Flash Pack Bounces Back With a Sweet £5 M Payday
Flash Pack – the side‑kick to solo‑travel nomads in their 30s and 40s – has just nailed a £5 million raise, nearly three years after it bowed out during the pandemic’s final throes.
Who’s On the Investor Side?
- JamJar Investments – the VC arm of the folks who turned Innocent Drinks into a brand – leads the new bankroll.
- Existing backers chipped in, bumping the total capital pool to a cool £7.8 million.
From Adversity to Adventure
Fast‑forward to 2021: CEO Radha Vyas rebooted Flash Pack with help from PPF. The mission? “One million friendships, one trip at a time.” Amid a worldwide isolation crisis, the company kept growing – 65 crew in 11 countries, and solo travellers from every corner of the globe.
Why It’s Still Worthy of a Rake‑In
- Loneliness is a pandemic, but connection is a cure – and Flash Pack has the recipe.
- They’re leveling up tech and taking over the US market, which now accounts for 60% of their audience.
- In early 2024, Radha and co‑founder Lee Thompson will set up shop in North America and are ready to triplicate their US hires in just six months.
Radha’s Take
“Solo travel has gone from niche to the norm, and people are craving more than just sightseeing – they want real connections. And that’s what we’re delivering.”
“We’re proud to help make London feel less like a lonely maze. Eight in ten FlashPackers stay in touch after their journey.”
“This funding confirms that the world is ready for meaningful travel, and I’m thrilled to take it global.”
Funding Women of Colour is Still a Rarity
Only 2% of VC went to female founders in 2022, and for South Asian women it’s a meager 0.8%. Radha is one of the rare successes in this space – a true South Asian trailblazer making waves in an industry that hasn’t yet caught up.
Citation from JamJar
Richard Reed, JamJar Co‑Founder: “We’re on a mission to invest in tech‑driven consumer heroes that change their industries for good. Flash Pack doesn’t just redefine travel; it reshapes human connections.”
“Investors need to back more women of colour. Under Radha’s lead, Flash Pack survived the pandemic, and we’re cheering it on for the next three years.”
Time to Ride
With the new dollars in hand, Flash Pack is ready to blaze a trail across America and beyond – and hoping to keep everyone on their toes (and together). Stay tuned for the next chapter of solo‑travel adventure!
