Hoteliers Launch $30M Astound Ventures Fund to Fix Industry NUM
Image
The Woodlands, Texas – September 22, 2026 -- Astound Ventures, a collaborative investment fund founded by hoteliers Burt Cabañas, Alex Cabañas and Kirk Jones, has raised more than $8 million toward a $30 million target aimed at boosting net unit margin across hotel real estate operations.
Fund targets $30 million entirely from industry "smart money"
Unlike traditional venture funds backed by institutional allocations, Astound is raising its entire pool from operators, owners and brands within the hospitality sector. Chairman Burt Cabañas is founder of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and co-chairman of Pyramid Global Hospitality; CEO Alex Cabañas is Pyramid's executive chairman and a Convene Hospitality Group board member; CFO Kirk Jones previously served as CFO of Benchmark and Capella Hotels.