The fund focuses on early-stage technologies in automation, AI-driven operations and next-generation infrastructure across Europe and Southeast Asia.
GHARAGE Ventures has launched its €40 million Fund I, positioning itself as an independent venture capital platform focused on early-stage technologies shaping the future of global travel and retail. Anchored by Gebr. Heinemann, the firm plans to collaborate with additional strategic investors to support innovation across the travel and retail ecosystem.
As air travel continues to grow, many operational areas across airports and travel retail remain under-digitalised. GHARAGE Ventures aims to invest in startups addressing this gap, with a focus on automation, AI-enabled operations, digital infrastructure, travel technology services, and logistics and supply chain innovation. The fund invests globally from seed to Series A.
Emerging from the venture capital and innovation activities of Gebr. Heinemann, GHARAGE Ventures has built a network of operators, brands, technology partners and investors across the travel and trade ecosystem. With Fund I, the platform is now open to additional limited partners seeking access to emerging technologies, real-world testing environments and global market insights.
Lennard Niemann, Managing Partner at GHARAGE Ventures, noted that significant parts of the airport and travel retail ecosystem remain structurally under-digitised:
The fund brings together capital, operational know-how and immediate access to industry environments. This is exactly where long-needed innovation can be turned into scalable, profitable impact.
Through Fund I, GHARAGE has already invested in several companies targeting structural challenges in the travel and retail sectors.
Looking ahead, Fund I plans to make around 30 additional investments across the travel and trade value chain, backing companies that deliver measurable operational improvements. The fund’s focus remains on technologies that enhance efficiency and support sustainable growth across global travel and trade markets.