Exclusive Luxury Meets Untapped Opportunity
Business Plan
Gaia Ventures is transforming one of Portland’s iconic historic buildings into a boutique luxury hotel and private social club. The project targets Portland’s gap in high-end hospitality by providing upscale accommodations and an exclusive social experience. The company generates revenue through hotel bookings, annual memberships capped at 2,000 members at $20,000 each, food and beverage services, and spa treatments.
The target demographic includes high-net-worth individuals, business leaders, and relocated professionals from corporations like Nike, Intel, Columbia, and Adidas. Portland’s appeal as a growing destination for affluent travelers and residents ensures steady demand. Gaia Ventures’ dual offering—a luxury boutique hotel and a private club—addresses a proven market need for exclusivity and curated, in-person experiences.
Competitive Advantage
Gaia Ventures delivers a distinct blend of luxury and exclusivity through its boutique hotel and private club. Unlike traditional hotels or generic membership venues, Gaia Ventures introduces curated social programming with offerings like wine tastings, author readings, and fashion shows. The property also features the first Turkish Hamam spa in the Northwest, positioning it as a one-of-a-kind wellness destination.
Gaia Ventures’ affiliation with 25 international private clubs enhances the value proposition, allowing members access to exclusive venues globally. This strategic offering meets rising demand for private, high-quality experiences, aligning with the projected growth of the private social club market to $25.8 billion by 2027. The careful integration of hospitality and social membership creates a scalable and lucrative model with no direct competitors in Portland.
Traction
Gaia Ventures has already achieved significant milestones to de-risk the project. The City of Portland awarded the development Project of the Year for 2023, reflecting strong local government support. Key entitlements and permits are secured, allowing construction to move forward without delay. A completion guarantee bond has been established with Upman, a leading general contractor in the Northwest with a century-long track record in complex projects.
The team has also secured a letter of intent for project refinancing post-stabilization, ensuring a clear path for investor exits. These milestones underscore Gaia Ventures’ capability to deliver a financially and operationally viable project. The recent opening of Portland’s Ritz-Carlton further confirms the strength of the luxury hospitality market and investor confidence in the region.
Why Now
Portland is experiencing rapid growth driven by domestic migration from California and Washington, positioning it as an emerging hub for high-value hospitality investments. The city’s boutique luxury market remains underserved, despite increasing post-pandemic travel demand. Globally, travel spending has surged, and Portland has mirrored this trend, creating an ideal market entry point.
The opening of Ritz-Carlton in Portland highlights untapped potential in the high-end hospitality sector. With cultural shifts emphasizing in-person connections and exclusive experiences, Gaia Ventures is uniquely positioned to capture this opportunity.
Why Here
Portland combines natural beauty, a thriving culinary scene, and economic vibrancy with corporate powerhouses like Nike, Intel, Columbia, and Adidas. Domestic migration into the region continues to drive demand for upscale hospitality, while the city's cultural and environmental appeal makes it a top-tier destination for affluent travelers.
The luxury hospitality market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 9.43%, further validating Portland’s potential as a lucrative market for high-end accommodations and curated social experiences.
Team
Tanya Toby: 25+ years of experience in real estate development, specializing in luxury hospitality and creative capital solutions.
Co-Founder: Former Israeli Defense Forces captain and general contractor with 15 years of experience managing residential and commercial projects.
Hospitality Partners: Rockwell Group for design and Columbia for hotel operations.
Advisory Board: Consultants with experience launching over 20 private social clubs globally, including New York’s Core Club.
Deal Terms
Valuation: Preferred equity investment
Funding Target: $20 million
Minimum Investment: $100,000
Expected ROI: 12%-15% APR with principal repayment in 7 years
Use of Funds: Pre-construction, phased development, and strategic marketing for member recruitment
Exit Strategy: Refinancing post-stabilization through a committed institutional lender
