancing the travel experience and investing in innovative technologies that address significant global challenges.
Frank Mair - Founder: Frank has over 20 years of experience in travel media, having worked with brands such as Marco Polo and Lonely Planet. He has completed multiple M&A transactions and previously established MAIRDUMONT Ventures before founding LIOS Ventures.
Anette Tödt - Entrepreneur, Escapio: Anette brings her expertise in the travel sector to LIOS Ventures, contributing to the firm's focus on enhancing the travel experience.
Helene Hettl - Entrepreneur, Escapio: Helene is also involved with Escapio, leveraging her background to support the firm's investment strategy.
Dirk Fehse - Founder, PaulCamper: Dirk's experience in the campervan rental market adds valuable insights to LIOS Ventures' portfolio.
Johannes - Co-founder, Holidu: Johannes plays a key role in Holidu, contributing to the company's growth and innovation in the vacation rental space.
Michael - Co-founder, Holidu: Michael's expertise complements Johannes' efforts at Holidu, driving the company's success.
Chris - Co-founder, Possible Ventures: Chris brings a focus on frontier technology to LIOS Ventures, enhancing the firm's investment strategy.
Thyra - Co-founder, Possible Ventures: Thyra's involvement in Possible Ventures supports LIOS Ventures' commitment to innovative solutions.
Christoph - Co-founder, Possible Ventures: Christoph adds to the expertise of Possible Ventures, focusing on critical industries.
Sebastian - Co-founder, Visionaries Club: Sebastian's role in Visionaries Club enhances LIOS Ventures' network and support for founders.
Robert - Co-founder, Visionaries Club: Robert contributes to the mission of Visionaries Club, helping founders access experienced entrepreneurs.
To pitch LIOS Ventures, founders should visit their website at lios.vc. A concise pitch deck that outlines the business idea, market opportunity, and key metrics is recommended. While specific pitch policies are not disclosed, the firm encourages direct outreach via email with a clear presentation of the concept.
Response times may vary, and founders are advised to be patient after submitting their materials. LIOS Ventures does not specify a preferred channel for pitches, but a well-structured email with relevant information is likely to be effective.
As of October 2022, LIOS Ventures participated in Holidu's Series E funding round, marking its last known investment activity. Since then, there have been no public announcements regarding new investments or exits.
Despite the firm maintaining an active website, independent sources indicate that LIOS Ventures may be inactive in terms of new direct startup investments. Gaebler lists the firm as inactive, with no clearly dated investment activity reported after October 2022.
What are LIOS Ventures' investment criteria?
LIOS Ventures primarily invests in the travel sector, targeting companies that enhance the travel experience through unique offerings. The firm also invests in venture funds focused on breakthrough technologies addressing significant global challenges.
How can I pitch to LIOS Ventures?
Founders can approach LIOS Ventures by visiting their website at lios.vc. A short deck outlining the business idea and key metrics is recommended for initial outreach.
What makes LIOS Ventures different from other investors?
LIOS Ventures emphasizes hands-on assistance and has extensive experience in the travel industry, allowing them to provide valuable support to portfolio companies. Their focus on enhancing the travel experience sets them apart from other venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of LIOS Ventures?
LIOS Ventures primarily operates in Germany and Europe but is open to global opportunities that align with their investment thesis.
What is the typical check size for investments?
LIOS Ventures typically invests between EUR100,000 and EUR1,000,000 in early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment support does LIOS Ventures provide?
LIOS Ventures provides hands-on support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its extensive travel industry experience and network to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and scale their businesses effectively.
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