Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

STARTUP STAGE: Live The World wants to be a content guide for slow travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Live The World wants to be a content guide for slow travel
By Linda Fox | May 26, 2021
Live The World wants to help travelers find local, authentic experiences. The travel planning platform... Read More
Portside raises $17M to grow cloud-based business aviation tech
News / Startups
Portside raises $17M to grow cloud-based business aviation tech
By Jill Menze | May 24, 2021
Founded in 2018, Portside helps aviation management companies, aircraft owners, corporate flight... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Washbnb offers a tech-enabled linen solution for short-term rental hosts
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Washbnb offers a tech-enabled linen solution for short-term rental hosts
By Jill Menze | May 20, 2021
Founded in 2020, Washbnb’s tech-enabled linen solution simplifies rental, logistics and laundry... Read More
virtuo-96m-funding
News / Startups
European on-demand car service Virtuo raises $96M
By Mitra Sorrells | May 20, 2021
Paris-based Virtuo, a startup positioning itself as an alternative to car ownership, has raised $96... Read More
Wellness travel platform Vacayou raises $3.3M
News / Startups
Wellness travel platform Vacayou raises $3.3M
By Mitra Sorrells | May 18, 2021
Vacayou is launching in beta with more than 100 package options such as spa getaways, wellness... Read More
pluto-crowdfund-bcorp
News / Startups
Travel tech startup Pluto raises second crowdfund, receives B Corp certification
By Mitra Sorrells | May 13, 2021
London-based Pluto has raised £200,000 on Seedrs and has been recognized for its social and... Read More
Signs point north for travel startup funding in 2021
News / Startups
Signs point north for travel startup funding in 2021
By Linda Fox | May 11, 2021
Travel startups have attracted multiple smaller investments in 2021, as well as one or two sizable... Read More
Indonesian super app GoJek adds $300M investment
News / Startups
Indonesian super app GoJek adds $300M investment
By Linda Fox | May 10, 2021
GoJek and Telkomsel are furthering their collaboration to boost digital services for Indonesia's... Read More
Go2Joy tops up Series A+ with $1.3M
News / Startups
Go2Joy tops up Series A+ with $1.3M
By Linda Fox | May 7, 2021
The Vietnam-based company previously raised $2.5 million in February 2020 followed by its Series A+... Read More
Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
News / Startups
Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
By Linda Fox | May 6, 2021
The London-based alternative payments company plans to launch in the U.S.... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
May 6, 2025
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More