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.

Leavy.co $14 million seed round
News / Startups
Leavy completes $14M seed round, launches travel app for millennials
By Steven Lerner | November 27, 2019
Funding will be used to develop a mobile app that rewards members for renting out their homes while... Read More
VIDEO: Exosonic - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Exosonic - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 27, 2019
Exosonic is bringing supersonic transport back by muting the sonic boom. ... Read More
VIDEO: Beachy - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Beachy - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 27, 2019
This software solution integrates beach, pool and F&B operations, increasing revenue and delivering an... Read More
VIDEO: Airalo - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Airalo - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2019
Get pain-free travel and stay connected without changing SIM cards or renting a Wi-Fi device.... Read More
VIDEO: 30SecondsToFly - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: 30SecondsToFly - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2019
Claire, the AI partner for large TMCs, offers traveler-centric conversational commerce for higher... Read More
cover-genius-funding
News / Startups
Cover Genius adds $10M in Series B for growth in the U.K., U.S. and Asia
By Linda Fox | November 19, 2019
Cover Genius, an insurance technology specialist, is plotting growth after landing $10 million in... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Groupdesk
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Groupdesk
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Groupdesk streamlines the booking and payments processes so that travelers can easily service... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: AirGateway
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: AirGateway
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
AirGateway is enabling travel agents to seamlessly adopt the NDC standard while saving development... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Bacarai
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Bacarai
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Bacarai has developed a digital marketplace for group airfare, which enables airlines to manage the... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Coast Autonomous
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Coast Autonomous
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Coast Autonomous is bringing low-speed driverless shuttle vehicles to different campuses, cities and... Read More
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