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.

volocopter-seriese-funding
News / Startups
Volocopter tops up Series E funding with $182M
By Linda Fox | November 1, 2022
The investment comes from Saudi Arabia's smart city development project Neom and Gly Capital... Read More
travel-startups-africa
News / Startups
How a startup studio is tackling travel innovation in Africa
By Linda Fox | November 1, 2022
Following a $1 million pre-seed investment, startup studio Purple Elephant Ventures plans to build... Read More
invygo main
News / Startups
Car subscription startup Invygo drives off with $10M for expansion
By Kathryn Walson | November 1, 2022
Launched in 2019, the Invygo app allows customers to choose, drive and swap cars.... Read More
seqoon-vacation-rental-ownership
News / Startups
Seqoon secures funding for vacation home co-ownership
By Linda Fox | October 31, 2022
Seqoon, a company enabling people to own a share of a rental home, has raised pre-seed funding of... Read More
selina-spac-debut
News / Startups
“Nomadic traveler”-focused hospitality brand Selina goes public
By Mitra Sorrells | October 28, 2022
Founded in 2014 and based in London, Selina’s portfolio includes 163 open or secured properties in 25... Read More
canary main 3
News / Startups
Canary Technologies lands $30M to enhance hotel platform
By Kathryn Walson | October 28, 2022
The company’s platform offers an array of products for hoteliers, including contactless check-in,... Read More
philip-wolf-scholarship
News / Startups
Phocuswright selects two recipients of the Philip C. Wolf Memorial Scholarship
By PhocusWire | October 27, 2022
In honor of Phocuswright founder Philip Wolf, Samella Watson of Theblck.io and Grace McBride of Lucia... Read More
Connexpay funding 4
News / Startups
ConnexPay raises $110M to fund global expansion
By Kathryn Walson | October 26, 2022
ConnexPay previously closed a Series B funding round of $20 million in December 2021.... Read More
Bob W secures €21M in Series A funding
News / Startups
Bob W secures €21M in Series A funding
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2022
The round for the Helsinki-based business was led by IDC Ventures, Elevator Ventures, Verve Ventures... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: HolidayHero wants to help hotels and rentals digitalize the guest experience
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: HolidayHero wants to help hotels and rentals digitalize the guest experience
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2022
Amsterdam-based HolidayHero provides property rental hosts and hotels with software to save time on... 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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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
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More