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.

Holibob adds funding for experiences technology push
News / Startups
Holibob adds funding for experiences technology push
By Linda Fox | June 10, 2024
Holibob, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2023, said it plans to use the funds to further develop its... Read More
Jyrney and Blacklane partner for business travel ground transport
News / Startups
Jyrney and Blacklane partner for business travel ground transport
By Mitra Sorrells | June 5, 2024
The partnership will give Jyrney’s corporate and travel management clients access to Blacklane’s... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Trustr is a private marketplace for vacation rental discovery
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Trustr is a private marketplace for vacation rental discovery
By Mileva Sapic | June 5, 2024
Launching publicly Wednesday, Trustr is a vacation rental marketplace that enables its members to make... Read More
Travel paytech company Swiipr raises £6 million
News / Startups
Travel paytech company Swiipr raises £6 million
By Morgan Hines | May 29, 2024
The new funding is meant to help the company as it seeks to drive growth, particularly in the areas of... Read More
Hotel tech entrepreneur launches Voyria travel startup fund
News / Startups
Hotel tech entrepreneur launches Voyria travel startup fund
By Linda Fox | May 23, 2024
Voyria is looking to attract artificial intelligence-focused travel technology startups in the U.K.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: StretchBill enables STR managers to offer layaway-style payment option
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StretchBill enables STR managers to offer layaway-style payment option
By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2024
Founded in 2023, StretchBill creates a pay-over-time option for short-term rentals, including an... Read More
Katanox secures license to offer regulated payment services
News / Startups
Katanox secures license to offer regulated payment services
By D.J. Catron | May 9, 2024
The company can now offer hotels and accommodation buyers bookings via direct bank payouts as an... Read More
Australian-based Hometime raises $6.6M to bolster STR growth
News / Startups
Australian-based Hometime raises $6.6M to bolster STR growth
By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024
The new funding is meant to bolster Hometime’s goal to professionalize the STR industry, to grow its... Read More
Naya Homes nabs $3M for vacation rental expansion in Mexico
News / Startups
Naya Homes nabs $3M for vacation rental expansion in Mexico
By Linda Fox | May 8, 2024
Naya has raised $9.2 million to date, and these latest funds will go toward expanding the company into... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Levee uses AI and computer vision to provide quality control for hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Levee uses AI and computer vision to provide quality control for hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | May 7, 2024
Levee uses proprietary AI models trained on the hotels’ unique data and quality control requirements... Read More
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