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.

Bike share startup Yellow $9M seed round
News / Startups
Brazilian bike-sharing startup raises $9M in seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2018
Brazilian start-up Yellow has raised $9 million in seed round funding to launch the first dockless... Read More
Venture capital investments in travel tech could hit record highs in 2018
News / Startups
Venture capital investments in travel tech could hit record highs in 2018
By Mitra Sorrells | March 28, 2018
Startups creating solutions to make travel more efficient, frictionless and interconnected received a... Read More
phocuswire-startup-stage-3
News / Startups
PhocusWire launches Startup Stage for new travel businesses
By Kevin May | March 23, 2018
We are going to celebrate entering our sixth month at PhocusWire with the launch of Startup Stage.... Read More
Tourlane $8.5M funding
News / Startups
Tourlane raises $8.5M to expand custom trip-planning platform
By Mitra Sorrells | March 23, 2018
Berlin-based Tourlane has secured $8.5 million to expand its service that combines the customized... Read More
TRVL raises $3.7 million, appoints ex-Expedia exec as CEO
News / Startups
TRVL raises $3.7 million, appoints ex-Expedia exec as CEO
By Kevin May | March 23, 2018
A juggling of senior roles and a $3.7 million cap-raise for TRVL, the Netherlands-based hotel booking... Read More
OYO acquires Novascotia Boutique Homes
News / Startups
OYO inks first acquisition deal with Novascotia Boutique Homes
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2018
Indian hospitality company OYO is broadening its portfolio of properties with the acquisition of... Read More
RedDoorz $11M funding
News / Startups
Budget hotel platform RedDoorz raises $11M to grow in Southeast Asia
By Mitra Sorrells | March 12, 2018
Singapore-based RedDoorz is planning “aggressive regional expansion” of its budget hotel booking... Read More
Phocuswright and WebInTravel unite for APAC innovator showcase
News / Startups
Phocuswright and WebInTravel unite for APAC innovator showcase
By Vera Lye - WebInTravel | March 7, 2018
PhocusWire sister brands WebInTravel and Phocuswright have teamed up in a search for two Asia Pacific... Read More
Rezdy lands new $3M round for North America activities tech push
News / Startups
Rezdy lands new $3M round for North America activities tech push
By Kevin May | March 6, 2018
Tours and activities booking tech specialist Rezdy has raised a further $3 million as part of an... Read More
Redeam $7.7M funding
News / Startups
Redeam gets $7.7M from travel execs and brands to push activity ticket tech
By Mitra Sorrells | March 5, 2018
Redeam's digital ticketing technology addresses a genuine need in the tours and activities market, and... Read More
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