By Bennett Lee
At Velocity Ventures, we believe that venture capital is about more than just funding—it’s about people, dreams, and the resilience that drive founders forward. As a Singapore-based firm specializing in early-stage Seed to Series A investments in the travel and hospitality industry, we take a deeply personal and relationship-driven approach to supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate one of the most dynamic and human centred industry in the world.
Beyond Capital: The Power of Trust in Travel & Hospitality
The travel and hospitality industry is built on human connections—welcoming guests, creating unforgettable experiences, and ensuring every detail is perfect. They also face immense pressure, from unpredictable economic cycles to the weight of customer expectations. The founders we meet are passionate visionaries building new age businesses models while leveraging the technology of tomorrow.
As investors, we recognize that behind every pitch deck and financial projection is a person—a leader making sacrifices, taking risks, and carrying the responsibility of an entire team. We strongly believe that trust is the foundation of any successful partnership, and we work to earn that trust by being present, transparent, and truly listening. This belief was reinforced when a founder, grappling with a tough pivot, confided in us—not just about funding challenges, but the emotional weight of navigating challenges within the team. In that moment, it was clear that beyond funding, what founders often need most is a partner who genuinely understands their journey.
Empathy as a Core Principle in an Experience-Driven Industry
Empathy is the cornerstone of the travel and hospitality industry. It’s about understanding what guests need before they ask, making people feel valued, and creating experiences that leave lifelong impressions. The same principle applies to investing in founders.
We know that entrepreneurship is deeply personal. The late nights perfecting a guest experience platform, the sleepless worry over meeting payroll, the heartache of a deal falling through—these are not just business challenges; they are painful personal sacrifices and experiences. Founders we’ve met have sacrificed relationships, postponed major life events, and endured immense personal stress, all in pursuit of building something meaningful. Yet, it is their unwavering resilience and passion that drive them forward, even in the face of uncertainty. By stepping into a founder’s shoes, we celebrate their wins, stand by them in tough times, and remind them that they are never alone on this journey.
A Relationship-Centric Approach to Investing in Travel & Hospitality
At Velocity Ventures, our philosophy is simple: founders first. The best investments come from deep, trusting relationships where both parties are aligned in vision and purpose. We take the time to truly understand the person behind the business—what motivates them, what keeps them up at night, and how we can help beyond just funding. Looking for synergies between our portfolio companies and corporate partners is where we drive real value.
To nurture these relationships, we:
- Invest time in truly understanding a founder’s motivations, fears, and long-term aspirations.
- Provide honest, compassionate feedback with the intention to uplift, not criticize.
- Act as thought partners, offering guidance that extends beyond financial performance.
- Maintain accessibility—being there in moments of need, not just scheduled meetings.
- Leverage our industry expertise to provide tailored, strategic support that founders can trust.
The Lasting Impact of Meaningful Connections
The strongest venture capital and founder partnerships are built on shared respect, mutual commitment, and an understanding that success is more than just financial gain—it’s about people. Founders who feel seen, heard, and supported are more resilient, more creative, and ultimately, more successful.
True partnerships thrive on reciprocity. Just as we invest time, expertise, and resources into helping founders grow, we, too, gain invaluable insights from them—their bold ideas, deep industry knowledge, and firsthand experience in solving real-world problems. This mutual exchange of learning strengthens our ability to support not just one company, but the entire ecosystem we are building. In return, we expect the same level of dedication, transparency, and commitment from the founders we back—those who are willing to engage openly, adapt to challenges, and work collaboratively to maximize their company’s potential. When founders succeed, we succeed—together.
At Velocity Ventures, we don’t just invest in ideas—we invest in the people behind them. We believe that by building deep, meaningful relationships, we can help power the future of travel and hospitality in a way that is innovative, human-centred, and deeply fulfilling. Because at the end of the day, success in this industry—and in life—is always about human connections.
