Hot 25 Startups 2025

News / Finance

Travel community reacts as ex-Sonder CEO raises $6M for Odessia

By Morgan Hines | June 11, 2026

Some travel industry players were congratulatory, others poked holes in Odessia's model. Read More

News / Startups

iWander pushes consumer app amid rapid AI developments

By Linda Fox | June 9, 2026

iWander said the company felt it needed its own "playground"with technology developing so rapidly right now. Read More

News / Startups

AI-powered Mindtrip expands to Europe

By Morgan Hines | June 3, 2026

Mindtrip has signed contracts with two destination marketing organizations: Madeira Promotion Bureau and Norwegian Travel Cluster. Read More

Opinion / Distribution

Byway expands distribution through TUI retail partnership

By Cathy Walsh | March 24, 2026

The partnership reflects growing demand for non-flight options and brings overland travel to a broader retail audience. Read More

News / Startups

Travel Token Marketplace acquires Camino Network initiator Chain4Travel

By Morgan Hines | February 27, 2026

Blockchain startup Chain4Travel was previously named a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2025. Read More

News / Startups

Africa-based Tripesa launches AI travel marketplace Roamio

By Morgan Hines | January 26, 2026

With Roamio, Tripesa aims to eliminate middlemen, provide better prices and increase ancillary bookings while putting more money in the hands of small operators. Read More

News / Startups

Capital One Ventures, United Airlines Ventures invest in Mindtrip

By Morgan Hines | December 4, 2025

The new capital brings the AI-powered travel planning platform’s total funding to $22.5 million. Read More

News / Technology

Mindtrip launches B2B hotel tools

By Morgan Hines | November 18, 2025

Mindtrip for Hotels gives guests tailored recommendations ahead of their stay. Read More

News / Technology

A snapshot of AI developments in travel in 2025

By Linda Fox | November 17, 2025

AI-focused launches and partnerships have been a weekly, sometimes daily, feature of travel tech news in 2025—and the pace is unlikely to let up. Read More

News / Startups

Where are they now? Revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025

By Mileva Sapic | November 3, 2025

We're revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups roster for 2025, which includes several up-and-coming players in the travel tech space. Read More

News / Technology

PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Vrbo, IBS Software, TourRadar and more...

By PhocusWire | October 31, 2025

Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More

News / Startups

The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing

By Morgan Hines | October 22, 2025

As the Middle East sees rapid travel growth, its startup environment is characterized by ambition and innovation with government support, according to travel stakeholders. Read More

News / Technology

Mindtrip launches AI-powered tools for travel inspiration, organization

By Morgan Hines | October 16, 2025

With the new features, travelers can share articles, Instagram posts, TikTok videos, YouTube clips and Google Pins directly to Mindtrip’s app. Read More