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.

bolt-funding
News / Startups
Transportation platform Bolt raises €100M to add new products, markets
By Mitra Sorrells | May 26, 2020
European transportation platform Bolt has raised €100 million on a $1.9 billion valuation.... Read More
LuggageHero crowd-sources €409,000 in funding, plots bag-storage expansion
News / Startups
LuggageHero crowd-sources €409,000 in funding, plots bag-storage expansion
By Jill Menze | May 19, 2020
The Copenhagen-based startup - one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2019 - reached its goal of... Read More
Travel startups look to find new stars among the industry-wide layoffs
News / Startups
Travel startups look to find new stars among the industry-wide layoffs
By Linda Fox | May 18, 2020
The headlines are full of layoffs, furloughs and hiring freezes across the travel and hospitality... Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Amir Amidi and Lio Chen of Plug And Play
News / Startups
VIDEO: New Reality With... Amir Amidi and Lio Chen of Plug And Play
By PhocusWire | May 15, 2020
The next guests on the New Reality With... series are Amir Amidi and Lio Chen, managing... Read More
travel-startups-beyond-2020
News / Startups
Travel startups on pent-up demand and opportunities in the "new normal"
By Linda Fox | May 15, 2020
Travel startups provide views on the shape of the recovery from the coronavirus outbreak and what's to... Read More
troop-travel-post-covid
News / Startups
Startup Troop Travel sees momentum as COVID-19 changes meeting planning strategy
By Mitra Sorrells | May 15, 2020
Startup Troop Travel is seeing increased interest and adding new features to help planners factor... Read More
thayer-ventures-new-80m-fund
News / Startups
Q&A: Thayer Ventures’ Chris Hemmeter on its new $80M fund, opportunities for travel startups
By Mitra Sorrells | May 13, 2020
The venture capital firm is now looking to make six to eight additional investments in travel and... Read More
Travel startup accelerator seeks ideas to help promote Russian tourism
News / Startups
Travel startup accelerator seeks ideas to help promote Russian tourism
By Linda Fox | May 11, 2020
Entrepreneur and cybersecurity expert Eugene Kaspersky is behind the initiative. He says that while it... Read More
handiscover-1.6m-grant
News / Startups
Accessible travel startup Handiscover secures €1.6M in grant funding
By Mitra Sorrells | May 11, 2020
Handiscover will use the funding to develop its online travel agency, which currently lists 35,000... Read More
futurestay-2.4m-funding
News / Startups
Futurestay announces $2.4M venture round, plans for "runway into 2022"
By Mitra Sorrells | May 6, 2020
Short-term vacation rental technology provider Futurestay has raised $2.4 million in a venture round.... Read More
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 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
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Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More