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.

glimpse-seed-funding
News / Startups
Glimpse gains $6.2M to connect retailers with rental guests
By Mitra Sorrells | March 29, 2022
Founded in 2020, Glimpse enables consumers to use products in categories such as bedding, electronics,... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Rumby has a tech solution for hotel guest laundry
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Rumby has a tech solution for hotel guest laundry
By Jill Menze | March 28, 2022
Rumby is an e-commerce platform that moves laundry online, offering pickup and delivery services... Read More
Kyte secures $200M for on-demand car rental expansion
News / Startups
Kyte secures $200M for on-demand car rental expansion
By Linda Fox | March 25, 2022
        The credit financing for the San Francisco-based company comes from... Read More
dance-20M-funding
News / Startups
Dance wheels away with €20M for e-bike subscription service
By Linda Fox | March 22, 2022
The financing for the Berlin-based company will go toward further expansion.... Read More
startup-stage-folio
Interview / Online
STARTUP STAGE: Folio creates custom digital guides for rental properties
By Mitra Sorrells | March 21, 2022
Folio offers a self-service tool so property managers and short-term rental hosts can create... Read More
wmnswork-accelerator-launch
News / Startups
Accelerator for women and non-binary tourism entrepreneurs launches
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2022
The program is structured as a 12-week experience with weekly instruction provided by industry leaders... Read More
futurestay-11m-series-a
News / Startups
Short-term rental tech platform Futurestay raises $11M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 17, 2022
Founded in 2015, Futurestay provides technology and strategies to help independent property managers... Read More
travelx-seed-funding
News / Startups
TravelX nabs $10M for blockchain driven distribution
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2022
The startup aims to create new ways of distribution using blockchain technology.... Read More
What an ambitious travel startup learned during a global pandemic
Opinion / Startups
What an ambitious travel startup learned during a global pandemic
By Noam Toister - Bookaway Group | March 16, 2022
Acquiring multiple businesses as a startup has been quite a ride over the past nine months. Here are... Read More
whyhotel-rebrands-to-placemakr
News / Startups
WhyHotel rebrands to Placemakr, lands $90M investment
By Linda Fox | March 15, 2022
The company is rebranding to reflect its different business divisions of pop-up hotel and mixed-use... Read More
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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
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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