Transforming Business Expenses into Memorable Team Travel
Lisa Larson-Kelley, the founder and CEO of Quantious, a marketing agency catering to fast-growing tech companies, had a vision when she launched her business: to create a connected, remote-first workplace that prioritizes team bonding and culture. As her company scales, so does its spending, but Larson-Kelley has found a way to turn everyday business expenses into unforgettable experiences for her team.
By leveraging the Capital One Venture X Business card, Larson-Kelley ensures that every purchase—from software subscriptions to vendor payments—earns valuable rewards. This card not only supports her company’s growth but actively fuels it, offering flexible earning, significant purchasing power, and premium travel perks.
Quantious specializes in helping tech clients refine their digital strategies and content during pivotal growth phases. Larson-Kelley brings that same focus to cultivating her company culture. Although the team operates remotely, fostering connections remains a top priority.
Every nine months, Larson-Kelley organizes “Camp Quantious,” a multi-day retreat designed for team alignment, brainstorming, and bonding. The most recent getaway took place in Puerto Rico, significantly funded by the miles earned through the Capital One Venture X Business card.
“Earning miles with our Venture X Business card has enabled us to give back to our employees and continue to build up our company culture,” Larson-Kelley shared. “We’ve used these miles to book our flights for two Camp Quantious retreats. As a fully remote team, coordinating travel for everyone was a huge relief.”
The majority of the miles were allocated for flights—the largest expense—for the upcoming 2024 retreat in Asheville, North Carolina, as well as this year’s Puerto Rico meetup. However, Larson-Kelley also used miles for a special touch: “We surprised our employees with goody bags filled with travel essentials and gifts from local Puerto Rican artists and businesses,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Larson-Kelley is contemplating a westward retreat, as the team has predominantly focused on the East Coast so far. “Returning to Puerto Rico has also been a popular request from the team!” she added.
Larson-Kelley became a Venture X Business cardholder in November 2023 after discovering the card through the Inc. 5000 awards. With rapid company growth, she needed a business card that could keep pace, one that offered flexible purchasing power, valuable rewards, straightforward redemption options, and practical tools for scaling.
What makes the Venture X Business card particularly appealing to her is the unlimited 2X miles per dollar spent on all purchases, including daily expenses, software subscriptions, and spending on employee and virtual cards. Importantly, the miles never expire as long as the account remains active.
New cardholders can also earn a 150,000-mile bonus after spending $30,000 within the first three months. This bonus translates to at least $1,500 in travel when redeemed through Capital One Travel, which can significantly contribute to funding major team trips like Larson-Kelley’s off-sites.
With no preset spending limit, Quantious enjoys the flexibility to make high-value purchases without needing manual approvals or extensive planning. This enhanced purchasing power translates into more rewards, making it a strategic choice for founders looking to invest wisely while scaling.
Booking travel through Capital One Travel is straightforward, allowing Larson-Kelley to earn miles effortlessly. The Venture X Business card comes with a $395 annual fee and offers several perks tailored to growing companies, including:
– Earning miles on software subscriptions, utilities, and fixed costs, simplifying expense tracking.
– Recommendations for utilizing Capital One miles for group retreats, flights, and accommodations, creatively transforming spending into opportunities for cultural enhancement.
In the early stages of business, cash flow can be tight. Larson-Kelley advises using miles to offset personal travel or to provide end-of-year gifts to team members, effectively stretching budgets while enhancing employee appreciation.
For companies spending over $300,000 annually, the Venture X Business card could be an invaluable asset, particularly for founders in sectors like tech, healthcare, retail, and professional services who wish to maximize rewards and elevate their travel experiences.
With a minimum earning of 2X miles per dollar spent on every purchase, combined with automation tools and premium travel benefits, the Venture X Business card simplifies growth while rewarding teams along the way.
The Capital One Venture X Business card is not just a rewards card; it’s a strategic financial instrument for founders looking to scale intelligently and invest in what truly matters. Lisa Larson-Kelley exemplifies this approach, transforming everyday expenses into shared experiences that foster connection, culture, and loyalty.
It’s not merely about accumulating miles; it’s about using them to build something meaningful and lasting. For more information, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X Business card.