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.

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
Tough decisions and new goals - Stasher's survival story
News / Startups
Tough decisions and new goals - Stasher's survival story
By Linda Fox | May 4, 2020
Stasher shares how the startup is fighting for survival and confronting how travel might be different... Read More
With travel existing virtually, startup CEOs share tips on staying upbeat and creative
News / Startups
With travel existing virtually, startup CEOs share tips on staying upbeat and creative
By Linda Fox | May 1, 2020
Founders and execs discuss over-communicating and staying upbeat during the coronavirus crisis.... Read More
travel-startups-survival-fittest
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: Survival of the fittest is a mental game
By PhocusWire | May 1, 2020
The most important role that founders and executive teams can take on now is disseminating the... Read More
InPhocus, episode 8 - A chance to use your time wisely
News / Startups
InPhocus, episode 8 - A chance to use your time wisely
By PhocusWire | April 30, 2020
Travel startups, perhaps more nimble than their larger peers in the industry, should use this... Read More
frontdesk-6.8m-funding
News / Startups
Frontdesk secures $6.8M Series A, targets longer stays due to COVID-19
By Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2020
Frontdesk has secured a $6.8 million Series A round from its existing investors as it aims to provide... 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
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