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JetBlue announces travel tech VC business
Wednesday, 12 Feb, 2016
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JetBlue is establishing its own Silicon Valley venture capital firm, tasked with uncovering the next big thing in travel tech.
JetBlue Technology Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary which will invest in, incubate and partner with startups in travel and hospitality.
JetBlue says it is the first corporate venture capital firm in Silicon Valley backed by a US airline.
JetBlue pilot Bonny Simi has been named as president of JetBlue Technology Ventures.
"Innovation has always been part of JetBlue’s DNA, and JetBlue Technology Ventures builds on our history of staying a step ahead of the status quo," said Simi.
"We will be casting a wide net to find technologies across the travel spectrum that further the award winning customer-focused experience we are known for. We can offer our knowledge and resources to bring early-stage ideas to life. We won’t limit our thinking to traditional airline operations, and instead consider possibilities at every stage in the travel experience."
The firm will partner with incubators, venture capital firms, academia and other organizations both inside and outside Silicon Valley.
Eash Sundaram, JetBlue’s chief information officer, will chair the firm’s advisory committee and Marty St George, executive vice president – commercial & planning, will also be a member of the advisory team.
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