jetBlue Ventures

Airline Corporate Venture Capital Fund

Overview of JetBlue Ventures

JetBlue Ventures is the venture capital arm of JetBlue Airways, specializing in nurturing innovation within the travel, transportation, and hospitality industries. The team, comprising venture capital professionals and travel industry experts, is committed to identifying and partnering with early-stage technology startups. They offer a comprehensive support system that goes beyond funding, including strategic partnerships, guidance, customer introductions, marketing and communications counsel, mentorship, and business development support. Selected startups may also have the opportunity to be incubated in their Silicon Valley office. While JetBlue Ventures invests globally, they prefer a hands-on approach with their portfolio companies, especially those within the U.S.

JetBlue Ventures Investment Thesis

JetBlue Ventures' investment strategy is centered around five key investment themes, focusing on startups that bring innovative solutions and passionate teams to the table. Their investment is typically directed towards early to mid-stage startups (seed to series B), but they are open to exceptional ideas at any stage. The five key investment themes are:

1. Seamless Customer Experience: Enhancing the travel experience through innovative technology.

2. Sustainability: Solutions that contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly travel.

3. Data and Analytics: Leveraging data to improve operational efficiency and customer insights.

4. Distribution, Revenue, and Maintenance Optimization: Technologies that optimize airline and travel operations.

5. Regional Connectivity: Improving transportation and connectivity in regional areas.

These themes reflect JetBlue Ventures' commitment to not only advancing technologies that could benefit JetBlue Airways but also those that have the potential to revolutionize the broader travel and hospitality industry. Their investments are categorized into three impact horizons: immediate (0 to 18 months), medium-term (two to five years), and long-term (seven to ten years), with a focus on the first two categories. JetBlue Ventures also encourages their portfolio companies to pursue funding and partnerships that align with their strategic objectives, facilitating connections across the travel industry.

*Last update: November 2023