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.

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Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Pinktada is an NFT-based hotel marketplace
By Mitra Sorrells | September 12, 2022
Pinktada is a blockchain-based marketplace for hotels that turns each combination of "hotel plus room... Read More
mesh-60m-funding
News / Startups
Corporate payments startup Mesh scores $60M funding round
By Michael B. Baker - Business Travel News | September 9, 2022
Mesh aims to help companies automate and provide data around corporate spending, including travel and... Read More
Eddy Travels
News / Startups
TripAdd acquires AI-powered chatbot solution Eddy Travels
By Kathryn Walson | September 8, 2022
Ancillary travel product marketplace TripAdd plans to grow revenue with the B2B Eddy chatbot service.... Read More
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News / Startups
U.K. startup wi-Q lands £3 million to digitalize payments in hospitality
By Jill Menze | September 8, 2022
Founded in 2014, wi-Q aims to help hospitality and leisure companies improve the guest experience via... Read More
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News / Startups
Payments startup SquadTrip launches platform targeting millennial group travelers
By Kathryn Walson | September 7, 2022
The Black-owned SaaS platform helps travel professionals target millennials by offering flexible... Read More
Nectar nets $25M credit facility to help rental operators
News / Startups
Nectar nets $25M credit facility to help rental operators
By Linda Fox | September 6, 2022
The startup plans to use the financing to provide short-term rental owners and operators with advances... Read More
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News / Startups
Flyway lands $10M to “Airbnb-ify” the second home co-ownership model
By Jill Menze | August 29, 2022
Flyway will use the funds to acquire its first properties in London.... Read More
phocuswright-wit-global-startup-pitch-finalists
News / Startups
7 startups advance to Grand Finals in Phocuswright/WiT pitch event
By PhocusWire | August 25, 2022
The winner of the Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch event will have the opportunity to present... Read More
Landing raises $125M to expand flexible-living network
News / Startups
Landing raises $125M to expand flexible-living network
By Kathryn Walson | August 25, 2022
Founded in 2019, Landing is a membership-based network with more than 20,000 listings.... Read More
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News / Startups
Group travel planning startup Reposite lands $7.5M for tech push
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2022
Reposite is looking to capitalize on data to further grow its marketplace for the group travel... 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