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.

jarvis-ml-seed-funding
News / Startups
Machine learning startup Jarvis lands $16M to grow hospitality offering
By Mitra Sorrells | April 21, 2022
Jarvis ML wants to provide what it calls "OTA-grade machine learning" capabilities for short-term... Read More
itilite-series-c
News / Startups
Itilite raises $29M for business travel and expense solution
By Mitra Sorrells | April 15, 2022
Itilite says its business has grown 500% since its last funding round in 2020, and it now works with... Read More
Touch Stay books £500K in funding for digital guidebook
News / Startups
Touch Stay books £500K in funding for digital guidebook
By Linda Fox | April 6, 2022
The funding came from a number of investors including SiteMinder founder Mike Ford.... Read More
Spain-based PMS Amenitiz nabs $30M for expansion
News / Startups
Spain-based PMS Amenitiz nabs $30M for expansion
By Jill Menze | April 5, 2022
Amenitiz offers a complete operating system for independent hoteliers to help them boost direct... Read More
Casai broadens tech offerings with Loopkey acquisition
News / Startups
Casai broadens tech offerings with Loopkey acquisition
By Jill Menze | April 4, 2022
Loopkey is a smart-lock hardware and software company based in Brazil.... Read More
startup-stage-stayfi
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StayFi enables Wi-Fi marketing for short-term rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | April 4, 2022
StayFi wants to help short-term rental companies reduce their dependence on OTAs by capturing guest... Read More
swvl-spac-ipo
News / Startups
Swvl IPO gets shareholder go ahead
By Linda Fox | April 1, 2022
The Dubai-based shared mobility and transit company had previously announced its combination with... Read More
Investors on rethinking hospitality and real estate and the rise of digital nomads
News / Startups
Investors on rethinking hospitality and real estate and the rise of digital nomads
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | April 1, 2022
The total restructuring of accommodation real estate and the rise of digital nomads will be two of the... Read More
board-room-diversity
News / Startups
Little change in diversity for director roles of private companies
By Linda Fox | March 30, 2022
Women hold 14% of board seats of the most heavily funded private companies, compared to 11% in 2020.... Read More
Twitter to thank for rental software Uplisting’s $300K haul
News / Startups
Twitter to thank for rental software Uplisting’s $300K haul
By Jill Menze | March 30, 2022
Uplifting secured the funds after its co-founder sent a message to an investor from Calm Company Fund.... Read More
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