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.

troop-meeting-planning-tech-funding
News / Startups
Troop adds $11M in funding for meetings tech push
By Linda Fox | March 30, 2023
The investment was led by Durable Capital Partners and Madrona Venture Group with All Iron Ventures... Read More
Koala secures €2M for insurtech expansion in Europe
News / Startups
Koala secures €2M for insurtech expansion in Europe
By Linda Fox | March 29, 2023
Existing investor Insurtech Gateway led the round with new investors Uneti Ventures, Slimmer AI and... Read More
Reeco checks in with $10M for hotel supplies marketplace
News / Startups
Reeco checks in with $10M for hotel supplies marketplace
By Linda Fox | March 28, 2023
The investment in the Israel-based company was led by Net Capital Ventures and Joule Ventures while a... Read More
mckinsey-phocuswright-innovation-1
From Our Partners / Startups
McKinsey analysts on innovation in travel
By PhocusWire | March 28, 2023
Travel analysts from McKinsey discuss the latest research and their analysis of innovation and funding... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Orbzii wants to make travel planning easier
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Orbzii wants to make travel planning easier
By Linda Fox | March 27, 2023
App-based Orbzii brings together flights and hotels and employs artificial intelligence to enable... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: SkipQ is an app for airport retail and restaurant services
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SkipQ is an app for airport retail and restaurant services
By Linda Fox | March 24, 2023
SkipQ describes itself as a travel retail marketplace that connects airport retailers and passengers... Read More
Placemakr unlocks $65M for mixed-use hospitality concept
News / Startups
Placemakr unlocks $65M for mixed-use hospitality concept
By Linda Fox | March 21, 2023
Investment in the flexible-use property specialist comes from Highland Capital Partners, Harbert... Read More
Silicon Valley Bank money
Opinion / Startups
Thriving amid a changing travel tech investment landscape
By Adam Harris - Cloudbeds | March 21, 2023
If the rapid collapse of Silicon Valley Bank showed us anything, it’s that those of us who... Read More
Travel investors and founders on the SVB collapse
News / Startups
Travel investors and founders on the SVB collapse
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2023
Thayer Ventures' Chris Hemmeter, Unlock Advisors' Cara Whitehill, Grapevine's Jack Dow and Navan's... Read More
Jerne Startup Stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Jerne connects travel companies with social media creators
By Kathryn Walson | March 20, 2023
Jerne is an SaaS platform for creators and experience providers to manage their relationships,... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
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
August 19, 2025
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
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