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.

tripactions-seriesc-funding
News / Startups
TripActions raises $154M to boost R&D, claims unicorn status
By Linda Fox | November 8, 2018
TripActions, a corporate travel management startup, has raised $154 million in Series C funding,... Read More
Startup Stage Alpacr
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Alpacr aims to create a social platform for avid travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | November 8, 2018
Founded in January 2017, Alpacr wants to serve as a digital diary for travelers, allowing them to... Read More
TravelgateX snaps up REVVA to improve business intelligence tools
News / Technology
TravelgateX snaps up REVVA to improve business intelligence tools
By Linda Fox | November 6, 2018
TravelgateX, a travel connectivity specialist, has acquired revenue management and business... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: BedLinker plots distribution for hotels and marketplace for travel agents
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: BedLinker plots distribution for hotels and marketplace for travel agents
By Linda Fox | November 2, 2018
Founded in December 2017, there are two parts to the startup: BedLinker, a B2B marketplace for travel... Read More
Freebird looks to consumer channels following $8M investment
News / Startups
Freebird looks to consumer channels following $8M investment
By Linda Fox | October 31, 2018
Freebird announces $8 million in series A funding.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Mapify's social travel platform lets users discover and plan trips
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Mapify's social travel platform lets users discover and plan trips
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2018
Founded about 18 months ago, Mapify is a mobile-first platform that aims to improve the trip planning... Read More
OYO launches Indonesia, OYO Living brand
News / Startups
OYO launches in Indonesia, will invest $100 million and reach 35 cities
By Mitra Sorrells | October 24, 2018
Indian hospitality startup OYO has launched in Indonesia, starting with 30 properties operated under... Read More
Smartvel gets funding boost for its destination content technology
News / Startups
Smartvel gets funding boost for its destination content technology
By Linda Fox | October 24, 2018
Destination content technology company Smartvel has received $1.05 million in funding for further... Read More
mapify-seed-funding
News / Startups
Mapify plots expansion following $1.3M in funding
By Linda Fox | October 22, 2018
Social travel site Mapify gets $1.3 million in seed funding.... Read More
SevenRooms gets voice tech boost from Amazon Alexa Fund
News / Startups
SevenRooms gets voice tech boost from Amazon Alexa Fund
October 22, 2018
SevenRooms has received investment from Amazon’s Alexa fund to develop voice-enabled technology... Read More
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