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.

Virdee adds $2M to seed round for virtual concierge service
News / Startups
Virdee adds $2M to seed round for virtual concierge service
By Linda Fox | April 19, 2021
U.S-based Virdee believes contactless solutions for check-in and payment at hotels are here to stay.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: HiBnb helps travelers find cannabis-friendly accommodations and activities
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: HiBnb helps travelers find cannabis-friendly accommodations and activities
By Jill Menze | April 14, 2021
HiBnb is a marketplace dedicated to the growing cannabis community, providing accommodation and... Read More
golightly-startup-stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Golightly is a members-only home-sharing club for women
By Jill Menze | April 12, 2021
Golightly is a private travel club for women providing a safer space to list and book vacation rentals... Read More
Tier acquires Makery to establish central Europe hub for e-scooters
News / Startups
Tier acquires Makery to establish central Europe hub for e-scooters
By Linda Fox | April 9, 2021
Tier plans to launch is e-scooters in Budapest following its acquisition of software development... Read More
Bob W tops up seed round with €6M for apartment rental concept
News / Startups
Bob W tops up seed round with €6M for apartment rental concept
By Linda Fox | April 8, 2021
Bob W plans to develop its technology stack and add further apartments following its latest... Read More
Singapore-based Port gets pre-seed investment for "remote travel" concept
News / Startups
Singapore-based Port gets pre-seed investment for "remote travel" concept
By Mitra Sorrells | April 7, 2021
Port connects users with guides around the world who enable them to experience destinations and... Read More
gazal-startup-funding
News / Startups
Saudi Arabian startup Gazal raises $2M to expand micromobility services
By Mitra Sorrells | April 6, 2021
Gazal offers dockless bikes and e-scooters in cities around Saudi Arabia and plans to expand... Read More
Eola activates €2.3M investment round for experiences tech
News / Startups
Eola activates €2.3M investment round for experiences tech
By Kevin May | April 6, 2021
The seed investment round was led by Pentech Ventures and supported by Techstars and other unnamed... Read More
noiseaware-series-a-8m
News / Startups
Short-term rental noise-monitoring solution NoiseAware raises $8M
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2021
The company will use the capital to accelerate product innovation, expand internationally and explore... Read More
startup-stage-ticknovate
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Ticknovate is a new ticketing solution for attractions and ferries
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2021
 Founded in March 2019, Ticknovate is a ticketing solution to handle complex inventories and is... Read More
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