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.

The Host Co. snags $1.85M to make Airbnbs shoppable
News / Startups
The Host Co. snags $1.85M to make Airbnbs shoppable
By Jill Menze | March 3, 2022
Founded in 2020, the Host Co. enables short-term rental hosts to sell items in their properties.... Read More
virdee-closes-seed-5m
News / Startups
Virdee closes seed financing with additional $5M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2022
Virdee provides digital check-in and virtual concierge solutions that integrate with door lock and... Read More
startup-stage-ardor-travels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Ardor Travels is travel and expense management for SMEs
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2022
 The platform is intended for small- to mid-size businesses and offers a unified system for... Read More
beam-funding
News / Startups
APAC micromobility startup Beam raises $93M for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | February 28, 2022
Founded in 2018, Beam currently operates in 35 cities across Australia, New Zealand, South Korea,... Read More
Vacation home co-ownership startup Ember raises $17.4M
News / Startups
Vacation home co-ownership startup Ember raises $17.4M
By Mitra Sorrells | February 24, 2022
Founded in June 2021, Ember buys or builds luxury vacation homes valued between $1.5 and $5 million... Read More
udrive-5m-funding
News / Startups
Pay-per-minute car rental startup Udrive raises $5M
By Mitra Sorrells | February 23, 2022
Founded in 2017, Udrive says it had strong growth in 2021, with two million trips to date, making it... Read More
hertz-invests-ufo-drive
News / Startups
Hertz invests in Ufodrive to build digital rental experience
By Linda Fox | February 16, 2022
The Series A investment was co-led by Certares, in partnership with Knighthead Capital Management.... Read More
Cogo acquires eScoot in mobility aggregator consolidation
News / Startups
Cogo acquires eScoot in mobility aggregator consolidation
By Linda Fox | February 14, 2022
Cogo and eScoot help users find and book electric scooters, bikes, cars and mopeds in cities across... Read More
startup-stage-lightly
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Lightly helps travel brands accommodate families
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2022
Created by a mother who experienced frustration when traveling with her baby, Lightly provides... Read More
Crypto-based travel rewards startup FlyCoin raises $33M
News / Startups
Crypto-based travel rewards startup FlyCoin raises $33M
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2022
FlyCoin provides companies in travel and hospitality with a blockchain-based loyalty solution that... Read More
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