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.

bounce scooters
News / Startups
Mobility startup Bounce raises $105M on the path to electric vehicle expansion
By Steven Lerner | January 28, 2020
Bike and scooter rental company Bounce is developing its own fleet of electric vehicles with the help... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Balance Holidays curates bespoke retreats for eco-conscious travelers
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Balance Holidays curates bespoke retreats for eco-conscious travelers
By Jill Menze | January 27, 2020
Balance Holidays specializes in bespoke wellbeing retreats in natural locations. ... Read More
life-house-30-million
News / Startups
Software-driven hotel brand Life House raises $30M, led by Thayer Ventures
By Mitra Sorrells | January 24, 2020
The Series B round will be used to grow Life House's boutique hotels business and management services.... Read More
Comtravo gets Microsoft venture fund on board with €9M round
News / Startups
Comtravo gets Microsoft venture fund on board with €9M round
By Linda Fox | January 14, 2020
The investment comes from Microsoft’s venture fund M12 and Joop Drechsel, former CEO of BCD... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Wayfarer Points changes travel loyalty programs through gamification
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Wayfarer Points changes travel loyalty programs through gamification
By Steven Lerner | January 13, 2020
Wayfarer Points is a portal that connects travelers with non-public deals.... Read More
VIDEO: A reality check on investments and startups in travel
News / Startups
VIDEO: A reality check on investments and startups in travel
By Kevin May | January 10, 2020
In a wide-ranging and no-holds-barred interview conducted during The Phocuswright Conference 2019,... Read More
FCM Travel Solutions invests in business travel startup Shep
News / Startups
FCM Travel Solutions invests in business travel startup Shep
By Jill Menze | January 7, 2020
Shep, one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Startups for 2019, will lend its browser extension technology to FCM... Read More
The Guild Series B round
News / Startups
Hospitality startup The Guild bags $25M to fuel market expansion
By Steven Lerner | January 6, 2020
The Guild wants to expand its alternative accommodation operations into new cities and develop... Read More
Vervotech startup stage image
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Vervotech enables travel businesses to scale rapidly for the digital era
By Steven Lerner | January 3, 2020
Vervotech is a company that offers AI-based next-gen products built for travel businesses.... Read More
emadri cover image startup stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Emadri changes the packing experience for travelers and travel companies
By Steven Lerner | December 31, 2019
Emadri helps travel companies monetize pre-travel shopping and on-trip activities with customized... 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