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.

Brazilian travel tech company Onfly raises $16M
News / Startups
Brazilian travel tech company Onfly raises $16M
By Derek Catron | June 8, 2023
Onfly provides companies with an end-to-end corporate travel and expense management software platform... Read More
Trip Affiliates Network raises $4.5M
News / Startups
Trip Affiliates Network raises $4.5M
By Derek Catron | June 7, 2023
Travel industry tech solutions provider looks to accelerate adoption of its direct booking and online... Read More
Frontdesk acquires short-term rental operator Zencity
News / Startups
Frontdesk acquires short-term rental operator Zencity
By Derek Catron | June 6, 2023
The purchase is part of a plan to expand Frontdesk’s inventory of furnished apartments maintained to... Read More
Atly plots mapping platform updates with $18M investment
News / Startups
Atly plots mapping platform updates with $18M investment
By Linda Fox | May 31, 2023
Investment in the Israel-based company has come from Target Global, Tal Ventures and FKA Brands.... Read More
Hostaway raises $175M for vacation rental tech expansion
News / Startups
Hostaway raises $175M for vacation rental tech expansion
By Linda Fox | May 31, 2023
Hostaway, which launched in 2016, plans to put the funds towards recruitment, strengthening customer... Read More
HostGPO raises $6M to fuel expansion efforts
News / Startups
HostGPO raises $6M to fuel expansion efforts
By Derek Catron | May 26, 2023
Navitas Capital led the round alongside Omnia Partners. Also investing in the round are 75&Sunny,... Read More
Meet the 15 semifinalists of the Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Meet the 15 semifinalists of the Global Startup Pitch
By Yeoh Siew Hoon – Web In Travel | May 25, 2023
After a marathon of startup pitches that went around the world, 15 companies have been chosen as... Read More
India-based bus platform Chalo raises $57M
News / Startups
India-based bus platform Chalo raises $57M
By Derek Catron | May 23, 2023
The company, which offers live bus tracking services and contactless payment solutions, plans to use... Read More
Travel insurance startup Faye raises $10M
News / Startups
Travel insurance startup Faye raises $10M
By Derek Catron | May 23, 2023
The funding round was led by Munich Re Ventures along with existing investors Viola Ventures and F2... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Roam Around uses ChatGPT to tailor free travel itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Roam Around uses ChatGPT to tailor free travel itineraries
By Derek Catron | May 18, 2023
Built on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Roam Around claims to be the world’s first viral AI travel planner,... Read More
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Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
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