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.

Ramp lands $300M investment, looks to accelerate growth
News / Startups
Ramp lands $300M investment, looks to accelerate growth
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2023
Investment in the company, which was founded in 2019, was led by Thrive Capital and Sands Capital... Read More
How travel startups are having success with crowdfunding
News / Startups
How travel startups are having success with crowdfunding
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2023
Startups Jurny, Your.rentals and Well Traveled used crowdfunding to raise capital and engage their... Read More
Lufthansa unveils Swifty, an AI assistant for business travel
News / Startups
Lufthansa unveils Swifty, an AI assistant for business travel
By Linda Fox | August 22, 2023
The technology enables business travelers to share their hotel and flight preferences via chat, select... Read More
Climate-focused travel management platform Goodwings raises $1.5M
News / Startups
Climate-focused travel management platform Goodwings raises $1.5M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 22, 2023
The company’s subscription-based platform enables businesses to use the commissions from their travel... Read More
Derive Ventures on small checks and strategic partnerships
News / Startups
Derive Ventures on small checks and strategic partnerships
By Linda Fox | August 8, 2023
With a fund of about $30 million, San Francisco-based Derive Ventures is looking to invest in travel... Read More
HalalBooking adds $2.5M to Series B round
News / Startups
HalalBooking adds $2.5M to Series B round
By Mitra Sorrells | August 8, 2023
HalalBooking said its July sales were a record at $10 million, up 45% compared with July 2022, and it... Read More
As rentals mature, so do the services surrounding them
News / Startups
As rentals mature, so do the services surrounding them
By Linda Fox | August 7, 2023
Safely, a company providing insurance solutions, and Sustonica, a startup seeking to provide... Read More
18 startups to compete in Global Startup Pitch semifinals
News / Startups
18 startups to compete in Global Startup Pitch semifinals
By PhocusWire | August 7, 2023
The semifinals of the Global Startup Pitch, organized by WiT and Phocuswright, will be held on August... Read More
Casai ceases operations, founder shares 4 regrets
News / Startups
Casai ceases operations, founder shares 4 regrets
By Mitra Sorrells | August 1, 2023
After raising more than $50 million since its launch in 2019, Latin America-based hospitality startup... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Landng offers bookable travel itineraries from content creators
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Landng offers bookable travel itineraries from content creators
By Mitra Sorrells | July 31, 2023
Landng provides a database of customizable itineraries to help users discover, share and activate... Read More
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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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