GHARAGE Ventures has announced the launch of its Fund I, an independent venture capital fund with a capital of €40 million. The goal is to invest in early-stage technologies that will transform the travel retail sector.

The fund will focus on areas such as automation, artificial intelligence applied to operations, digital infrastructure, technology services for the travel industry, and innovation in logistics and supply chain. GHARAGE Ventures will invest globally, from seed to Series A.

Focus on Innovation in Travel Retail

GHARAGE Ventures emerges from the venture capital and innovation activities of Gebr. Heinemann. The company has developed a network of operators, brands, technology partners and investors in the travel retail sector. With Fund I, the platform opens up to new partners who want access to emerging technologies and testing opportunities in real-world environments.

Lennard Niemann, Managing Partner at GHARAGE Ventures, highlighted how large areas of airports and travel retail are still under-digitalized. The fund aims to bridge this gap, transforming innovation into scalable and profitable impact.

Future Investments

Fund I has already made several investments in companies addressing structural challenges in the travel retail sector. In the coming months, it plans to make approximately 30 additional investments along the travel retail value chain, supporting companies that offer measurable operational improvements and promote sustainable growth in global markets.