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.

Fora acquires AI startup Legends
News / Startups
Fora acquires AI startup Legends
By Abby Crotty | August 7, 2025
Legends and Fora, both PhocusWire Hot 25 Startups, said the deal will help bring Legends' tools to a... Read More
Faye extends insurance to more verticals, builds out platform
News / Startups
Faye extends insurance to more verticals, builds out platform
By Linda Fox | July 30, 2025
Travel insurance provider Faye has launched a product for OTAs and reached $100 million in sales three... Read More
TakeUp scores $11M to advance revenue optimization for independent hotels
News / Startups
TakeUp scores $11M to advance revenue optimization for independent hotels
By Linda Fox | July 29, 2025
TakeUp says its technology uses causal inference AI models to continuously fine-tune pricing based on... Read More
Startup Stage: Hotelwise wants to help Canadian travelers find the right hotel
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Hotelwise wants to help Canadian travelers find the right hotel
By Abby Crotty | July 29, 2025
Hotelwise was founded earlier this year by Andres Collart who previously founded Trip Ninja.... Read More
Travel startup funding and M&A trends in Q2 2025
News / Startups
Travel startup funding and M&A trends in Q2 2025
By Linda Fox | July 29, 2025
Headlines surrounding tariffs, political uncertainty and global conflict may have tempered travel... Read More
Folio lands $14M to fuel growth
News / Startups
Folio lands $14M to fuel growth
By Linda Fox | July 18, 2025
Folio plans to put the funds towards fast implementation of its technology for hotels.... Read More
Startup Stage: Pink Notebook offers visual-first, social travel planning
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Pink Notebook offers visual-first, social travel planning
By Morgan Hines | July 16, 2025
Pink Notebook aims to create a curated discovery process supported by private collaboration,... Read More
IndiGo Ventures kicks off with first investment
News / Startups
IndiGo Ventures kicks off with first investment
By Linda Fox | July 10, 2025
IndiGo Ventures is backing startups in aviation and related businesses including sustainability and... Read More
Startup Stage: Kismet wants to bring hotels to conversational search
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Kismet wants to bring hotels to conversational search
By Abby Crotty | July 9, 2025
Kismet, founded just last year, wants to help hotels leverage AI to boost sales.... 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