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.

With acquisition, South Korea’s ONDA can manage all types of properties
News / Startups
With acquisition, South Korea’s ONDA can manage all types of properties
By Derek Catron | July 10, 2023
The company’s moves included forming a subsidiary, OATech, after acquiring the hotel property... Read More
HyperGuest raises $23M to enhance hospitality tech platform
News / Startups
HyperGuest raises $23M to enhance hospitality tech platform
By Derek Catron | July 7, 2023
HyperGuest's platform enables hotels and suppliers to directly connect with travel distributors,... Read More
Breeze - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
Interview / Startups
Breeze - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
By PhocusWire | July 6, 2023
Breeze is a single app that travelers can use to manage flights, accommodations, ground... Read More
Topkey lands $5.1M for vacation rental financial operation platform
News / Startups
Topkey lands $5.1M for vacation rental financial operation platform
By Linda Fox | July 5, 2023
TopKey aims to offer an expense management, billing and payment platform initially focused on vacation... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
By Mitra Sorrells | June 26, 2023
Squake’s API calculates carbon emissions related to any type of travel, such as an air or rail trip or... Read More
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
News / Startups
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2023
Following our recent piece on top investors in travel tech, PhocusWire collected insights from... Read More
Squake raises €3.5M to meet rising demand for more sustainable choices
News / Startups
Squake raises €3.5M to meet rising demand for more sustainable choices
By Derek Catron | June 22, 2023
The Berlin-based climate tech startup intends to use the funding for technology research and... Read More
HiJiffy lands €3.8M investment, looks to expand chatbot service
News / Startups
HiJiffy lands €3.8M investment, looks to expand chatbot service
By Linda Fox | June 21, 2023
The investment in the company was led by Caixa Capital with Lince Capital and existing investor... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Overlap helps travelers track friends made along the way
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Overlap helps travelers track friends made along the way
By Derek Catron | June 20, 2023
With personalized recommendations, location-based alerts and features that allow users to track and... Read More
Beyonk adds $5.8M to fuel growth of experiences tech
News / Startups
Beyonk adds $5.8M to fuel growth of experiences tech
By Linda Fox | June 16, 2023
The investment in the London-based business comes from Fuel Ventures and will go towards growth in... Read More
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September 9, 2025
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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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