About the Firm

A History of Innovation in Travel.

Since 2008, Thayer Investment Partners has been at the forefront of travel technology investing, partnering with visionary founders to build companies that reshape how the world moves, stays, and experiences new places.

Conviction, network, and partnership, refined over 15+ years.

While Travel and Tourism is one of the largest industries on earth contributing roughly 10% of global GDP, it has historically underinvested in modern technology compared to other sectors of similar size. Founded in 2008, Thayer was created to spur innovation in travel and help entrepreneurs navigate its complex web of stakeholders. Over the past 15+ years, we have invested in over 100 companies that have had a huge impact in advancing the travel industry. Today we are focused on being the bridge between silicon valley and the global travel industry. We help all companies unlock the travel industry and drive sales, strategy and partnership for our portfolio. All businesses will sell to, partner with or consume travel and Thayer is the strategic co-pilot.

Chris Hemmeter co-founded Thayer Ventures and currently serves as Managing Partner. Chris pioneered "travel-tech" as an investment category and remains a critical thought leader, connector and ambassador for innovation across the travel industry. Prior to Thayer Ventures, Chris founded and exited multiple venture backed businesses across hospitality and foodservice technology. Additionally, he founded E&O Kitchen and Bar, a casual dining restaurant based in San Francisco; The Hemmeter Collection, a direct response retailer; and founder of Hemmeter Publishing, a publisher and distributor of travel books and content. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.

Tyler Carrico currently serves as Managing Partner and focuses on investments and deployment strategy. Tyler joined Thayer in late 2017 at the launch of our first institutional fund and has played a core role in the continued growth of the Thayer platform. In 2022, he co-founded Thayer's Derive fund strategy which served as the foundation for our horizontal investment approach. Prior to Thayer Ventures, Tyler was an investment banking professional in BoA Merril Lynch's Tech, Media and Telecom group. He graduated from the University of Virginia and holds a Bachelor of Science from the McIntire School of Commerce.

Mike Scott currently serves as Managing Partner and focuses on investments and fund operations. Mike joined Thayer in 2021 and co-founded the Derive fund strategy. Prior to Thayer, Mike was a private equity investment professional at KSL Capital Partners. At KSL, he had over $4bn of transaction experience covering U.S. hospitality, timeshare, all-inclusive resorts, travel distribution, gaming and alternative accommodations. Prior to KSL, Mike was an investment banking professional in J.P. Morgan's Real Estate, Gaming and Lodging group. He graduated from the University of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

David Brem currently serves as a Venture Partner at Thayer Investment Partners. Prior to TIP, David earned his MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. During business school, David worked at an early-stage venture firm focused on investing in companies transforming transportation, logistics, and advanced air mobility. David also served as Managing Director of Michigan's flagship investment fund, where he led sourcing, diligence, and portfolio support for early-stage investments across sectors, including consumer brands and robotics. David also previously worked in Commercial Strategy at American Airlines, supporting initiatives across the carrier's hub network operations, and founded Michigan's first institutionally recognized aviation organization, engaging with industry leaders across aerospace, climate, and travel technology. Prior to business school, David worked in management consulting, where he focused on modernizing technology solutions for aerospace and aviation organizations, across both defense and commercial engagements. Prior to entering client service, David served as the Subject Matter Expert Lead for his team at the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, where he led cyber intelligence efforts supporting national security operations in Quantico, VA. In addition to his MBA, David also holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from American University, and a Master's degree in Applied Intelligence with a concentration in Cyber Intelligence from Georgetown University.

Chelsea brings over a decade of expertise in the hospitality industry. Before joining TIP, she spent over 5 years at Standard International, aiding in the global expansion of the Standard and Bunkhouse hotels, and contributing to the development of new brands and brand elements. Prior to her tenure at Standard International, Chelsea held business development positions at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Pyramid Hotel Group, and gained operational experience with Hilton through Hilton Worldwide's Management Training Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Boston University.

Decades of specialized investment and operating experience.

We work with a select group of corporate leaders who appreciate the value of long term partnership and share our belief that progress is centered around travel.

Capital One
Enterprise
Hilton
Host
Hyatt
KSL
Lincoln
Marriott
Portfolio

Investing in companies shaping the future of global travel.

Travel isn’t just a vertical. Our portfolio encompasses all companies who can or will sell to and partner with the global travel industry. Thayer invests on behalf of the travel industry to make travel operations and consumption — safer, easier, and fundamentally more intelligent.

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