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.

Vertoe stores up $1.85M in seed funding to expand storage platform
News / Startups
Vertoe stores up $1.85M in seed funding to expand storage platform
By Linda Fox | October 18, 2018
New York-based Vertoe raises seed funding for its luggage storage business.... Read More
VIDEO: The high-profile investor view on tours and activities
News / Startups
VIDEO: The high-profile investor view on tours and activities
By Kevin May | October 17, 2018
He's one of the prominent members of the investment community in travel (and countless other sectors),... Read More
Common mistakes of startups entering travel
News / Startups
Common mistakes of startups entering travel
By Jill Menze | October 16, 2018
Startups angling to break into travel can’t win without knowledge of the so-called travel funnel.... Read More
TravelPerk quickly adds $44M round, plans rapid expansion of business travel tech
News / Startups
TravelPerk quickly adds $44M round, plans rapid expansion of business travel tech
By Linda Fox | October 15, 2018
TravelPerk has announced $44 million in Series C funding, just seven months after it attracted a... Read More
phocuswright-preview-2018-jonne-de-leeuw
Interview / Startups
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Jonne de Leeuw
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2018
The fund led a $17 million round to back Tiqets, now its principal participates in an executive... Read More
startup-stage-keyocoin
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: KeyoCoin helps independent travel companies through universal rewards program
By Linda Fox | October 10, 2018
KeyoCoin is a blockchain-based travel rewards cryptocurrecy and platform that aims to get independent... Read More
CrowdRiff 9 million series A
News / Startups
CrowdRiff raises $9M to grow its visual content marketing platform
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2018
Toronto-based CrowdRiff, an artificial intelligence-powered visual content management and marketing... Read More
travel-appeal-funding
News / Startups
Travel Appeal adds €3M in funding to bring its data science sauce to more travel businesses
By Linda Fox | October 4, 2018
Travel Appeal has raised €3 million in funding for develop its technology and speed up expansion.... Read More
Startup Stage Plum Guide
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: The Plum Guide wants to be the Michelin Guide for vacation rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2018
Founded in 2016, the Plum Guide is a curated collection of vacation rentals that meet its rigorous... Read More
Russian airline group S7 earmarks $50M for startups
News / Startups
Russian airline group S7 earmarks $50M for startups
By Linda Fox | October 2, 2018
Russia-based S7 Group, which already includes an airline and space program, is turning its attention... Read More
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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
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