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.

Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
News / Startups
Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
By Linda Fox | October 5, 2023
Investment in the Germany-based business was led by Korelya Capital and Deutsche Invest with Exor... Read More
Dharma raises $4.7M to scale marketplace for brand-led travel
News / Startups
Dharma raises $4.7M to scale marketplace for brand-led travel
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
Dharma’s most recent partnership is with Paramount Global to offer travel experiences linked to the... Read More
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
A panel of industry leaders selected travel personalization solution Legends as the winner of the... Read More
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
News / Startups
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2023
Founded in 2018, Rome-based BeSafe said it has insured more than 250,000 travelers and has a network... Read More
Safely raises $8M for its short-term rental insurance and screening tools
News / Startups
Safely raises $8M for its short-term rental insurance and screening tools
By Mitra Sorrells | October 2, 2023
Since its founding, Safely has raised more than $20 million in a combination of funding and venture... Read More
MeetingPackage announces $4.6M in Series A funding
News / Startups
MeetingPackage announces $4.6M in Series A funding
By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2023
The Finland-based company provides hotels software to digitize the sale and management of their... Read More
NUMA raises $59M to grow its hospitality brand across Europe
News / Startups
NUMA raises $59M to grow its hospitality brand across Europe
By Mitra Sorrells | September 28, 2023
NUMA has more than 4,500 rooms and apartments in 10 countries across 28 cities in Europe including... Read More
Ireland’s Shackle raises £12M for digital hospitality platform
News / Startups
Ireland’s Shackle raises £12M for digital hospitality platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 26, 2023
The startup provides contactless tools to manage hotel services such as check-in, room entry, food... Read More
Amex Ventures makes strategic investment in travel risk platform Sensible Weather
News / Startups
Amex Ventures makes strategic investment in travel risk platform Sensible Weather
By Mitra Sorrells | September 25, 2023
Sensible Weather said the funding advances its goal to support travel, event and outdoor businesses in... Read More
Líbere Hospitality raises €6M internally for growth in Europe
News / Startups
Líbere Hospitality raises €6M internally for growth in Europe
By Linda Fox | September 22, 2023
The hospitality company currently has 37 properties with 1,200 units across 13 cities in Spain and... Read More
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