Burt Cabañas and Alex Cabañas—long-time family executives with Benchmark Resorts & Hotels—have launched Astound Ventures, an investment fund focused on companies developing products, services and technologies.
The father-and-son team—which has a combined 60 years of hospitality experience—launched the venture following discussions with industry participants. Burt Cabañas— founder and chairman of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and co-chairman of Pyramid Global Hospitality—serves as chairman of Astound Ventures. Alex Cabañas—executive chairman of Pyramid and a board member of meetings and events company Convene—serves as CEO. Kirk Jones—formerly CFO of Benchmark and Capella Hotels—is a founding partner and CFO.
The fund initially targeted $30 million in capital, with investments coming from hotel owners, operators, brands and other industry participants. Astound has raised more than $8 million to date and has invested in 10 companies, with a goal of investing in as many as 20 companies over a three-year investment period.
“In May 2025, in the midst of a family discussion, the idea of venture investing in our own industry where we can drive meaningful influence came up,” Alex Cabañas said in a statement. “Then, after conversations with more than 300 industry collaborators, we prioritized investing our own money in and raising a fund for investing in companies that drive tangible value to the bottom line by reinventing real estate operations and workflows.”
The Woodlands, Texas-based company said the fund is focused on investments that can produce measurable financial returns for hotel owners and accelerate adoption of new products and services within the industry.
Astound has evaluated more than 100 solution providers. Its investments to date include sustainable tissue products, heated outdoor furniture, mobile point-of-sale technology, wireless energy management, autonomous travel technology, and travel management and meetings solutions.
The Cabañases have also established Astound Collaborators, a network of real estate owners, operators, brands, industry partners and participants from adjacent real estate sectors. The network was developed through outreach to industry executives and has continued to expand through referrals and relationships.