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Velocity Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in Singapore. The firm was established by A. Patrick Imbardelli and Nicholas Cocks, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in hospitality and investment. Velocity Ventures focuses on supporting visionary entrepreneurs who are reshaping the travel and hospitality industry through innovative, technology-driven solutions.
Currently, Velocity Ventures manages a fund size of $20 million and has invested in 11 companies. The firm operates primarily in Asia and Southeast Asia, targeting high-growth startups that demonstrate potential for regional scalability. Velocity Ventures has established a Corporate Partners Program that connects its portfolio companies with industry incumbents, enhancing market access and facilitating structured distribution channels.
Since its inception, Velocity Ventures has positioned itself as a sector-specialist fund dedicated to travel and hospitality, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The firm aims to drive rapid technology adoption within the travel ecosystem, making it a key player in the industry.
Velocity Ventures invests in early to growth stage tech-enabled companies across five key sectors: Travel Services, Transportation, Accommodation, Food & Beverage, and Experiences. The firm emphasizes disruption and innovation, providing support to startups from Seed to Series A stages. Their investment strategy is centered on driving rapid technology adoption within the travel and hospitality ecosystem.
The firm seeks startups that demonstrate potential for regional scalability and transformative impact. Velocity Ventures is particularly interested in technology-driven solutions that can enhance the travel experience. They look for founders who are visionary and capable of executing innovative ideas that can disrupt traditional models in the travel and hospitality sectors.
Investment checks typically range from $500,000 to $2 million, allowing for significant support during the critical early stages of a startup's development. The firm is open to co-investment opportunities and values partnerships that can enhance the growth trajectory of its portfolio companies.
Velocity Ventures has invested in several notable companies, including:
These companies reflect Velocity Ventures' commitment to investing in technology-driven solutions that can significantly impact the travel and hospitality sectors.
A. Patrick Imbardelli - Founder & Partner. Imbardelli has a rich background in hospitality, having served as CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group APAC. He brings extensive operational experience and strategic insight to the firm.
Nicholas Cocks - Founder & Partner. Cocks transitioned from entrepreneurship to professional investing, leveraging his experience to identify high-potential startups in the travel sector.
Bennett Lee - Partner. Lee has a strong background in venture capital and technology investments, focusing on identifying disruptive startups within the travel and hospitality industries.
Patrick Imbardelli - Partner. Imbardelli shares a name with the founder and brings additional expertise in hospitality management and investment.
Jonathon Cocks - Partner. Cocks has experience in both operational roles and investment, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Clifford Chow - Operating Partner. Chow's operational expertise in the travel sector enhances the firm's ability to support portfolio companies effectively.
Ho Song En - Operating Partner. Song En has a background in technology and operations, providing valuable insights into scaling tech-enabled startups.
Marcus Chow - Operating Partner. Chow focuses on operational excellence and strategic growth for portfolio companies.
Julia Sattel - Operating Partner. Sattel brings experience in hospitality and investment, aiding in the firm's operational strategies.
Tom Simpson - Operating Partner. Simpson has a strong background in finance and investment, contributing to the firm's financial strategies.
Jennifer Claudia - Operating Partner. Claudia's expertise in operations and strategy supports the firm's portfolio companies.
Aaron Gong - Consulting Technology Analyst. Gong provides insights into technology trends and innovations within the travel sector.
Hester Chew - Strategy Advisor. Chew advises on strategic initiatives and market positioning for the firm.
Ian Wilson - Strategy Advisor. Wilson brings experience in strategic planning and execution to the firm.
Phillip Forrest - Advisory Committee. Forrest provides guidance on investment strategies and portfolio management.
Jean-Pierre Sedaghat - Valuations Committee. Sedaghat focuses on assessing the value of potential investments.
Virginia Cha - Valuations Committee. Cha contributes to the evaluation of investment opportunities.
Suwarni Tho - Group Financial Controller. Tho manages the financial operations of the firm.
Ariel Ebrada - Executive Assistant. Ebrada supports the firm's operations and administrative functions.
Harvard Chia - Investment Analyst. Chia conducts research and analysis on potential investments.
Michelle Fenton - Executive Assistant. Fenton assists in administrative tasks and operational support.
Jameson Ho - Senior Investment Analyst. Ho focuses on investment analysis and portfolio management.
Jennicah Curtom - IT Specialist. Curtom manages the firm's technology infrastructure.
Muhd. Raziq - Marketing Manager. Raziq oversees marketing initiatives and brand strategy.
Valerie Chung - Investor Relations. Chung manages relationships with investors and stakeholders.
To pitch to Velocity Ventures, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at velocityventures.vc. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market analysis, financial projections, and the team behind the startup.
Velocity Ventures prefers well-structured decks that clearly outline the startup's value proposition and growth strategy. Founders should expect a response time of approximately two to four weeks after submission. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
Velocity Ventures operates a Corporate Partners Program designed to connect startups in the travel and hospitality sectors with established corporates. This program facilitates access to a network of industry incumbents, providing startups with insights on product offerings and co-investment opportunities.
Additionally, the firm hosts events such as Velocity Connect, which offers mentoring sessions for hospitality and travel startup founders, and the Annual Investor Meeting (AIM), which gathers stakeholders from the travel and hospitality ecosystem.
In June 2021, Velocity Ventures announced the first close of its $20 million travel and hospitality fund, marking a significant milestone for the firm. This fund aims to support startups in the travel sector, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Velocity Ventures has also invested in BYHOURS, a microstay platform that facilitates hourly hotel bookings, supporting its expansion into Asian markets. The firm has launched its Corporate Partners Program, which connects portfolio companies with established industry players, enhancing their market access and distribution capabilities.
Recent blog posts from Velocity Ventures discuss trends in travel tech, including dynamic pricing strategies and the rise of travel technology in Korea, indicating the firm's active engagement with industry developments.
What are Velocity Ventures' investment criteria?
Velocity Ventures focuses on tech-enabled startups in the Travel & Hospitality sector, particularly those at the Seed and Series A stages. They look for companies that demonstrate potential for regional scalability and transformative impact.
How can I apply or pitch to Velocity Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Velocity Ventures through their website at velocityventures.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Velocity Ventures different from other VC firms?
Velocity Ventures is uniquely focused on the travel and hospitality sectors, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven solutions. Their Corporate Partners Program connects portfolio companies with industry incumbents, enhancing market access and distribution channels.
What is the geographic scope of Velocity Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in Asia and Southeast Asia, targeting startups that can scale regionally within these markets.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Velocity Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $2 million in their portfolio companies, providing substantial support during the early stages of development.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Velocity Ventures have?
Velocity Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational support, and access to their Corporate Partners Program, which facilitates connections with industry leaders.
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