Startup Stage

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Tryps.Tech is digitizing tour and activity distribution for the Middle East

By Mitra Sorrells | July 12, 2019

Tryps.Tech is an online distributor of more than 14,000 tours, activities, attraction tickets, airport lounge access, events and transfers in 130 countries, focused on serving Middle East travelers. Its... Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: SpotOn wants to make ride-hailing easy for pet owners

By Jill Menze | July 9, 2019

SpotOn is a pet-friendly ride-hailing service that matches animal owners with drivers to take the guesswork out of traveling with a pet. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Setoo wants to create love for travel insurance

By Linda Fox | July 5, 2019

The company's vision is to offer a B2B insurance service to online intermediaries so they build relevant products for consumers and earn valuable ancillary revenue. Read More

Interview / Technology

STARTUP STAGE: Welcome uses AI to make trip planning more spontaneous and personalized

By Jill Menze | June 12, 2019

Welcome uses artificial intelligence to help travelers plan in real time based on their preferences, tips from friends and location data. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Guide121 wants to bring a "playlist" mentality to travel

By Mitra Sorrells | May 30, 2019

Guide121 provides users what it calls a “playlist,” which is a suggested sequence of destinations, attractions and events displayed on a digital map. The system cross-references information from the... Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: CultureMee helps business travelers avoid costly culture mistakes

By Linda Fox | May 23, 2019

CultureMee provides engaging content including videos and culture models to business travelers to help them avoid cultural hiccups. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Frontdesk manages short-term rentals in urban apartment communities

By Mitra Sorrells | May 14, 2019

Founded in 2017, Frontdesk develops and manages short-term rental suites around the United States for both business and leisure guests. Read More

Interview / Distribution

STARTUP STAGE: Magpie wants to end content distribution woes in activities

By Linda Fox | April 29, 2019

The company was founded in November 2018 by former tour operator Christian Watts. The startup has financial backing of Viator founder Rod Cuthbert as well as Venture Republic. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Wanderift brings a subscription model to air travel

By Mitra Sorrells | April 23, 2019

Founded in December 2017, Wanderift allows users to buy a subscription of either $369 per month for three one-way flights or $459 per month for four one-way flights. Subscriptions are month-to-month.... Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Miles is a universal transportation rewards program

By Mitra Sorrells | April 3, 2019

Miles is a loyalty platform that automatically rewards consumers for their daily movement, such as walking, biking, riding in a car or traveling by plane. Users can redeem rewards with Miles’ more than... Read More

Interview / Online

STARTUP STAGE: GetGuided wants to connect corporate travelers with tours

By Linda Fox | March 18, 2019

GetGuided wants to work with hotels, travel management companies and directly with corporates to bring curated tours and activities to the business travel space. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: GAFFL connects solo travelers to plan trips, split costs

By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2019

GAFFL, or, Get a Friend for Life, is intended to help solo travelers find others planning similar itineraries to travel together and share costs. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Refundit automates VAT refund for travelers, retailers and governments

By Mitra Sorrells | February 15, 2019

Refundit automates the VAT, or value-added tax, refund process for tourists visiting the European Union. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Finalrentals digitizes vehicle price comparison and booking in UAE

By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2019

Dubai-based Finalrentals is digitizing price comparison and booking for short- and long-term car rentals in the UAE, where it estimates 70% of bookings currently take place offline. The company is also... Read More