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.

easymile-55m-funding
News / Startups
Autonomous shuttle startup EasyMile raises €55M for global scaleup
By Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2021
The France-based startup is one of the largest providers of driverless mobility solutions, with... Read More
TravelPerk bags $160M round as investors back business travel recovery
News / Startups
TravelPerk bags $160M round as investors back business travel recovery
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2021
TravelPerk says product innovation and further acquisitions are part of the roadmap.... Read More
tripabrood-seed-funding
News / Startups
TripAbrood adds £645,000 in seed funding for AI-powered assistant
By Linda Fox | April 26, 2021
Family travel assistant TripAbrood plans to use its latest funding to launch its product to the U.K.... Read More
go-sharing-funding
News / Startups
Dutch electric mobility startup raises €50M for international expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | April 23, 2021
GO Sharing will add new markets as well as e-bikes and electric cars.... Read More
globaltix-3m-funding
News / Startups
Singapore-based GlobalTix raises S$3M to develop new digital solutions for attractions industry
By Mitra Sorrells | April 21, 2021
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, GlobalTix says the company has expanded from being a channel... Read More
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
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