3i agrees to invest in VakantieDiscounter

• VakantieDiscounter is an online holiday packages platform in the Benelux
• It is a subsidiary of European travel company Otravo
• 3i Group’s private equity arm manages $20 billion

3i Group has agreed to invest in Amsterdam-based online holiday packages platform VakantieDiscounter, it said on Monday. VakantieDiscounter is a subsidiary of European travel company Otravo. It offers more than 1.3 billion holiday package combinations in over 50 countries, with more than 17,000 accommodation options. Through a combination of its broad package offering and focus on value for money it has grown market share rapidly since its foundation in 2000.

3i Group is a private equity and venture capital investor based in London. Its private equity arm manages $20 billion. It invests across the business & technology services, consumer, healthcare and industrial technology sectors.

“VakantieDiscounter offers the widest selection of affordable package holidays in the market through a focused, online-only offering,” said Boris Kawohl, partner, 3i. “The scalable tech platform will allow VakantieDiscounter to continue its long term track record of growth and its recovery from the pandemic. We have the opportunity to partner with a high-quality, ambitious management team and we believe there is significant potential ahead to accelerate VakantieDiscounter’s success.”

“I am excited to be partnering with the team at 3i,” said Hans van Hoffen, CEO, VakantieDiscounter. “Customers will benefit from continued investment in our travel platform. 3i’s experience in the value-for-money consumer segment and travel sector makes them an ideal partner to scale our business and take advantage of the opportunity to further grow our market share by delivering great value to travellers.”