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.

Hospitality startup Cosi raises €20M to fuel European expansion
News / Startups
Hospitality startup Cosi raises €20M to fuel European expansion
By Jill Menze | March 9, 2021
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Germany-based Cosi says its tech-enabled properties outperformed... Read More
Bolt lands €20M for mobility tools in emerging economies
News / Startups
Bolt lands €20M for mobility tools in emerging economies
By Linda Fox | March 8, 2021
Bolt says it shares a goal with investor IFC to empower women and improve their access to... Read More
Easol raises $4.5M to prepare for post-COVID activities rebound
News / Startups
Easol raises $4.5M to prepare for post-COVID activities rebound
By Jill Menze | March 4, 2021
Notion Capital led the round into "experience commerce" platform Easol, which supports businesses such... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Odyssey Travel App wants to democratize access to luxury travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Odyssey Travel App wants to democratize access to luxury travel
By Jill Menze | March 2, 2021
Odyssey Travel App is a premium travel platform that aims to democratize access to luxury hotels, car... Read More
Campsited pegs down €600,000 in funding for business growth
News / Startups
Campsited pegs down €600,000 in funding for business growth
By Linda Fox | March 1, 2021
Dublin-based Campsited hopes to close a further €3 million in the next three months after landing... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Local Purse offers live video shopping for travelers
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Local Purse offers live video shopping for travelers
By Jill Menze | February 22, 2021
Local Purse connects travelers with experienced local guides for live video cultural shopping... Read More
uplift-ventures-500k
News / Startups
Jet-lag app creator Uplift Ventures closes $500K angel round
By Mitra Sorrells | February 19, 2021
Uplift Venture says it will use the money to develop the app and also a new solution for night shift... Read More
Questo unlocks $1.5M in funding, targets tours in more U.S. cities
News / Startups
Questo unlocks $1.5M in funding, targets tours in more U.S. cities
By Linda Fox | February 18, 2021
Questo is aiming for 200 cities by the end of 2021, growing from over 100 where it currently has games... Read More
startup-stage-travis
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Travis is a visual, collaborative platform for trip planning
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2021
Travis is an Australia-based startup launched in January 2020 to help users find and share travel... Read More
FantasticStay attracts €1.3M investment, plans expansion and vacation rental tech development
News / Startups
FantasticStay attracts €1.3M investment, plans expansion and vacation rental tech development
By Linda Fox | February 16, 2021
Rental technology startup FantasticStay acquired rival Vreasy last year and plans expansion following... Read More
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