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.

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Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Virdee provides contactless access solutions for hotels and rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | October 27, 2020
Founded in April 2020, Virdee’s tech-enabled, touchless systems integrate with existing... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: aiTravelers wants to remove the search pain from travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: aiTravelers wants to remove the search pain from travel
By Linda Fox | October 26, 2020
The company is a subscription-based online travel platform that uses artificial intelligence to match... Read More
Limehome adds €10M to Series A funding
News / Startups
Limehome adds €10M to Series A funding
By Linda Fox | October 23, 2020
Limehome's top-up round, which will spearhead a plan to expand the service to Spain, brings the total... Read More
DANCE rides off with €15M in Series A funding
News / Startups
DANCE rides off with €15M in Series A funding
By Linda Fox | October 23, 2020
The Berlin, Germany-based startup, which launched its pilot program three months ago, plans to expand... Read More
VIDEO: Travel investors on startup survival
News / Startups
VIDEO: Travel investors on startup survival
By Linda Fox | October 19, 2020
Executives from Rockaway Capital, Credit Suisse, Lakestar and PROfounders Capital discuss the advice... Read More
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News / Startups
Casai lands $48M for its smart rental apartment platform
By Linda Fox | October 15, 2020
Investment in the Mexico-based company includes a partnership with TriplePoint Capital for a debt... Read More
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News / Startups
American Express GBT acquires 30SecondsToFly to boost corporate traveler experience
By Linda Fox | October 13, 2020
American Express GBT says the acquisition of 30SecondsToFly will enable it to offer more self-service... Read More
Thayer Ventures creates offshoot to raise $175M via an IPO
News / Startups
Thayer Ventures creates offshoot to raise $175M via an IPO
By Kevin May | October 12, 2020
The IPO move for the subsidiary will give it the opportunity to merge or acquire businesses that would... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Revyoos is the first aggregator for short-term rental reviews
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Revyoos is the first aggregator for short-term rental reviews
By Jill Menze | October 8, 2020
Revyoos automates review collection from multiple channels and platforms including Airbnb, Booking,... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: BOUNTE helps hotels manage the lost-and-found process
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: BOUNTE helps hotels manage the lost-and-found process
By Jill Menze | October 5, 2020
BOUNTE is a cloud-based smartphone app that uses geolocation and AI image recognition to record, log... Read More
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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
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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
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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