Ventures

Empowering passionate innovators to make a difference to the travel industry.

We are the corporate venture fund for IAG. We provide the funds, support and expertise to help scale new technology and business models that improve our customers’ experience and reduce environmental impact.

Pitch for funding
Pitch for funding
What we are looking for

We seek out early stage start-ups between Seed and Series B with the potential to transform the industry. We dream big, so we are always open to funding ambitious businesses.

Strategic alignment

We focus on companies that can provide solutions to the biggest challenges in aviation.

High value

We are after game-changing innovations that add significant customer value or operational efficiency.

Agility

We take into account the ability to scale at speed in a fast-growing, fast-paced industry.

Excellence

We only partner with the most outstanding teams that can push the boundaries of the possible.

Our portfolio

These are some of the companies that we have already backed

Computer vision to optimize airside operations in real-time

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Sustainable fuels technology to accelerate the energy transition

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Fuel management technology for smarter, greener operations

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Hydrogen-electric powertrain for zero-emission aviation

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Software for post-booking revenue and capacity optimisation

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Mobile app alternative to the banks, with a multi-currency account

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Matt Ridley

Ventures Principal

Get in touch
Get in touch

How can we help?

What stage do you invest in a start-up?

We tend to invest at Series A or B, but for the right team we can also consider a Seed level investment. We like to invest as part of a balanced round, either with other strategics, or with financial investors.

Do you have to complete the Hangar 51 accelerator to receive venture capital investment from Hangar 51 Ventures?

No. We think that the accelerator is a great way for us to get to know you, and for you to get to know us and understand how and where we can add value to your business. For this reason, about half our investments are companies who have completed the accelerator, but this isn’t a prerequisite for investment.

Do you lead investment rounds?

Occasionally. We think it’s good practice and helps build more resilient businesses to get backing from a wide range of investors. We like to co-invest, ideally where a traditional venture capital firm with a good reputation is leading. Where a partnership is highly strategic for both sides, we will consider leading a round of investment.

Do you provide companies with anything beyond funding?

Yes. We have been proud to be the first customer for a number of companies in our portfolio. The entrepreneurs that we have backed have received help on product development, market insights, partnerships with our operating companies and access to our network. We don’t have a standard approach, but try to help the companies that we back in any way we can.

Does my company have to be based in the UK or Spain?

Although we are based in Europe, we are a global industry. We can invest in companies all over the world.

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