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.

STARTUP STAGE: SpareFare creates a sharing economy for travel refunds
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SpareFare creates a sharing economy for travel refunds
By Kevin May | August 22, 2018
London-based SpareFare has developed a mechanism and platform so that travelers can get their money... Read More
bonny-simi-jetblue-technology-ventures-profile-4
Interview / Startups
In The Big Chair - Bonny Simi of JetBlue Technology Ventures
By Mitra Sorrells | August 22, 2018
Founded in 2016, JetBlue Technology Ventures invests in and works with early stage travel technology... Read More
Getaround 300M funding series D
News / Startups
Car-share service Getaround nails $300M funding round
By Mitra Sorrells | August 21, 2018
Getaround, a platform that provides instant and keyless carsharing, has secured $300 million in a... Read More
Travel startups: What's the ten-year investment, growth and failure picture?
News / Startups
Travel startups: What's the ten-year investment, growth and failure picture?
By Kevin May | August 21, 2018
The number of new travel startups has fallen dramatically in the last two years, coinciding with a... Read More
Surveying the travel startup landscape, part 3: The support systems
News / Startups
Surveying the travel startup landscape, part 3: The support systems
By Mitra Sorrells | August 20, 2018
In the last few years, several support programs have launched to help entrepreneurs evaluate, develop... Read More
QOTW: Something about using your super powers
News / Startups
QOTW: Something about using your super powers
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2018
Quote from Tao Tao, co-founder and COO of GetYourGuide, in an article on PhocusWire this week.... Read More
Roomex 8M funding
News / Startups
Roomex locks in €8M to fuel product development and market expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | August 17, 2018
Dublin-based Roomex has raised €8 million series A funding to develop its hotel booking platform for... Read More
Taiwan startup FunNow raises 5 million
News / Startups
FunNow raises $5M to expand tours and activities in Southeast Asia and Japan
By Mitra Sorrells | August 16, 2018
FunNow, a Taiwan-based instant booking app for entertainment and leisure activities, has raised $5... Read More
Why mega-rounds of $100M are now commonplace
Notated News / Startups
Why mega-rounds of $100M are now commonplace
By Erin Griffith - New York Times | August 16, 2018
Startups raising $100 million or more from investors — known as a mega-round in Silicon Valley — used... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Vacaryx ticks high-touch and blockchain boxes for rental platform
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Vacaryx ticks high-touch and blockchain boxes for rental platform
By Mitra Sorrells | August 14, 2018
Vacaryx is a vacation rental platform that aims to add transparency to the booking process by... 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