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.

Travelers can now purchase AI-created customized audio tours for any destination
News / Startups
Travelers can now purchase AI-created customized audio tours for any destination
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2024
Travelers specify the location, duration and language for the tour, as well as if they have... Read More
Uber invests in Nigeria-founded mobility startup Moove
News / Startups
Uber invests in Nigeria-founded mobility startup Moove
By Mitra Sorrells | March 19, 2024
Founded in 2020, Moove said it has helped finance vehicles for more than 20,000 customers across... Read More
InDrive secures additional $150M from General Catalyst to accelerate growth
News / Startups
InDrive secures additional $150M from General Catalyst to accelerate growth
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2024
Ride-hailing company inDrive operates in 46 countries and uses a bid-based business model whereby... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Explorely wants to be “Kayak for outdoor travel”
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Explorely wants to be “Kayak for outdoor travel”
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2024
Explorely is a platform to help travelers find and book campsites and vehicles such as campervans,... Read More
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
News / Startups
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
By Phocuswright Research | March 18, 2024
While there are typically multiple $100 million-dollar-plus funding rounds that occur in the... Read More
Voi raises $25M to scale e-scooter and e-bike fleet
News / Startups
Voi raises $25M to scale e-scooter and e-bike fleet
By Morgan Hines | March 14, 2024
As the world of micro-mobility sees consolidation, Voi has raised an additional $25 million in... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Wertu uses artificial intelligence to improve sports travel itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Wertu uses artificial intelligence to improve sports travel itineraries
By Morgan Hines | March 8, 2024
Wertu, founded in October 2023 in Tel Aviv, aims to help travelers plan their ideal sports-focused... Read More
Digital tipping solution Grazzy adds IHG to portfolio of brand partners
News / Startups
Digital tipping solution Grazzy adds IHG to portfolio of brand partners
By Mitra Sorrells | March 5, 2024
Grazzy, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2024, enables hotel guests to tip without cash and... Read More
SITA serves as lead investor in Indicio’s Series A funding round
News / Startups
SITA serves as lead investor in Indicio’s Series A funding round
By Morgan Hines | March 5, 2024
SITA and Indicio began working together during the pandemic and have since expanded their partnership... Read More
Life House reaches "amicable resolution" with departing founder and CEO Rami Zeidan
News / Startups
Life House reaches "amicable resolution" with departing founder and CEO Rami Zeidan
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024
Zeidan told PhocusWire he is “incredibly proud of what Life House has achieved ... and is looking... Read More
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Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
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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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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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